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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 74th birthday is marked by a day of public service and celebration, following a tradition he has established in recent years. He will be inaugurating 26 lakh houses in Odisha's Gadakana under the PM Awas Yojana, a housing scheme for the underprivileged. This will be followed by a visit to a Gadakana slum to interact with beneficiaries. The day concludes with the launch of the Subhadra Yojana at the Janata Maidan. While these events highlight the PM's commitment to social development, they also offer a timely opportunity to revisit a memorable moment from 2019, when PM Modi gathered a plethora of Bollywood stars for a now-iconic selfie.
This Bollywood-centric gathering was reminiscent of the Oscars selfie taken by Ellen DeGeneres, capturing a diverse range of prominent figures in the entertainment industry. The selfie in question, taken by actor Ranveer Singh, features PM Modi at the center, flanked by stars such as Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Rohit Shetty, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Bhumi Pednekar, Ayushmann Khurrana, Rajkummar Rao, and producer Karan Johar. While Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan were not included in the group selfie, they had a separate picture with the PM from the same event, reflecting the shared camaraderie between Bollywood and the political sphere.
One picture that truly stands out from the event is Ranveer Singh's affectionate hug with PM Modi. While other celebrities, like Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, and Rohit Shetty, maintained a formal distance in their individual photos with the PM, Ranveer's uninhibited embrace, which he described as 'jadoo ki jhappi' (magical hug), is a testament to their unique connection. This contrast in interaction styles underscores the diverse dynamics that played out at the event, showcasing the varied approaches of Bollywood celebrities towards the political landscape.
The gathering of Bollywood stars with PM Modi, with its iconic selfie and personal interactions, highlights the intersection of entertainment and politics in India. The event serves as a reminder of the influence and reach of celebrities and their potential to foster dialogue and engagement across different sectors of society. As Prime Minister Modi continues his journey of public service, events like these become symbolic representations of his efforts to connect with the people and build a stronger India.