A candid picture of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor with journalist Runjhun Sharma in Moscow is trending online. Posted on Sharma’s Instagram, the photo shows them at ease, gathering over 40,000 likes and prompting widespread social media chatter.
However, the context behind the photo is purely professional. The image was taken during Tharoor’s visit to Moscow for an interview with RT India. “After handing Britain a big, fat stack of colonial receipts. He’s back. This time in Moscow. It’s an #IndiaRussia special on RT,” Sharma captioned her post, directly linking it to their work.
Who is Runjhun Sharma?
Runjhun Sharma is a seasoned, award-winning Indian journalist who holds a significant position in international media. She is the Head of News for RT India and was previously RT’s prominent South Asia correspondent based in Moscow. She has received two UNFPA Laadli Awards for Gender Sensitivity and a Red Ink Award for Politics for her astute reporting and high-level access.She recently made history as the first TV journalist to be formally launched by a foreign head of state, President Vladimir Putin, during the inauguration of RT’s new bureau in New Delhi.
What was Shashi Tharoor doing in Moscow?
Tharoor was in the Russian capital for a professional collaboration with RT India. He participated in an interview and is featured in a 10-part documentary series titled Imperial Receipts. The series is based on his acclaimed books, including An Era of Darkness, which critically examine the history and consequences of British colonial rule in India. The viral photo was a promotional snapshot from this filming session.
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How have people reacted online?
Viewer reactions have largely split into two camps. A significant portion of social media users engaged in light-hearted, curious speculation about a potential personal connection between Tharoor and Sharma, charmed by their friendly demeanor in the photo. As the photo spread online, social media users quickly reacted. One person joked, “I’m 29 and Lord Tharoor has more rizz than me at 69.” Another teased, “Minister of Extramarital Affairs,” while many others admired Tharoor’s “aura” and lasting charm.
Despite the jokes and praise, neither Tharoor nor Sharma has responded to the online chatter. In the meantime, fact-checks and other critics have highlighted the professional context, pointing out that the exchange was for a documentary series. Many followers also admired Tharoor’s approachable and friendly aspect, in contrast to traditional stiff political imagery.
What is the truth behind the viral post?
The truth is kind of straightforward: the photographs are from a documented professional engagement. There is no reports on personal or marital relationship between Shashi Tharoor and Runjhun Sharma. Tharoor was previously married to Sunanda Pushkar, who passed away in 2014. He has not remarried, and a Delhi court discharged him from all related legal charges in 2021. The viral moment is a case of a work-related image taking on a life of its own in the age of social media speculation.
Who is Shashi Tharoor?
Shashi Tharoor is a distinguished Indian politician, author, and former international diplomat. A graduate of St. Stephen’s College and holder of a PhD from The Fletcher School, he had a nearly three-decade-long career at the United Nations, rising to the rank of Under-Secretary-General. In 2009, he became involved in Indian politics, serving as the Minister of State for External Affairs after winning the Congress party’s Lok Sabha seat from Thiruvananthapuram. He is still one of India’s most well-known political personalities and a prolific writer and social media pioneer.
FAQs
Q: What is the real story behind Shashi Tharoor’s viral photo with Runjhun Sharma?
A: The image was taken at a professional photo shoot in Moscow. Tharoor came there to record a British colonization documentary series and an interview for RT India. Journalist Runjhun Sharma used the photo to promote this piece.
Q: Are Shashi Tharoor and Runjhun Sharma in a relationship?
A: No. Rumors of a romantic or personal relationship are untrue. They had a very professional conversation about Tharoor’s interview for the documentary series on RT India.
Q: What was Shashi Tharoor’s role at the United Nations?
A: Before entering politics, Shashi Tharoor spent a considerable amount of time working for the UN, eventually rising to the position of Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information. In 2006, he was India’s choice for UN Secretary-General.
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