In a heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, actor-comedian Vir Das shared a personal memory of joking about him on national television. Reflecting on his time in the entertainment industry, Das recounted how he used to humorously comment on Dr. Singh’s leadership during his tenure as Prime Minister. Despite the sometimes immature nature of the jokes, Das revealed that Dr. Singh’s office was fully aware of them and, notably, the former PM himself was “okay with it.”
Dr. Singh’s Humility and Grace in Handling Jokes
Das, who anchored a comedy prime-time show in his early career, expressed admiration for Dr. Singh’s ability to take jokes with grace. He recalled making jokes that weren’t particularly great by his standards, yet the powerful leader took them in stride. “He was the most powerful man in the country, and we were doing jokes about him five nights a week,” Das remembered. “Think about how far-fetched that seems today.”
A Great Leader’s Ability to Embrace Humour
Vir Das emphasised that a truly great leader is one who can take humour in stride. He noted that powerful politicians and jest have always coexisted, and Dr. Singh’s ability to laugh at himself only added to his stature. “Great leaders understand that it’s part of the job,” he wrote. “In that respect, he stood tall above any Indian leader in my lifespan.”
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Dr. Singh’s Legacy
Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92, is remembered as the architect of India’s economic reforms. Serving as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh’s leadership was marked by remarkable economic progress and international diplomacy. He was also awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1987, India’s second-highest civilian honor. Known for his humility, wisdom, and resilience, Dr. Singh’s death leaves a significant void in Indian politics.
In closing, Das expressed his gratitude for Dr. Singh’s leadership, saying, “Rest in peace, Sir.”
