Vikram Shaw, a jhalmuri vendor from West Bengal who rose to national prominence after serving his popular Bengali snack to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has now reported receiving threatening phone calls. Shaw claims these calls, many from unidentified international numbers, are coming from individuals alleging to be from Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Allegations of International Threats
According to Shaw, the callers frequently use abusive language and attempt to intimidate him. He stated that some callers identify themselves as being from Pakistan, while others use numbers linked to Bangladesh. Shaw recounted one call where a person from Pakistan allegedly threatened to blow him up with a bomb. Another call, purportedly from Bangladesh, questioned, "Are you still alive?" He has been receiving these calls over several days.
From Local Vendor to Political Symbol
Shaw first garnered public attention when he served jhalmuri to Prime Minister Modi during a visit to Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. What began as a simple interaction at a roadside stall quickly became a significant political talking point in the state.
The humble jhalmuri, a spicy puffed rice mixture widely enjoyed across Bengal, was subsequently integrated into the BJP's campaign narrative. Party leaders and supporters were frequently seen distributing and consuming the snack at rallies, celebrations, and events following the party's improved electoral performance. Prime Minister Modi himself referenced the interaction in campaign speeches, famously quipping, "I ate jhalmuri, but TMC felt the jhal (spice)."
Sudden Fame and Business Boom
Following the Prime Minister's visit, Shaw's jhalmuri stall experienced a dramatic surge in popularity. Curious visitors, political supporters, and social media users flocked to his shop, transforming the local vendor into a recognized figure beyond West Bengal. Long queues formed outside his stall, and videos and photographs of Shaw preparing the snack circulated widely online, turning his once-local business into a point of national interest.