Rahul Baba has turned a year older – and wiser. Since his return from a sabbatical in April, he’s a changed man (for the better). The netas, the media, the common populace, have all seen Rahul Baba in a new avatar.

On the occasion of his birthday then, let’s take a look at how the journey began for him.

Remember Swades’ Mohan Bhargava? He came to India to connect with his mother figure... then discovered ‘real’ India... and then solved the plight of the farmer.

Remind you of someone? Clearly, Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Darshan idea is not an original one. That’s right. The whole thing is ripped-off from the Shahrukh Khan-starrer.

And we’re not lying. We have proof.

Take a look at Rahul Baba’s Swades moments.

Aahista Aahista

When Shahrukh Khan travelled in the second class compartment, he found empathy for India’s poor. When Rahul Gandhi travelled in the general compartment on a train to Punjab, he was trying to reconnect with an India he had recently taken a ‘sabbatical’ from.

Don’t worry Rahul Baba, aahista, aahista you’ll get back into the game, so long as you have the staying power.

Yun Hi Chala Chal

While SRK drove his AC van himself to discover his own country, RaGa continues to be pampered and is driven around. And of course, with Z+ security.

Life’s a journey filled with lessons, hardships, heartaches... Who, would know this better than RaGa.

Chalti ka naam gaadi!

Yeh Jo Desh Hai Tera

Shahrukh Khan’s character ‘Mohan Bhargava’ did some serious mingling, as he tried to explain his innovations to the people in his aunt’s village.

But Rahul, while he does sporadically soak in some heat and dust, is mainly ensconced in his Lutyens’ nest gathering party updates.

Of course, SRK had his lady luck right beside him. While Rahul and lady luck seem to have fallen out completely.

Dekho Na

Mohan Bhargava went up the hill to get the pump started. RaGa trekked up to Kedarnath to gather a few political brownie points.

Yeh Tara Woh Tara

King Khan tried to enlightened the villagers and educate the kids. Rahul Baba tried to win some hearts.

But sorry Rahul, you ain’t no Shahrukh, baby. You’re just Baba.

Sawariya Sawariya

Mohan Bhargava seemed oblivious to the aam aadmi around him because he is one himself. But Rahul Baba did chance pe dance and tried to make a few friends on the train to Sirhind.