Indian PM Narendra Modi's look-alike sells Pani Puri in Gujarat

The doppelganger of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who operates a Pani Puri stall in Gujarat, has gained widespread attention as voting for the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections commenced earlier this month.

Anil Bhai Thakkar, proprietor of the Tulsi Pani Puri center in Anand, Gujarat, is affectionately called "PM Modi" by locals due to his striking resemblance to the Prime Minister, particularly evident in his side profile, hairstyle, and white beard.

Originally hailing from Junagadh, Thakkar has been serving snacks at the Tulsi Pani Puri Centre since the age of 18, a business initiated by his grandfather. Now 71, he frequently finds customers eager to snap selfies with him, drawn by his likeness to PM Modi. "I receive abundant love and respect from both residents and tourists because of my resemblance to PM Modi," Thakkar shared.

Thakkar holds deep admiration for the Prime Minister's principles, mirroring Modi's focus on cleanliness by maintaining his stall in impeccable condition. Interestingly, Thakkar is not the sole doppelganger of PM Modi; Vikas Mahante, hailing from Malad, Mumbai, also bears a remarkable resemblance to the Prime Minister.

Earlier this year, a video featuring Mahante participating in garbha dance was mistakenly identified as a deepfake of PM Modi.