Comedian Radha satirized in the style of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Amid the buzz on social media over the new tax slabs of the revised Goods and Services Tax (GST), an Instagram influencer shared a satirical video imitating Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. This video is becoming increasingly viral on social media and millions of people have seen it.

Reason for GST and viral video on popcorn

Recently GST Council announced new tax slabs:

• 5% on non-branded popcorn mixed with salt and spices.
• 12% on pre-packed and branded popcorn.
• Caramel popcorn (sugar confectionery) at 18%.

Following the announcement, Mumbai-based comedian Radha, known as “Radha – The Funny Foodie” on Instagram, made a funny video on the GST system.

Radha’s satire: GST on organ donation

Wearing Sitharaman’s saree and imitating her style, Radha said:

“The GST Council has decided to bring organ donation under the ambit of GST. Now, surgery for organ donation or organ procurement will attract 18% GST.”

He jokingly talked about imposing GST on “kidney failure” and “life extension”.

“If you are suffering from kidney failure and somehow you get a kidney, your life is extended. This extension of life will come under GST.”

Other satire: GST on cornea and blood donation

Radha also took a dig at cornea and blood donation:

• Cornea donation: “Gift of sight will ‘always’ be covered under GST.”
• Blood donation: “Food, water, and oxygen are used to make blood. It is a manufactured item. The central government will charge only 12% GST on donated blood.”

He sarcastically said that the GST Council may consider taxing other bodily fluids.

Reactions on social media

Netizens reacted fiercely to this video.

• One user said,
  

  “The acting and the diction are so perfect that I thought it was a real announcement.”

• Another wrote,
  

  “Please do not make such videos, the government may get new tax ideas.”

• Another comment said,
  

  “Nirmala Sitharaman: One child 5%, two children 12%, three children 28% + cess.”

Appreciation of Radha’s sarcastic style

This video by comedian Radha is not only entertaining but also a take on India’s complex tax system. His acting and pronunciation are being praised everywhere. Many people even mistook it for a real announcement.