PM Modi’s doppelganger says it was him doing Garba and not a deepfake video

Recent waves of confusion swirled around a viral video showing what seemed to be Prime Minister Narendra Modi energetically participating in Garba celebrations. However, the truth unfolded with a twist – it wasn’t a deep-fake or AI manipulation, but the uncanny resemblance of Vikas Mahante, a Mumbai-based businessman, to the esteemed Prime Minister.
Mahante, a proprietor of a steel packaging business in Malad, stumbled upon an unforeseen turn of events as Narendra Modi’s ascendancy in public life remarkably influenced his personal fortunes. His resemblance to the Prime Minister catapulted him into unexpected limelight, attracting attention from Modi’s ardent supporters worldwide who sought his presence at their events.

One such admirer, Pankaj Sodha from the UK, flew Mahante to London to partake in pre-Diwali festivities within his family circle. It was during one such gathering that Mahante, mistaken for Modi, was filmed joyously partaking in the garba dance, sparking a furor.
However, clarifications soon surfaced from the businessman, Mahante, who is nearly a decade younger than the Prime Minister. In a video statement issued on Monday, a blend of sheepishness and pride evident in his demeanor, he addressed the mistaken identity. “Frequently invited to various functions in India and abroad, where I attempt to convey Modiji’s thoughts and ideas,” Mahante explained. “I want to emphasize that the Garba video is not a product of deep fake technology. It is, in fact, me – Vikas Mahante. I am both a businessman and an artiste.”

The circulating video clips, portraying Mahante resembling the PM, lacked the essential context, misleading countless viewers into believing it was indeed Prime Minister Modi participating in the dance. This clarification served to dispel the misunderstanding, underscoring the importance of providing accurate information on social media platforms.

Mahante recounted his solitary encounter with Modi in 2013, introduced by Gujarat MLA Ramanbhai Patkar in Gandhinagar. Though their interaction was brief, Mahante expressed disappointment at not being permitted to take a photograph with the Prime Minister. Presently, while his steel packaging unit in Vasai is managed by his sons, Mahante himself is occupied with a whirlwind of appearances.

Attending numerous ribbon-cutting ceremonies and events, predominantly at the behest of BJP supporters, Mahante’s schedule is packed well into the future. He shared his involvement in preliminary electioneering work, having already committed to numerous events in November alone, including the London function. His role predominantly involves standing alongside political candidates on trucks during roadshows, occasionally delivering short speeches.

His dedication to propagating the BJP’s message since 2014 has been unwavering. Mahante has actively campaigned for various politicians, including MP Arvind Sawant, Gajanan Kirtikar, Poonam Mahajan, Rahul Shewale, Gopal Shetty, Chintaman Wanga, and several others. While he receives compensation for his efforts, he declined to disclose specifics.

Interestingly, Mahante revealed his involvement in an upcoming biopic on Modi, sharing a teaser of the film. Scheduled for release after receiving clearance from the PM, the movie sees Mahante portraying Modi. He admitted spending countless hours studying Modi’s mannerisms and speeches, striving to emulate the PM’s voice and demeanor with varying degrees of success.

His aspirations remain tied to the BJP, hopeful that his dedication will eventually earn him greater responsibilities within the party.