One-time Narendra Modi fan, comedian Shyam Rangeela to contest against PM from Varanasi

Once he wowed the crowds with his comic timing. Will he win elections too? That remains to be seen.

Comedian Shyam Rangeela is all set to contest elections against PM Narendra Modi. He will be contesting elections from Varanasi. “I will be contesting elections from Varanasi, because nowadays, no one can be trusted, who will withdraw his nomination at any time,” he wrote on X (formerly X).

In another X post, the comedian thanked his followers and well-wishers for their words of encouragement. “I am excited by the love I am receiving from all of you after announcing that I am contesting elections from Varanasi. I will soon share my thoughts with you all through a video about reaching Varanasi, filing nominations, and contesting the elections. Vande Mataram - Jai Hind..” read the post.

Who Is Shyam Rangeela?

Born Shyam Sunder, he adopted the name Rangeela (meaning colourful) early during his career. He shot to fame for his impersonating various personalities such as PM Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi, etc at the comedy competition show ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’ in 2017. His performance received a standing ovation from superstar Akshay Kumar, who was a guest at the show.

He joined the Aam Aadmi Party in 2022.

He hails from Rajasthan. His father Jawahar Lal is a farmer.

He stated that he had endorsed PM Modi and the BJP during the 2014 general elections. However, he expressed that the increasing "intolerance towards satire and mimicry of politicians" in the past decade prompted him to reconsider, ultimately motivating him to enter the realm of politics.