Actor, singer, and politician Manoj Tiwari has worn many hats over the years, but his journey in politics—spanning more than a decade—has been especially eventful. While his work and popularity are widely recognised, one particular moment from his election campaigns continues to live rent-free in the public’s memory. That now-iconic incident, where a visibly confused Manoj Tiwari was caught on camera asking his driver to turn the vehicle in the opposite direction during a road show, recently resurfaced in a hilarious discussion on The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix.
Appearing as a guest on the show, Manoj Tiwari was joined by fellow Bhojpuri superstars Pawan Singh and Dinesh Lal Yadav. The moment Tiwari took his seat, host Kapil Sharma wasted no time in bringing up the viral clip that has amused audiences for years. As the video played on screen, Kapil quipped, “Did you sit in the opposition’s car or what?”—drawing instant laughter from the audience.
Responding with good humour, Tiwari clarified the confusion behind the incident. “This is a political game,” he said, explaining that the episode took place on the final day of his election campaign. According to him, he had already completed the scheduled road show and wanted to wrap things up. However, the situation took a turn when his driver unknowingly drove in the opposite direction, extending the road show instead of ending it.
Tiwari went on to share that the moment was far more stressful than funny for him at the time. After finishing the road show, he had an urgent meeting planned with an opposition leader for an important discussion. Unfortunately, the driver’s poor sense of direction caused further delays, leaving Tiwari anxious and frustrated. “People were waiting for me,” he recalled. “I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to complete everything assigned to me that day. That’s why I was scolding my driver and asking him to turn the car around.”
While the explanation added context, the humour of the situation remained intact, especially as Tiwari narrated it with self-awareness and laughter. The candid storytelling reminded viewers why the clip became viral in the first place—it captured a rare, unfiltered moment of a public figure under pressure.
This episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show, however, was far from a standard celebrity interview. From the moment Bhojpuri icons Manoj Tiwari, Pawan Singh, and Dinesh Lal Yadav stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere in the studio changed noticeably. The audience responded with loud cheers, and the energy soared, reflecting the immense popularity of the trio.
The conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with sharp one-liners, playful banter, and cultural references that resonated strongly with the audience. Kapil Sharma allowed the guests ample space to share stories, while the trio responded with warmth and humour. Rather than sticking to rehearsed anecdotes, the discussion felt organic, driven by shared laughter and genuine camaraderie.
Beyond the jokes, the actors briefly reflected on their journeys in the entertainment industry. They spoke about their early struggles, the challenges of breaking into mainstream recognition, and how fame gradually transformed their lives. These moments added emotional depth to the episode, offering viewers a glimpse into the perseverance behind their success.
What made the Bhojpuri special stand out was its simplicity. There were no dramatic revelations or over-the-top segments. Instead, the episode relied on lived experiences, relatable stories, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Music, humour, and personal anecdotes blended seamlessly, creating an episode that felt both entertaining and grounded.
Manoj Tiwari, in particular, emerged as someone comfortable laughing at himself, embracing his past viral moments without defensiveness. His ability to reflect on a stressful political incident with humour highlighted his ease with public scrutiny and his understanding of how such moments connect with audiences.
Overall, the episode succeeded not because of spectacle, but because of authenticity. It celebrated Bhojpuri stars who have carved their own space in entertainment and public life, reminding viewers that sometimes, the most memorable moments are the unplanned ones—whether on a campaign road show or a comedy stage.
