As India celebrates Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, the occasion holds special significance not just for his supporters, but also for those whose lives have been touched by him. It’s a common occurrence that when a public figure achieves prominence, their look-alikes often experience a surge in popularity.
This is the remarkable story of Vikas Mahante, a businessman from Mumbai, whose life took an extraordinary turn due to his striking resemblance to PM Modi.
Vikas Mahante, a resident of Malad, Mumbai, led a simple life. His days were dedicated to managing his steel packaging business, with his routine ending with his return home in the evenings. However, a small change in his appearance one day completely altered his trajectory. He grew a beard, which significantly changed his look. Initially, he didn’t foresee that this new look would become his new identity.
When Vikas stepped out, people would often stop, smile at him, and request selfies, mistaking him for PM Modi. His face, beard, attire, and even the way he walked were remarkably similar to PM Modi, forcing him to clarify that he wasn’t the actual PM.
The most defining moment in Vikas Mahante’s life occurred during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. His popularity skyrocketed, prompting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to call upon him to campaign in Maharashtra and Amritsar. The public’s eagerness to see him was such that his rallies drew huge crowds. He would address the crowds as a PM Modi look-alike, captivating them. Furthermore, he made a lasting impact with his speaking style.
This unique identity of Vikas not only confined him to the realm of politics but also opened doors for him in Bollywood. He secured a small role in Farha Khan’s film ‘Happy New Year,’ where he played a PM Modi look-alike. He then worked in films like ‘Mission Mangal,’ but his most cherished project was the 2017 film ‘Modi Ka Gaon,’ where he embodied the Prime Minister himself. The film highlighted the Modi government’s policies and development initiatives, providing him with a major opportunity.
During a special interview with TV9 Hindi Digital during the promotion of his film 695, Vikas Mahante revealed that he first met PM Modi in Gujarat in 2014. At the time, Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Upon seeing Vikas, he couldn’t contain his laughter. He looked Vikas over from head to toe and then, with a smile, asked, “The Lok Sabha elections are coming up, have you made any plans for promotion?” This encounter became a cherished memory for Vikas. While he hasn’t been able to meet him again since he became PM, he still becomes emotional when he recalls that meeting. Today, Vikas Mahante is not just a businessman or a look-alike but also an artist and social worker. Beyond acting, he often participates in various events both domestically and internationally, appearing as a look-alike of PM Modi and sharing his positive message with the public.