New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- It isn't every day that an Indian actor-politician's viral moment ends up being celebrated by two of Europe's biggest football clubs - but that is exactly the kind of internet crossover Ravi Kishan has managed to pull off.

Best known for his extensive body of work in Bhojpuri cinema and for winning over Bollywood audiences with performances in films like Mukkabaaz and Laapataa Ladies, the 57-year-old actor and Member of Parliament has recently found himself at the centre of a completely different kind of stardom - as one of the internet's favourite meme subjects. His quirky one-liners and unexpected antics have taken over Instagram feeds in recent weeks, and the trend has now travelled well beyond Indian borders.

In...