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Indian leaders as content creators
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From PM Modi to Sadhguru: How Indian Leaders Are Building Influence with Content

What do Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sadhguru, and Nikhil Kamath have in common? They’re not just leaders in their respective fields—they’re also some of the most consistent and strategic content creators in India.

Leadership in 2025 isn’t confined to press conferences and news debates. It’s playing out on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram, and even WhatsApp. From livestreaming nationwide campaigns to sharing candid advice on social media , today’s most trusted figures are building influence one post at a time.

This blog takes you through how Indian leaders—from politics to business to spirituality—are leveraging content as a tool to lead, shape narratives, and connect with audiences at scale. And if you’re a brand or creator? There’s a lot to learn here.

Why Leaders Are Creating Content—And Why Does It Work?

In an age where attention is currency, leaders are realising they can no longer rely solely on press coverage or official speeches to shape perception. Whether in politics, business, or spirituality, content offers a direct line to the public. It allows leaders to build personal brands, tell stories in real-time, and stay relevant in a fast-moving digital landscape. And when done right, it builds something even more valuable than visibility: trust.

Having said that, let’s look at how some of India’s and the world’s most prominent leaders are using content—not just to communicate, but to lead.

1. Narendra Modi: Owning the Narrative, One Post at a Time

Source: PM Modi’s X

Prime Minister Narendra Modi isn’t just one of the most powerful political leaders—he’s also India’s most influential content creator in the public sphere. According to Comscore and Exchange4Media, he topped social media engagement charts for Q1 2024, with over 240 million engagements across platforms.

So what’s working for him?

  • Consistency across platforms: PM Modi actively uses X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn—reaching different demographics with platform-native content.
  • Hyper-contextual content: From posting festival wishes to responding to current events, his content is timely and tailored to the Indian emotional pulse.
  • Multilingual engagement: His content isn’t limited to English or Hindi—many posts include regional language variations, expanding reach to Bharat audiences.
  • Livestreams and short videos: His speeches, campaigns, and even personal moments (like his yoga videos) are frequently repurposed into bite-sized, highly shareable clips.
  • Narrative control: Rather than relying on media interpretation, PM Modi often sets the agenda himself—using direct communication to share achievements, policies, or responses.

This blend of strategy and storytelling has turned him into a one-man media house. And the takeaway for influencers and brands? Don’t just post—publish with purpose, voice, and rhythm.

2. Shashi Tharoor: India’s OG Content Diplomat

Source: Shashi Tharoor’s X

Shashi Tharoor doesn’t just comment on politics—he turns it into content that educates, provokes thought, and sparks conversation. From sharp one-liners on X to well-articulated Instagram posts, he’s mastered the art of making governance and global affairs feel relevant and relatable.

Whether he’s breaking down parliamentary bills or sharing a moment from India’s cultural past, his content invites engagement without ever chasing virality.

What to learn: If you’ve got depth, don’t dilute it. Package your expertise in a way that feels conversational—and your audience will follow, not scroll past.

3. Nikhil Kamath – Building Influence Through Conversations

Source: Nikhil Kamath’s Instagram

Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and True Beacon, is not just an entrepreneur—he’s become one of India’s most influential content-first business voices. Through his podcast WTF is with Nikhil Kamath on his YouTube Channel – Nikhil Kamath, he hosts unfiltered conversations with India’s most recognisable faces—from Bollywood stars to business leaders—turning every episode into a masterclass in relevance.

What’s working:

  • Long-form content repurposed as bite-sized reels
  • Cross-pollination of influence (film, policy, finance, art)
  • Authentic tone and curiosity-driven questioning

Lesson for influencers: You don’t need a viral reel—you need a conversation worth tuning into. Consistency + curiosity = content longevity.

4. Sadhguru – Blending Spirituality with Virality

Source: Sadhguru’s Instagram

The founder of Isha Foundation, Sadhguru has mastered the art of turning ancient wisdom into thumb-stopping content. His reels, one-liners, and a sneak peek into his everyday life trend regularly across Instagram, YouTube, and X.

