Indira Gandhi's ‘antakshari’ games to Modi's ‘sabudana khichdi’ recipe: Behind PMs' dining tables

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like From former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s games of 'antakshari' with her doctor to PM Narendra Modi guiding a BJP worker's wife to whip up the perfect sabudana khichdi, “The Prime Minister's Table” dives into foods and stories that reveal the personal side of the prime ministers. The stories have come from interviews with the leaders' families, cooks, friends, and visits to restaurants associated with them. (HT Archive/BJP.org/X)The book by journalists Purabi Shridhar and Sanghita Singh, published by Manjul Publishing House, steps directly into the kitchens and dining rooms of India's prime ministers - from Jawaharlal Nehru to PM Modi, according to news agency PTI. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi stays fit at 75 with just 3.5 hours of sleep, no food after 6 pm, yoga and unique ‘Panchtatva’ walks The stories have come from interviews with the leaders' families, cooks, friends, and visits to restaurants associated with them. Thus, the book documents seven decades of Indian food and culture. It captures how the food culture around the prime ministers shifted, moving from the munificence of royal kitchens to the everyday meals of democratic power, the report added. Also Read | When Biju Patnaik rescued ex-Indonesian PM on order of Jawaharlal Nehru | Throwback Indira Gandhi is remembered playing 'antakshari' with her doctor. Manmohan Singh assisted his wife with the dishes during their early years overseas. Atal Bihari Vajpayee's love for chaat in Lucknow and golden fried prawns at the Taj Mahal Hotel. An account of PM Modi teaching a party worker's wife about 'sabudana khichdi'. Also Read | Step inside 'house' of India's first and only female Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Delhi's Safdarjung Road. Watch Sridhar, in a statement, said, "Are PMs just primary political figures? What lies beyond their political and public persona was a subject I found intriguing: their homes, family life, friendships, working relationships and dining table choice and talks." Sharing the experience about the process, the author said that putting together the book was a long process. "Putting together the book was a long process and not very easy either. Doors were thrown open- by nonagenarians to youngsters; doors were slammed shut, but finally persistence paid," Sridhar added. Singh said, "By the time we finished writing 'The Prime Minister's Table', it no longer remained a book but an honest tribute from us to the leaders who shaped our country post independence." Singh also said that the goal was to uncover the "human side" of the leaders and for that they travelled into the past. "As we travelled into the past of our Prime Ministers, we uncovered intimate stories, from family dining memories to vacations and exotic official trips. Our attempt was to unravel their human side," Singh added. Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More