Tusshar Kapoor: India's political awareness surged after 2014 Modi era
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bollywood actor Tusshar Kapoor, who recently marked 25 years in the entertainment industry, has said that India — particularly its youth — has grown far more politically engaged since Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014. Speaking in an interaction, the actor said the shift has been so pronounced that even his own mother, who once had no interest in politics, now follows it closely.
What Tusshar Said
Responding to a question about the surge in polarised political discourse on social media, Kapoor framed it as a net positive for democratic participation. 'I think the youth, my generation, we never followed politics before, but now, I have understood so much. I know exactly which state has which political party, what is the scenario where, and I am an avid watcher of all these political debates,' he said.
He went further, attributing the nationwide uptick in civic awareness to the post-2014 political climate. 'The country is more aware, and the voting percentage has gone to a record level, because people are coming out to vote. We live in an India that has woken up. I think it is all happening after 2014. Like it or not, after Modi Ji's coming, I think people understand politics, my mother follows politics, she never knew the P of politics earlier,' Kapoor added.
Family as a Barometer
The actor noted that his personal experience mirrors a broader social trend — members of his own family, inspired by his engagement, have begun tracking political developments. For Kapoor, this represents a generational shift in how Indians relate to governance and electoral processes.
On Democracy and Informed Voting
Kapoor also stressed that political awareness must translate into thoughtful participation rather than blind allegiance. 'It is important for our country to choose our leaders. For democracy, I think it is very important for the electorate to be involved in the selection process and to be aware, to not just vote blindly,' he said, rounding off his remarks with a call for informed civic engagement.
The Bigger Picture
Kapoor's comments come amid ongoing national conversations about political polarisation on digital platforms. While he acknowledged that online debate often skews toward extreme positions on either side, he maintained that heightened awareness — even if contentious — is preferable to apathy. India's voter turnout has indeed trended upward in recent general elections, a fact that analysts across the political spectrum have noted, though the causes remain debated.