Kash Patel, an American of Indian descent, has been confirmed by the United States Senate to be the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). On this confirmation news, congratulatory messages filled up social media with one of those messages coming from Dan Scavino, one of the former President Donald Trump's close associates.
Scavino, an assistant to Trump and the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, went on X (formerly Twitter) to welcome Patel's appointment. He used an edited Bollywood meme, taken from the movie Bajirao Mastani, to express his congratulations.
The Significance of the Bollywood Meme
Colloquially referred to as the "Malhari dance" or "Bollywood entrance meme," the viral video shows actor Ranveer Singh playing Bajirao dancing with flamboyant vigor and suit-clad soldiers in Bajirao Mastani (2015).
The meme was popularized by a version that emerged online with Donald Trump's face transplanted onto Singh's. And now, in the most recent version, Kash Patel's face has been transplanted onto the character.
Social media followers responded positively to the post. One of them wrote, "Deep. This is perfect… a warrior song for a brave heart." Another wrote, "Am I the only one who finds it funny whenever Americans—or the Western world in general—use this meme? Do they even understand the Bollywood movie it originated from and the context?"
A third person was enthusiastic, stating, "I love this meme! I've had a hard time locating a quality version of it. Thanks for posting—saving for later!" Another person commented, "It's too bad that non-Hindi speakers won't appreciate how perfect the lyrics to this song are for this event!"
Kash Patel's Statement as FBI Director
Upon being confirmed, Patel posted a tweet on X which read, "I am deeply humbled to have been confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Grateful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their constant confidence and belief." He emphasized further his vision as a leader by including in the message, "Let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI."
Public Interest in Kash Patel's Appointment
According to Google Trends, searches for "Kash Patel" rose remarkably high on Friday after the confirmation by the Senate. The biggest search interest originated from Nagaland, followed by Karnataka, Delhi, Telangana, and Goa. Other related trending search questions included inquires regarding Susan Collins, MS Dhoni, Patel's roots, Gautam Adani, and even facts regarding his private life, including his girlfriend.
Read also| US NSA Mike Waltz: Trump Growing 'Very Frustrated' with Zelensky
Read also| Kash Patel Makes History as First FBI Director of Indian Descent
