Conversation with Dilip Cherian, veteran communications strategist

In the latest episode of ‘India, Russia and the World’, Runjhun Sharma, head of news at RT India, sits down with Dilip Cherian, veteran communications strategist widely regarded as the ‘Image Guru’. Cherian traces how image management went from a rejected concept that both corporates and politicians dismissed, to today’s most decisive political currency. He breaks down the calculated symbolism behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘56 inch ka seena’ (56-inch chest) branding and describes him as someone with the instinct of an expert, always knowing what works and what to say, calling him a ‘PR person’s wet dream.’ Cherian also gives an insider read on how Russian President Putin’s photographs with horses symbolize power, while those with his dogs show a warmer side, drawing a parallel to Modi’s own ear-pulling gesture with children. He also reveals who the most popular leaders on the world stage are right now, and who Indian media’s undisputed number one is.