A food vendor in Punjab capitalizes on his striking resemblance to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, attracting customers with his singing and unique appeal.
In a lively market in Pakistan's Punjab province, one food vendor has found a way to stand out amidst the bustling crowds: his uncanny resemblance to U.S. President-elect
Donald Trump.
Saleem Bagga, 53, who has albinism and sports a distinctive blonde quiff, sells kheer, a traditional Punjabi pudding, from a colorful wooden cart.
His striking appearance, paired with his singing, draws in locals, giving him a unique edge over his competition.
'We feel as if Trump has come here to sell kheer,' said Mohammad Yaseen, a local resident who frequents Bagga's cart.
Bagga, dressed in a black jacket and beige shalwar kameez, sings the lyrics of a popular Punjabi song to attract customers: 'Now you come down to me my love, don't delay, my eyes are tired of waiting.' His impromptu performances add an extra layer of charm to his offering, prompting crowds to gather around him.
The market visitors, many of whom see Bagga as a fun celebrity look-alike, often stop for selfies, with some even proclaiming to friends that they've taken pictures with 'Trump.' Local resident Imran Ashraf said, 'His kheer is really delicious… we talk to him and we take selfies with him and we tell our friends that we have taken these pictures with Trump.' For Bagga, the attention is part of the charm, and he seems unfazed by the cameras that follow him wherever he goes.
Bagga, who has spent years selling kheer, is accustomed to the attention his resemblance to Trump has brought him.
'My face resembles
Donald Trump, that is why people take selfies with me… I feel very good,' Bagga remarked with a smile.
He even humorously extended an invitation to the President-elect: '
Donald Trump sahib (sir), you have won the election, now visit here and eat my kheer, you will really enjoy it.'
The rise of Bagga's popularity highlights the intersection of global events with local, everyday life in Pakistan.
In a country where people enjoy celebrating international figures, especially those who bring an element of humor or surprise, Bagga's connection to the U.S. leader offers a light-hearted distraction from the ordinary routine.
Whether through his food or his resemblance to the American president, Bagga has become a beloved figure in his neighborhood, creating an atmosphere where entertainment and business collide in the most unexpected of ways.