Techie runs across 'OG Bengaluru boy' Nikhil Kamath in Goa, pic goes viral

Sid Puri, a software engineer from Bengaluru, recently shared a selfie on X (formerly Twitter) that he had taken with Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath during a trip to Goa. In his post, Puri wrote, "Goa >> everywhere else. Ran into the OG Bangalore boy Nikhil Kamath," expressing his excitement at the chance encounter. Kamath, 38, appeared relaxed, dressed in a sleeveless black T-shirt, and posed with a smile, his arm around Puri for the photograph.

The post quickly attracted attention, with numerous users engaging in the comments section. Responding to one query, Puri revealed that he had met the billionaire entrepreneur at a popular café in Assagao, a trendy area in Goa. This isn’t Puri’s first high-profile encounter, as he had previously run into Google CEO Sundar Pichai on the streets of San Francisco in September 2023. Reflecting on that moment, he had written on X, "Go to SF, they said; no one prepared me to just run into Sundar Pichai on the street,” alongside a picture with the tech mogul. On that occasion, Pichai was dressed casually in jeans and a jacket, giving off an approachable vibe.

The recent post sparked humorous reactions online, with one user referencing Puri’s earlier meeting with Pichai and playfully speculating if Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be next on his list. Puri replied, “I’m playing tech CEO bingo, not world leader bingo,” showcasing his lighthearted take on the coincidence. Another commenter joked about Puri’s knack for meeting influential personalities, suggesting that the likelihood of his celebrity encounters should be a tradable event on prediction marketplaces.


Nikhil Kamath, known for his significant contributions to philanthropy, is one of India’s youngest billionaires, with a net worth of $3.1 billion. According to the Hurun India Philanthropy List 2024, he has earned a reputation as one of the country’s youngest philanthropists. Kamath donated an impressive ₹120 crore to the Rainmatter Foundation, which focuses on initiatives related to climate change and environmental sustainability. In 2023, he and his brother Nithin Kamath made headlines when they collectively donated ₹110 crore towards similar causes, earning them a place on the prestigious Hurun list.

Puri’s encounter with Kamath not only highlighted the entrepreneur’s growing popularity but also underscored his relatable demeanor despite his vast success. These serendipitous moments, documented by Puri, continue to capture the imagination of social media users, blending casual celebrity encounters with a touch of humor and inspiration.