Lex Fridman fasts 45 hours for PM Modi interview: ‘Wanted the right mindset’

US podcaster Lex Fridman revealed that he fasted for 45 hours before his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as a way to honor the discussion and reach a "spiritual level."
"I am fasting right now. It has been almost two days, 45 hours. Just water, no food, in honor of this conversation, just to get in the right mindset, get into the spiritual level," Fridman said during the interaction.
PM Modi expressed surprise and gratitude, saying, "It feels like you're fasting as a tribute of respect for me. So, I express my deepest gratitude to you for doing this." He went on to highlight the

benefits of fasting

, emphasizing its role in sharpening the senses, enhancing mental clarity, and instilling discipline.

Modi on fasting: A tool for mental clarity
The Prime Minister spoke about how fasting helps bring "both the inner and outer self into balance," making the senses—especially smell, touch, and taste—more sensitive. He also shared how fasting accelerates the thinking process and fosters out-of-the-box perspectives.
"Fasting is a form of self-discipline. It never slows me down; instead, I feel more energetic and work just as much, sometimes even more," Modi said.
A fasting encounter with Obama
Modi recalled a past meeting with former US President Barack Obama at the White House, where officials were unsure how to host him during a formal dinner since he was fasting. He was eventually served a glass of hot water, leading to a humorous exchange with Obama.
"When we sat down, they brought me a glass of hot water. I turned to President Obama and jokingly said, 'Look, my dinner has arrived!'" Modi recounted. In their next meeting, Obama remembered the incident, joking that since Modi wasn’t fasting, he would have to eat "twice as much."