New Delhi: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 75 on Wednesday, leaders, celebrities, sportspersons and business icons across India shared their personal experiences and anecdotes, reflecting on his leadership, humility, and ability to connect with people.

Political leaders recall lessons in simplicity and service

Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared memories from an expedition to Rajkot, where Modi taught him the value of prioritising 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,” Shah said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recalled his first meeting with Modi during an Abhyaas Varg in Nagpur. “Instead of choosing the rest house prepared for dignitaries, Modi ji preferred to stay in a small room meant for Sangh karyakartas. That first meeting shaped my impression of him as a leader who valued simplicity over luxury and service over status,” he said.

Sports icons recall warm gestures

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand remembered how Modi spontaneously took him for a Gujarati thali after hearing about his fondness for it. “It was humbling and unforgettable—a reminder that true leaders connect through small moments,” Anand said.

Young grandmaster Praggnanandhaa admired Modi’s personal touch, saying, “It felt like we were talking to someone we already knew. He is able to connect with everyone.”

Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj recalled how Modi lifted the team’s spirits after their World Cup loss in 2023, and later congratulated them personally on winning the T20 World Cup in 2024. “He stood by us in defeat and in victory—true inspiration,” Siraj said.

Business leaders highlight his observatory skills

Kotak Mahindra founder Uday Kotak praised Modi’s eye for detail, recalling how he noticed braille trails in Japan and later implemented them in Ahmedabad. “It showed his ability to observe, absorb and apply globally relevant ideas locally,” Kotak said.

Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla reflected on conversations with Modi about India’s economic growth trajectory, calling them “insightful and forward-looking.”

Actors on attentiveness and inspiration

Actor R Madhavan narrated how Modi instantly recognised him in full prosthetic makeup as scientist Nambi Narayanan during preparations for Rocketry. “Despite my drastically different appearance, he not only recognised me but also remembered exactly what I was working on. I was stunned by his attentiveness,” Madhavan said.

Telugu actor Nagarjuna Akkineni shared his memories from 2014, describing Modi as a source of “inspiration, kindness, and life lessons,” while extending wishes for his good health and continued leadership.

Celebrations with a personal touch

Amid wishes from political circles, sports, cinema, and industry, Italian chef Valentino Rahim also marked the occasion uniquely by preparing a tricolour pizza as a birthday tribute.

As tributes poured in from across the country, a common thread in the anecdotes was Modi’s humility, simplicity, and ability to connect with individuals across walks of life—a trait many said defined his leadership over decades.