The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

When you hear “the most famous person you’ve met,” it’s easy to picture a movie star, a sports legend, or perhaps even a figure of influence. But fame is such a loaded word these days. We’ve turned it into this idolised status where being well-known can sometimes be confused with being admirable. There’s a lot of “famous for being famous” types now, especially in the world of reality TV. People who are famous just for existing in the public eye rather than for anything substantial. Fame to me, though, isn’t about worshipping someone. It’s just a measure of recognition.

With that bit out of the way, let’s get to the stories.

One of my first “brushes with fame” happened in a service station of all places. I was about 18, my brother 16, and we were on a pit stop, heading to the loo. Out of nowhere, Hugh Grant himself held the toilet door open for us. And of course, true to his image, he was every bit the polite Brit. With his posh accent, he said something along the lines of, “Here you go,” and we all proceeded to head into our separate cubicles. Mid-way, my brother suddenly shouted, “Bro, do you know who that was?” I replied, clueless, “Who?” Then he said it: “Hugh Grant!” Without thinking, I blurted out, “Let’s jump him!” We both cracked up, but of course, Hugh Grant, with his two bodyguards in tow, was well protected. It was a moment that had us laughing for days.

Then there’s Chris Packham, the birdwatcher and naturalist, whom I bumped into closer to home in Hampshire. Chris lives locally, and one day, while out with a friend, we spotted him. We managed to get a photo together. He was kind enough to oblige, and I could sense his genuine passion for nature and wildlife, even in that short exchange. It’s always refreshing to meet someone who is down-to-earth despite their renown.

Another memorable encounter was with Southampton’s own football legend, Matt Le Tissier. For any Saints fan, Le Tiss is nothing short of a hero—an icon of the Premier League. Back in my days as a manager at McDonald’s, Matt would pop in now and then for a quarter pounder. And yes, each time he came in, I’d personally make his burger. There was something thrilling about it; a sense of pride that, even in that tiny way, I could serve up a little something for someone who’d brought so much joy to our city.

Lastly, a meeting that holds a more spiritual significance for me was when I met Mufti Menk. After rediscovering my faith, his lectures were a beacon, guiding me towards the light. Alhamdulilah, when I had the chance to see him in person, I took it. His wisdom, warmth, and understanding resonate deeply, and I’ve attended a few of his live talks since. Shaking his hand was one of the most meaningful moments for me, a reminder of the guidance and humility that real leaders offer.

Each encounter stands out in its own way—whether it’s Hugh Grant’s unwitting hilarity, Matt Le Tissier’s down-to-earth humility, Chris Packham’s love for nature, or Mufti Menk’s grounding wisdom. Each one left a mark, and a reminder that character is what really counts.