Narendra Modi turns 74: A throwback to when Akshay Kumar explored the mango-loving, 3-hour-sleeping world of PM Modi
In 2019, as the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections concluded with a strong expectation of Narendra Modi's re-election, something unexpected happened. On one morning of April 2019, Modi engaged in a rare and lighthearted conversation with Akshay Kumar that took the internet by surprise. This candid exchange not only broke from the usual political discourse but also sparked widespread interest and excitement online.
Today, as Modi celebrates his 74th birthday, let's revisit Kumar's efforts to uncover what Modi is like "as a person, as a human being."
Check out the interview here:
Did Modi ever think he would one day be the Prime Minister of India?
When Akshay Kumar asked if Modi had ever pictured himself as Prime Minister, the response was unexpected.?
Modi confessed that, coming from a non-political background, he had never imagined a career in politics. Instead, he had once contemplated becoming a 'sanyasi' or joining the army.?
The Prime Minister admitted that such a high office had never crossed his mind.
"With my background, if I had landed a good job, my mother would have been thrilled and shared sweets with everyone. More than that, I had never thought.. Had never seen much outside the village. This was just.. The journey simply began, and the country took me along," Modi shared candidly.
Mango love
In the interview, PM Modi expressed his fondness for mangoes. In other interviews too, he has mentioned that he loves mangoes, particularly during the summer season, and even playfully referred to his preference for mangoes over other fruits.? ?
Anger management
A standout moment occurred when Kumar inquired about Modi's approach to anger. Modi responded by acknowledging that while anger is a natural emotion, he has rarely had the opportunity to show it. He clarified that he prioritises discipline over harshness, emphasising that his approach is more about maintaining order than expressing anger.
Personal life
Modi also spoke about his personal life, noting that his early departure from family life meant he didn't have a strong yearning for familial ties.?
He highlighted his intense work ethic and recognised how his strict demeanor might be perceived, yet he still maintained a sense of humour in his daily routine.
Sleeping for 3 hours a night
In a lighter moment, Modi shared that former U.S. President Barack Obama once asked him how he managed to function on just three hours of sleep a night. Modi explained that his body had simply adjusted to his demanding schedule.
"I feel fully refreshed with 4 hours of sleep," said Modi. "It's not some restless sleep in which I am thrashing around."? ?
While some, like Times Now, labeled the interview as "apolitical," others viewed it as a strategic move by Modi, skillfully blending personal stories with broader public appeal.
Even if it was a strategic move, the interview was effective in achieving its goal. It did reach out to the general public by presenting Modi in a more accessible and relatable manner, thanks to Akshay Kumar's broad appeal and popularity.
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
