Exploring the Unseen Facets of Public Figures in Candid Moments

Recently, after a tiring day of work, I found solace in unwinding by watching YouTube videos while casually browsing. One particular video caught my attention, featuring Rahul Gandhi traveling by train in Chhattisgarh and engaging with fellow passengers. This piqued my interest, leading me to explore more videos involving him. Aside from the video bytes showcasing his "Bharat Jodo Yatra," I stumbled upon a food show called "Khane Mein Kya Hain," hosted by Kunal Vijayakar, which had Rahul Gandhi as a guest. In this show, they ventured to restaurants frequented by common citizens like us, and I couldn't help but note down these places for my next visit to Delhi.

This article isn't primarily about Rahul Gandhi. Instead, what prompted me to pen this piece after a considerable hiatus is the insight I gained from these videos of Rahul Gandhi. They shed light on how an individual behaves when they are not immersed in their usual professional duties. Rahul Gandhi, as a politician, seldom misses an opportunity to criticize the government and present his party's vision for change. However, in these videos, he sheds the politician's mantle, allowing us to glimpse his more ordinary, relatable side. While traveling by train, the passengers did accord him the respect due to a Congress leader, but he engaged with them as a regular co-passenger, inquiring about their livelihoods and travel plans. Although traces of political discourse did surface on occasion, he consciously attempted to keep it at bay.

It's apparent that a food show is designed to attract high TRP ratings, which ultimately translate into revenue. It's a realm where common citizens like us play a minimal role. However, Rahul Gandhi's interaction with the host closely mirrors how a guest behaves when we invite them. For instance, when the food is served, he willingly serves Kunal Vijayakar first before starting his meal. His expressions of appreciation for the prepared dishes and his vocalization of his preferences strike a relatable chord. A spontaneous decision to enjoy sweets in Chandni Chowk (even if it might have been scripted) demonstrated how both Rahul Gandhi and Kunal Vijayakar navigated through the bustling crowds. Their genuine fears and uncertainties at times mirrored our own thought processes. Their casual conversations and shared enjoyment of sweet treats showed how they could be just like us in a social setting.

Whether it's a politician, actor, industrialist, athlete, or any celebrity, when they step out of their professional roles, they exhibit normal human behavior like the rest of us. In an office setting, while we may share light moments, our approach differs when it's time to work. After office hours, at a weekend gathering, our interactions take on a different tone. Even when we take a client out for dinner, initial formalities gradually give way to a more relaxed and personal atmosphere, unless a specific agenda necessitates otherwise.

In the age of social media, anyone, including common citizens, can be easily found through search engines. Consequently, we often strive to curate impressive posts that will register with our connections and gauge their reactions. Even though celebrities may seem to behave like us, this sometimes raises doubts. Do they manage to orchestrate an entire show according to a script, or do they remain genuine when they step out of their professional roles? The answer to that question, in my view, hinges on the biases we hold toward them.