  • Audience: Millennials to boomers, both India and abroad
  • Formats: Shorts, memes, live sessions, quotes
  • Why it sticks: He simplifies deep concepts with humour, relatability, and a modern spin

Lesson for influencers: Know your voice—and deliver it in the formats your audience consumes most.

5. Nandan Nilekani – The Tech Statesman Shaping India’s Digital Future

Source: Nandan Nilekani’s X 

Co-founder of Infosys and the brain behind Aadhaar and India Stack, Nandan Nilekani has become one of the most respected thought leaders in India’s tech and policy space. But he’s not just shaping change behind the scenes—he’s also building narratives in public.

How he uses content to lead:

  • Shares insights on digital infrastructure, UPI, AI governance, and startup innovation
  • Uses X and LinkedIn to spark policy dialogue, share research-backed views, and highlight scalable solutions
  • Champions digital public goods and inclusive tech with consistent, simplified messaging

Lesson for influencers: You don’t need flashy edits to build influence—just consistency, clarity, and a mission bigger than metrics.

What Can Brands and Influencers Learn from These Leaders?

While they come from vastly different worlds, these leaders have a few things in common when it comes to content:

1. Consistency Beats Virality

Whether it’s Modi’s Mann Ki Baat, Sadhguru’s daily reels, or Nikhil Kamath’s Podcast, consistency is what keeps their audience coming back—not trending hashtags.

2. Platform-First Thinking

Each leader adapts their message to suit the platform. LinkedIn gets the thought leadership, Instagram gets snackable reels, and X hosts hot takes and live reactions. Their content isn’t repurposed—it’s reimagined.

3. Narrative Over Promotion

None of them are “selling” something in the traditional sense. They’re shaping stories, building trust, and starting conversations. And that’s what actually drives engagement.

4. Audience Intimacy Wins

Even with millions of followers, their tone feels personal. Whether it’s a behind-the-scenes photo or a direct call to action, they speak with their audience, not at them.

Also Read: Cannes 2025: Indian Influencers Take Center Stage on the Global Red Carpet

Final Thoughts

Today’s leaders aren’t just being followed—they’re being subscribed to. Whether it’s a Prime Minister addressing citizens on YouTube or a business leader sharing Monday motivation on LinkedIn, content is no longer a PR tool—it’s a leadership tool.

As attention becomes harder to earn, those who shape narratives consistently and authentically are the ones who stay relevant.

At Vavo Digital, we specialize in connecting forward-thinking brands with influential voices who can shift perception, spark engagement, and build lasting brand recall.

Ready to amplify your brand story?  Let’s connect

FAQs: Global Leaders as Content Creators

1. Why are leaders turning to content creation?
Leaders across sectors are using content to build direct connections with audiences, shape public perception, and stay relevant in a digital-first world.

2. How does content help leaders influence narratives?
Through consistent, strategic storytelling—via videos, posts, or interviews—leaders can control messaging, humanise their voice, and reach audiences without media intermediaries.

3. Are Indian leaders using platforms like LinkedIn and YouTube effectively?
Yes. Figures like PM Narendra Modi, Anand Mahindra, and Sadhguru are regularly posting on social media platforms, often outperforming traditional influencers in engagement.

4. Can business leaders benefit from adopting a content creator mindset?
Absolutely. Content builds visibility, trust, and thought leadership—making it a powerful tool for CEOs, founders, and senior executives.

5. What can brands learn from global and Indian leaders as content influencers?
The key takeaway is authenticity. Sharing real insights, staying consistent, and using storytelling to drive engagement can help brands build deeper connections—just like today’s most influential leaders.

6. How can Vavo Digital help leaders or brands build their content strategy?
 Vavo Digital helps leaders and brands craft authentic content strategies that build trust, drive engagement, and grow influence across platforms.

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