Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday is a day of celebration across India, not only for his supporters, but also for those whose lives have become intertwined with his. It’s a common phenomenon that individuals who resemble famous personalities also gain popularity.
This is the story of Vikas Mahante, a Mumbai businessman whose life was remarkably changed due to his striking resemblance to PM Modi.
Vikas Mahante, a resident of Malad, Mumbai, lived a simple life. His days consisted of managing his steel packaging business and returning home in the evening. However, one day, he made a small change to his appearance that dramatically changed his life. He grew a beard, altering his look. Initially, he had no idea that this change would create a new identity for him.
When Vikas went out in public, people would often stop, smile at him, and ask to take selfies, mistaking him for PM Modi. His face, his beard, his clothing, and even the way he walked were so similar to PM Modi that he often had to tell people that he was not the actual PM.
The most significant turning point in Vikas Mahante’s life occurred during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. His popularity had grown so much that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) invited him to campaign in Maharashtra and Amritsar. The public’s enthusiasm to see him was so great that his rallies drew huge crowds. He addressed the crowds as a look-alike of PM Modi, and won the hearts of the people. During these events, he also impressed people with his way of speaking.
This unique identity not only kept Vikas engaged in politics but also opened doors for him in Bollywood. He landed a small role in Farha Khan’s film ‘Happy New Year’, where he played a PM Modi look-alike. After this, he worked in films like ‘Mission Mangal,’ but his most special project was the 2017 film ‘Modi Ka Gaon,’ where he played the role of the Prime Minister. This film showcased the policies and development work of the Modi government, providing him with a big opportunity.
During a special conversation with TV9 Hindi Digital during the promotion of his film 695, Vikas Mahante shared that he first met PM Modi in Gujarat in 2014. At that time, Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Upon seeing Vikas, Modi could not contain his laughter. He looked Vikas over and then, smiling, asked, “The Lok Sabha elections are coming, have you planned any promotion?” This meeting became a memorable moment for Vikas. Even though he has not been able to meet him again since he became PM, he still gets emotional when he remembers that meeting. Today, Vikas Mahante is not just a businessman or a look-alike, but he is also recognized as an artist and a social worker. In addition to acting, he often participates in various events held in the country and abroad as a look-alike of PM Modi and spreads his positive message.