# New book reveals food stories of India’s prime ministers

2026-08-23T18:01:43+00:00 | Entertainment | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A new book titled 'The Prime Minister's Table' by journalists Purabi Shridhar and Sanghita Singh offers a glimpse into the personal lives of India's prime ministers through their food habits and dining stories. Published by Manjul Publishing House, the book covers seven decades from Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, based on interviews with families, cooks, and friends. The book recounts anecdotes such as Indira Gandhi playing antakshari with her doctor, Manmohan Singh helping his wife with dishes abroad, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee's love for chaat in Lucknow and golden fried prawns. It also describes PM Modi teaching a party worker's wife how to make sabudana khichdi. Author Shridhar said the project was a long process with some doors opening and others closing, but persistence paid off. Singh said the book became an 'honest tribute' to the leaders who shaped the country after independence, aiming to uncover their human side.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

The book taps into a growing appetite for political biography that goes beyond policy. With Indian voters increasingly curious about leaders' personal routines, such narratives humanise figures often seen through a partisan lens. The shift from royal kitchens to democratic meals mirrors India's own political evolution. Readers should watch for whether the book sparks similar projects on other public figures.

## Coverage

- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indira-gandhis-antakshari-games-to-narendra-modis-sabudana-khichdi-recipe-behind-pms-dining-tables-101787490658966.html>
  Straightforward book announcement with no political slant.

This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.

Tags: Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Indira Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Manmohan Singh, Narendra Modi
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