The multi-talented actor and host, Maniesh Paul's podcast has become immensely popular due to his ability to bring out the inner element in his guests. Known as the "Sultan of Stage" for his captivating interview style, Maniesh has a knack for drawing out genuine and candid conversations from celebrities like Govinda, Anu Malik, Farah Khan, Sushant Divgikar, and Prajakta Koli, to name a few. In a recent episode of his podcast, he sat down with a politician, none other than Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for the first time for a candid and insightful conversation.
One notable moment in the conversation was when Maniesh asked the CM about his childhood aspirations, wondering if he had ever dreamt of becoming a Chief Minister or if he was inspired by the Bollywood movie "Nayak," where a common man rises to the position of Chief Minister. The CM said that, “Film film hai, reality reality hai aur kuch bhi nahi (while films may inspire, reality is reality and nothing else). His journey stemmed from grassroots involvement, both socially and politically. He highlighted his dedication to hard work and focused determination, emphasizing that success comes through diligent effort and commitment to one's goals.
Maniesh further elaborated on why he posed such a question, drawing parallels between reel and real life. He likened the proactive approach of Anil Kapoor's character in "Nayak" to the CM's hands-on approach to governance. Maniesh commended the CM’s hands-on approach, such as personally investigating the water-logging sites in Mumbai, which led to significant improvements. The CM’s willingness to engage directly with the community resonated with Maniesh, emphasizing the importance of grassroots leadership in effecting positive change.
The conversation also touched upon pressing issues facing Mumbai, such as the state of its roads. While discussing, Maniesh asked the CM when the city will become pothole-free. Responding to the question, the CM said, "Pehle mai CM nahi tha. Tab BMC mai kaun kaam dekhta tha aapko pata hai. Ab jab main CM ban gaya tab main commissioner ko bulaya. Har baarish mai logo ko gaddha ka saamna karna padta hai, bahut face karna padta hai. Yeh 10-15 saal main, ye jo repair work har baarish main karte hai baarish se pehle, kitne kharch hue, bole Rs 3500 cr (I was not the CM earlier. Everyone know who looked after the work in BMC. After I became a CM, I called the commissioner and asked him, 'Every monsoon people have to face potholes. How much has been spent in the last 10-15 years for repair work on the roads before monsoon?' He said Rs 3500 cr".
Maniesh was shocked by the cost and pointed out that the roads were no better, despite the investment.To this, the CM added, "Yehi toh daal mai kaala tha, black main white main black, ye sab chaalu tha. Maine unka dhandha bandh kard diya. 700-800 kms ke road concrete ke ho jaayenge, toh inka har saal ka woh band. Logo ko jo milna hai suvidha unko milni chahiye, iske upar mai kaam kar raha hu.
The CM further went on to promise that, "Agle 2-2.5 years mai Mumbai complete pothole free hojayegi. 100 percent." He acknowledged the disruption caused by the roadworks across the city for infrastructure improvements and assured residents that these temporary inconveniences are necessary for the city's development and will lead to long-term benefits from the new projects.
Amidst the serious discussions, Maniesh humorously inquired about the "CM of the house," to which Shinde playfully responded that his wife held that title.
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