Actor to politician, Pisharody masters both roles in Palakkad

Palakkad: A teenage girl and her mother suddenly rushed out from the sit-out of their house on the Murikkavu road, hurrying toward an approaching campaign vehicle of UDF, their excitement hard to contain. As the vehicle slowed, the candidate Ramesh Pisharody leaned forward, smiling warmly and extending his hands to greet them. For the two, it was a moment of delight—sparked as much by his celebrity appeal as by his presence as a candidate.

Such scenes are becoming a familiar sight across the Palakkad constituency. As Pisharody’s open vehicle moves through crowded bylanes, it is often met with eager crowds. Along narrow lanes, small roads, and busy streets alike, people gather in large numbers wherever he goes. Women, elderly residents, and children line the roadsides, waiting patiently for a glimpse, a wave, or a handshake. In many places, compound walls are dotted with children perched on top, while women stand holding young ones, all hoping to catch his attention.

Smiling and waving throughout, Pisharody acknowledges the crowds with ease. Yet, he remains mindful of the surroundings. He often urges party workers not to linger too long at any stop. “Please, let’s move… there’s traffic building up. Many women and children are waiting,” he can be heard reminding those accompanying him, as the campaign moves steadily forward.

What makes his campaign stand out, however, is the imprint of his background as a performer. The spontaneity, humour, and ease of a stand-up comedian blend seamlessly into his political outreach, turning routine campaign stops into lively, almost stage-like interactions.

On one such day, his campaign vehicle reached Yakkara Chungam nearly an hour-and-a half behind schedule. Though the reception near the local office of the Congress party had been planned for 10.30 am, it was close to noon by the time he arrived. Standing in the vehicle, Pisharody appeared visibly concerned, especially noticing party workers and supporters trailing behind in the scorching sun.

When the vehicle halted at a junction, a group of around 50 Congress workers urged him to step down. He agreed, but only on the condition that it would be brief. What followed was a familiar scene—supporters crowding around him, most of them eager to take selfies. Though he gently requested them to let him move on, the crowd pressed in.

In the middle of it all, Pisharody warmly embraced a supporter, Kareem Ikka, drawing cheers. Another insisted on a selfie. Pisharody obliged, but when the supporter asked for another photo as the first one did not meet his expectations, his trademark humour came through. “Iniyum selfieyo… ponnu chetta… njan evideyum povillaallo… ivide undaavum ini…” (Another selfie? Dear brother, I’m not going anywhere—I’ll be right here), he said, drawing laughter from those around.

Soon, he was gently pulled toward a nearby Congress party office, where more people were waiting. Even in the growing crowd, he tried to keep things under control. “Come on, everybody… stand around me. We’ll take one photo together. Please let me go after that,” he said, turning the chaotic moment into a coordinated group interaction before moving on.

Throughout the journey, his presence draws reactions far beyond party lines. Vehicles slow down mid-road, bus passengers lean out of windows, and drivers of private vehicles pause briefly—just to catch a glimpse or greet him. The recognition seems to energize him, his face lighting up as people respond.

When his vehicle rolled to a stop at Chandranamkurisi, the scene was almost festival-like. Many people had gathered along the roadside, eagerly holding out steaming payasam, their faces lit with excitement. Pisharody, smiling and leaning slightly from the vehicle, accepted a small portion quickly, nodding and thanking them, before waving to the crowd and moving on to the next stop.

His day typically begins early, around 8.30 am, with a tightly planned schedule. But keeping time is a constant challenge. “His celebrity image makes it difficult to stick to schedule. People come forward not just as party workers, but as admirers—they want to talk, take photos, and even garland him,” said Jamsheer, a local IUML leader in Chandranamkurisi, who is part of his campaign team.

Even during media interactions, Pisharody remains conscious of the waiting crowds. “I prefer to speak to the media during breaks or after the roadshow. That way, I don’t miss acknowledging people who are waiting,” Pisharody said.

Shameer, Congress leader of the South Mandalam committee, who is coordinating Pisharody’s daily roadshows, said the public response clearly shows the candidate’s popularity. “Even women and children from the households of CPM and BJP leaders are cheering for Pisharody. We are confident of winning support from across party lines as well,” he said.

In the thick of a high-voltage campaign, Pisharody has also managed to strike a careful balance between the enthusiasm of supporters and the pressures that come with electoral politics.

When, on one side, Pisharody deals with people who approach him with excitement as fans, he also has to handle tough situations like any politician during a campaign—but it appears he manages both with notable flexibility and composure, like an experienced hand despite being a first-time candidate.

When asked about sexual harassment allegations raised against a local Congress leader in Palakkad, Pisharody responded without hesitation, stating clearly that the accused must be punished and justice must be ensured for the survivor.

In the incident at Vadakkanthara, where he was blocked by a group of BJP workers led by a local councillor, his reaction reflected restraint rather than provocation. He remained calm, observed the situation, and attempted to pacify those present instead of escalating tensions. Later, explaining the episode to the media, he said he had been invited by a local woman to visit her house but had initially declined, citing concerns that it could lead to complaints from others whose homes he could not visit. He added that he was then compelled to visit a temple at Kuruppanthara, during which he was blocked. He urged his own party workers not to launch a strong protest in town that could escalate tensions.

His conduct throughout the campaign not only highlights his maturity as a performer accustomed to public life but also signals the emergence of a composed and pragmatic political figure in the making. Beyond his popularity, he is demonstrating the maturity required to navigate the complexities of electoral politics.

Blending humour with humility, and performance with politics, Pisharody’s campaign is less of a conventional political exercise and more of a moving, interactive public show—one where the candidate remains as accessible as he is recognisable.