In a crowded market in eastern Punjab province in Pakistan, a food vendor bears an uncanny resemblance to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and the locals just can’t get enough of him. The vendor, Saleem Bagga, does brisk business as people throng his colorfully decorated cart for a taste of his famous kheer or pudding.
The presence of Bagga is a unique charm, according to Mohammad Yaseen, a local resident. “It feels like Trump has come here to sell kheer.” He said that not only does Bagga’s singing attract customers, but it also creates a festive atmosphere. “When he sings to sell kheer, we come down to him,” Yaseen added.
At 53, Bagga wades through the busy thoroughfares in his resplendent wooden cart, sporting a black jacket over a beige ‘shalwar kameez’ against the winter morning chills. The blond quiff across his head-albinism seals his striking similarity to the US President and is perhaps what really makes him the marked man at this market.
The crowd of people gathers around him as he sings a popular Punjabi tune: “Now you come down to me my love, don’t delay, my eyes are tired of waiting,” he sings, drawing smiles and laughter from passersby.
Another local, Imran Ashraf, said with excitement, “His kheer is really tasty. We talk to him, take selfies with him and tell our friends that we have pictures with Trump.”
The man is as friendly and jolly as he always was, notwithstanding the extra attention and cameras tailing him everywhere. “My face resembles Donald Trump, and that is why people take selfies with me. I feel very good,” he said, playfully inviting the newly elected president. “Donald Trump sahib (sir), you have won the election. Now visit here and eat my kheer; you will really enjoy it.”
