Hyderabad, Oct. 11 -- A celebrity endorsement makes an easy headline. But how much does it tell us about the lives of ordinary citizens? Actress Shriya Saran's latest remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi bring that question into focus after she openly expressed her family's admiration for him.

Speaking to IANS, Shriya said, "Meri poori family Modiji ki bhakt hai, literally." The actress also expressed pride in his work and wished him continued success. Her remarks came as Modi marked 25 years in leadership roles, spanning his tenure as Gujarat chief minister and Prime Minister.

The statement was an enthusiastic personal endorsement. However, admiration for a political leader does not answer questions about governance, nor does a f...