Meet Anil Bhai Thakkar, a Pani Puri seller from Gujarat, who has captured attention for his striking resemblance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As the Lok Sabha elections commenced this month, Thakkar’s popularity surged.
Locals refer to Thakkar, owner of Tulsi Pani Puri Centre in Anand, Gujarat, as PM Modi due to his similar side profile and appearance. His hairstyle and white beard further enhance the resemblance.
Originally from Junagadh, Thakkar has been operating the stall since he was 18, a business started by his grandfather. Now 71, Thakkar enjoys the affection he receives from customers who often request selfies. “I get a lot of love and respect from both the locals and the tourists because of my resemblance with PM Modi,” he said.
Inspired by the Prime Minister’s values, particularly his emphasis on cleanliness, Thakkar maintains his stall with exceptional care.
Thakkar is not the only Modi lookalike drawing public interest. Vikas Mahante, from Mumbai’s Malad, also shares a similar appearance with the Prime Minister. Earlier this year, a video of Mahante playing garbha circulated online, initially causing confusion over its authenticity and leading some to suspect it was a deepfake of Modi. Mahante later confirmed in the video that it was indeed him.
Mahante, a crowd-puller, expressed his admiration for Modi and his political style.
