By TOI NEWS DESK

Copyright indiatimes

NEW DELHI: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, celebrities across the country shared their personal anecdotes regarding their experiences with the PM. This includes Union home minister Amit Shah, Viswanathan Anand, actor R Madhavan, cricketer Mohammed Siraj, business person Uday Kotak among others.Their experiences with Modi span both his tenure as prime minister and his earlier years as Gujarat chief minister, encompassing first meetings, shared lunches, and more.What politicians saidAmit Shah shared his experience of an expedition with PM Modi to Rajkot when he learnt that “one should prioritise the workers before oneself.””That episode from the Rajkot visit, when Modi ji imparted the sensitive lesson that in an organisation, one should prioritise the workers before oneself. That lesson of his has now become an integral part of my life. Trust, warmth, and dedication—these are the soul of an organisation and the greatest teaching of Modi ji,” he said.Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis went down the memory lane to share his experience of his first meeting with PM Modi. He expressed how PM Modi’s first impression on him was that of “a leader who valued simplicity over luxury and service over status.””When I first met @narendramodi ji in Nagpur, I did not know that the moment would leave such a lasting impression on me. I was a young Mayor then, eager to learn from the senior leaders of our party. It was during an Abhyaas Varg held in Reshimbagh. I was also serving as the president of Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha, Nagpur, and the responsibility of organizing the event was mine. We had made arrangements for every guest. Proper rest houses were kept ready for all dignitaries. When Modi ji arrived, he first paid his respects at Dr. Hedgewar’s memorial. Later, when I asked where he would like to stay, I thought he would choose the rest house like the other leaders. Instead, he simply said he wanted to stay in the small room inside Reshimbagh meant for Sangh karyakartas. I was struck by that choice. It showed me his humility and his strong connection with the Sangh tradition. Throughout the event, he observed every detail and ensured that all the participants were comfortable. That first meeting shaped my impression of him. I saw a leader who valued simplicity over luxury and service over status. That image of Narendra Modi ji has always remained with me,” he said.What sports personalities saidChess player Viswanathan Anand recalled how Modi took him for a Gujarati thali lunch after he expressed his fondness for the same.”I still recall the moment when, in the middle of a casual conversation, I happened to mention my fondness for Gujarati Thalis to Narendra Modi ji. When he heard this, he immediately smiled and said, ‘Oh, okay, then let’s go.’ Without any formality, he took me to the State Guest House, where we sat down and enjoyed a delicious Gujarati Thali together. He even added warmly, ‘I want to give you the best Thali you can remember.’ For me, it was a humbling and unforgettable gesture—a reminder that true leaders connect with you not just through grand visions, but through such small moments,” he said.”I have enjoyed both my meetings with him. It felt like we were talking to someone we already knew. It is fascinating how he remembers each person and knows about them..He is able to connect with everyone,” Chess grandmaster Praggnanandhaa said.”In 2023, after our World Cup loss, Modi ji came to the dressing room & lifted our spirits with his words. A year later, when we won the T20 WC, he called to congratulate us. He stood by us in defeat & in victory- true inspiration,” Mohammed Siraj said.What businesspersons saidKotak Mahindra founder Uday Kotak admired PM Modi for his observatory skills, especially on his foreign trips. “One incident stands out clearly. During a meeting in Ahmedabad, he told me about his visit to Japan, where he had noticed braille trail on the roads leading up to the railway station. He explained how a visually impaired person could walk independently and safely using those tiles. He was so impressed by the idea that upon returning to Gujarat, he implemented the same concept at Kankariya in Ahmedabad, where it remains visible today,” he said.Kumar Mangalam Birla reflected upon his conversations with PM Modi when the two explores “India’s journey of economic growth.”What actors saidR Madhavan recalled how, during preparations for Rocketry, PM Modi instantly recognized him in heavy makeup as Nambi Narayanan and even asked about the film, leaving him deeply moved by his attentiveness and personal warmth.”When I was preparing for my movie Rocketry, I got a personal experience of Modi ji’s extraordinary attentiveness. This was right after Uri had released and become a huge success. Modi ji was visiting Mumbai for an event at the, where a lot of people from the film fraternity had gathered. Everyone was eager to meet him and click pictures. I was there too — but not as myself. I was in full look of the great scientist Nambi Narayan ji, whom I was portraying as the lead role. With a big beard and full makeup, I genuinely doubted whether Modi ji would even recognize me. To my absolute surprise, the moment he saw me, he said, “Madhavan ji, you look like Nambi Narayan. Has the shooting of the film started?” I was stunned. Here was the Prime Minister of India, burdened with the responsibilities of the nation and the world, yet he not only recognized me instantly but also remembered exactly what I was working on, despite my drastically different appearance,” he said.Sharing his first meeting with PM Modi, Nagarjuna Akkineni said, “As Shri @narendramodi ji approaches his 75th birthday, I look back at my very first meeting with him in 2014 — a moment of inspiration, kindness & life lessons. Wishing him an early happy birthday with prayers for his good health & continued leadership.”