PM Modi's Memorable Encounter with 'Fauda' Cast During Israel Visit
A Cultural Connection in Selfie Form
During his recent visit to Israel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi added a delightful pop-culture element by snapping a joyful selfie with the cast of the acclaimed Israeli series Fauda. On the second day of his trip, he engaged with the stars of this globally recognized spy thriller and subsequently shared the now-famous image on X. With his characteristic humor, he captioned the post, “Thankfully, this interaction required only a selfie, no undercover work!”—a clever nod to the show's espionage theme.
PM Modi Meets the Stars of Fauda
The series Fauda, available on Netflix worldwide, draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Israeli operatives and follows a group of elite undercover agents. It features prominent actors such as Lior Raz, Hisham Sulliman, and Itzik Cohen. Created by Lior Raz and Avi Issacharoff, this award-winning series is heavily influenced by their time in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In the viral photograph, PM Modi is seen beaming alongside Avi Issacharoff, Netta Garti, Lior Raz, and Tsahi Halevi, among others. The warmth of their interaction was evident, as Tsahi Halevi shared the image on his Instagram stories. Lior Raz expressed gratitude on the Prime Minister’s post, stating, “Thank you, Prime Minister, it was a huge honor for us,” while Netta Garti added, “Thank you, Prime Minister, for your kindness and inspiration.”
The Impact of Fauda in India
This meeting highlights the robust cultural ties between India and Israel, particularly through the medium of entertainment. Fauda has garnered a significant following in India, ranking among the top 20 countries for viewership. Its gripping narrative, intricate characters, and authentic depiction of counterterrorism have struck a chord with Indian viewers. The show's success in India also led to a Hindi adaptation titled Tanaav, which premiered in 2022 and has been well-received, with its second season set to air in 2024.
In 2022, Tsahi Halevi visited India and met with notable figures in the film industry, including Anupam Kher, Imtiaz Ali, and Vivek Agnihotri. Since its debut in 2015, Fauda has expanded its narrative across multiple seasons, exploring various locations such as Gaza, Brussels, Syria, and Lebanon. The fifth season, filmed in 2025, is expected to be released this year.