Who Is Mithilesh Desai? Meet the 'Jackfruit King' Who Met PM Narendra Modi at Revati Sule's Wedding Reception

A viral interaction at the wedding reception of Revati Sule, daughter of NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, has captured national attention, sparking widespread curiosity about a young man seen in deep conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The individual identified in the footage is Mithilesh Desai, a Maharashtra-based agricultural entrepreneur popularly known as the "Jackfruit King of India".

The high-profile event, held in Delhi on August 10, saw the presence of numerous political leaders, including Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and several opposition figures. During the reception, video footage showed Desai approaching the Prime Minister and displaying content on his mobile phone. PM Modi was observed listening intently to Desai, a moment that quickly became a talking point across social media platforms. Sarang Lakhani-Revati Sule Wedding: Gautam Adani, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan Make Supriya Sule’s Daughter’s Wedding Star-Studded Affair in Mumbai.

Mithilesh Desai Meets PM Narendra Modi At Revati Sule's Wedding Reception

Who Is Mithilesh Desai?

Mithilesh Desai is a trained agricultural engineer from Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, who has dedicated his career to revolutionising jackfruit cultivation and processing in India. Growing up in a farming family, Desai pursued a B.Tech degree in Agricultural Engineering at Mahatma Phule Agricultural University in Rahuri. Though he reached the interview stage of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations in 2016, Desai chose to pivot away from a conventional career path to pursue full-time entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. His work has earned him regional and national recognition for turning an often-overlooked crop into a sustainable business model.

Advancing Jackfruit Farming and Innovation

In 2020, Desai founded the Jackfruit King Agro Producer Company Limited, an organisation focused on promoting organised jackfruit cultivation and creating value-added products. His initiatives aim to help farmers diversify their income streams by moving beyond raw produce sales. His contributions to the sector include:

• Diverse Cultivation: Managing plantations featuring over 86 varieties of jackfruit sourced from across the world.
• Value-Added Products: Developing a range of commercial goods, including vegan meat alternatives, burger patties, chips, diabetes-friendly flour, and animal feed.
• Farmer Empowerment: Associating with more than 900 farmers to promote sustainable agricultural practices and organised market access.
• Nursery Development: Selling approximately 25,000 grafted plants annually to support fellow farmers.

The Interaction With the Prime Minister

Desai was invited to the wedding reception by Sharad Pawar, who reportedly facilitated the introduction to the Prime Minister. During their interaction, Desai briefed PM Modi on his ongoing work in food processing and sustainable agriculture. PM Narendra Modi Urges Citizens to Join 'Har Ghar Tiranga' Campaign Ahead of Independence Day 2026.

Observers noted that the Prime Minister appeared highly attentive during the discussion, highlighting the administration’s continued interest in agricultural innovation and farmer-led entrepreneurship. Following the viral moment, Desai expressed that he had used the opportunity to share his vision for the future of Indian agriculture, hoping that his efforts to promote jackfruit as a "superfood" would gain broader support.

With inputs from India Today and Free Press Journal

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 10:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).