As Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates his 74th birthday today, he remains as duty-bound as ever, exemplifying a lifetime of service to the nation. In keeping with his tradition of dedicating his birthdays to public welfare, Modi will inaugurate 26 lakh houses in Bhubaneswar’s Gadakana under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, providing homes for many. Following this, he is set to interact with the beneficiaries at the Gadakana slum before heading to Janata Maidan to launch the Subhadra Yojana. His commitment to uplifting the underprivileged has always been a hallmark of his leadership, and today is no exception.
While the Prime Minister’s birthday is a time for reflection on his contributions to the nation, it also brings to mind a moment that seamlessly blended the world of politics and entertainment. Back in 2019, Modi gathered some of Bollywood’s brightest stars, producing an image that many likened to India’s version of Ellen DeGeneres’ iconic Oscars selfie. The Bollywood stars, led by Ranveer Singh, who clicked the selfie, were seen beaming behind Modi. Among them were Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, and several other prominent actors and filmmakers. The moment, brimming with star power, symbolized the intersection of cinema and politics, creating a lasting impression on both industries.
Beyond the selfie, other notable moments from the night included Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan sharing a frame with the Prime Minister. SRK even mentioned discussing the possibility of a “university of cinema” with Modi. The highlight, however, was Ranveer Singh’s exuberant hug with the Prime Minister, which he fondly referred to as a “jadoo ki jhappi.” That night, Modi not only strengthened ties with Bollywood but also showed the human side of a leader who continues to inspire across different walks of life.