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Leap year birthdays are a rare and fascinating phenomenon, appearing only once every four years on February 29. People born on this date are often called “leaplings,” and they belong to a very exclusive group. If you’re searching for 29 Feb Birthday Famous Personality details, you’re in for a treat.
This blog explores notable figures who are 29 February birthday famous personalities of India and around the World. From influential leaders to celebrated artists. Read on to discover their stories, achievements, and the magic of their leap year birthdays.
This Blog Includes:
List of 7 Famous Personalities Born on 29 February in India
Leap year birthdays in India have given us remarkable individuals who have excelled in fields like politics, arts, academia, and sports. The table mentioned below is all about famous personalities born on 29 February in India. These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields. Please have a look.
| 29 Feb Birthday Famous Personality | Date of Birth | Description/Achievements |
| Morarji Desai | February 29, 1896 | Former Prime Minister of India, The first non-Congress Prime Minister of India. |
| Rukmini Devi Arundale | 29 February 1904 | Indian classical dancer and choreographer A follower of theosophy |
| Kinnikambala Padmanabha Rao | 29 February 1940 | A professor specialised in Ancient Indian History and Archaeology |
| Prakash Nanjappa | 29 February 1976 | Indian athlete An Olympian who received the Arjuna Award in shooting sports |
| Janvi Chheda | 29 February 1984 | Indian actress Known for her role in the popular TV show Balika Vadhu |
| C. S. Seshadri | 29 February 1932 | Famous Indian mathematician Received the Bhatnagar Prize in 1972 He founded the School of Mathematics as part of the SPIC Science Foundation |
| Ashok Dave | 29 February 1952 | A great humorist from the state of Gujarat |
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Now, you have a list of famous personalities born on 29 February in India. Let’s explore some of them and their success in detail.
Morarji Desai
Among all the most famous Indian personalities born on February 29, Morarji Desai was India’s first Prime Minister who born on February 29, 1896. He was a pivotal figure in Indian politics and a dedicated freedom fighter. Desai ji joined Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement, spending nearly 10 years in British jails. He gradually rose through political ranks, becoming Bombay’s Chief Minister in 1952 and later India’s Deputy Prime Minister in 1967.
Fast forward to 1977, his strong administrative skills and dedication helped him become the Prime Minister of India. It was finally the moment when Morarji defeated Indira Gandhi’s Congress Party. However, his leadership was short-lived. Owing to several political challenges, Morarji resigned from his post in 1979.
| Parameter | Description |
| Full name | Morarji Ranchhodji Desai |
| Born | February 29, 1896 |
| Died | April 10, 1995 |
| Political Affiliation | Indian National Congress, later Janata Party |
Rukmini Devi Arundale
Another famous Indian personality born on February 29 was Rukmini Devi Arundale. She was born in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on February 29, 1904. She was a renowned Indian classical dancer who revived the ancient dance form of Bharatanatyam. She founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai.
Rukmini Devi was greatly inspired by theosophy. She considered Anna Pavlova her mentor and strived to raise Bharatanatyam from temples to global stages. Her contributions earned her several prestigious honours, like the Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
| Parameter | Description |
| Born | February 29, 1904 |
| Died | February 24, 1986 |
Kinnikambala Padmanabha Rao
Kinnikambala Padmanabha Rao, also known as Prof K P Rao, is a popular 29 Feb birthday famous personality. His career spans over five decades in diverse fields like Human-Computer Interaction, Mathematics, and Media Engineering. Interestingly, Prof. K.P. Rao has taught at prestigious institutions like MIT Manipal, IIT Bombay, and IIT Guwahati.
His exemplary contributions to the defence systems at BARC and the invention of the phonetic word-processing software for Indian languages earned him awards like Karnataka Rajyotsava.
| Parameter | Description |
| Major contribution | He developed free Kannada software |
| Publications | 3 technical book publicationsSeveral journal articles |
Prakash Nanjappa (1976): Olympian Sharpshooter
Prakash Nanjappa, born on February 29, 1976, is an Indian athlete who brought pride to the nation through his achievements in shooting sports.
- Born: February 29, 1976
- Key Achievements:
- Represented India at the Olympics and other international competitions.
- Received the Arjuna Award for his excellence in shooting.
- Legacy: Nanjappa’s dedication inspires aspiring athletes across India.
His leap year birthday makes his achievements even more memorable.
Janvi Chheda (1984): Television Star
Janvi Chheda, born on February 29, 1984, is an Indian actress known for her roles in popular TV shows, bringing charm and talent to the small screen.
- Born: February 29, 1984
- Key Achievements:
- Gained fame for her role in the TV show Balika Vadhu.
- Appeared in various Indian television serials, showcasing her acting prowess.
- Legacy: Chheda’s performances resonate with audiences nationwide.
Her leap year birthday adds a unique flair to her on-screen presence.
C. S. Seshadri (1932): A Mathematical Genius
C. S. Seshadri, born on February 29, 1932, was a renowned Indian mathematician whose work in algebraic geometry earned global recognition. His contributions to academia and institution-building are noteworthy.
- Born: February 29, 1932
- Died: July 17, 2020
- Key Achievements:
- Founded the Chennai Mathematical Institute (formerly SPIC Science Foundation’s School of Mathematics).
- Awarded the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology in 1972.
- Made significant contributions to algebraic geometry and vector bundles.
- Legacy: Seshadri’s work continues to inspire mathematicians globally.
His leap year birthday reflects the uniqueness of his intellectual contributions.
His rare birthday underscores the uniqueness of his multifaceted career.
Ashok Dave (1952): Gujarat’s Beloved Humorist
Born on February 29, 1952, Ashok Dave is a celebrated Gujarati humorist whose wit and storytelling have entertained generations. His contributions to literature and media are widely admired.
- Born: February 29, 1952
- Key Achievements:
- Known for his humorous columns and books in Gujarati literature.
- A prominent figure in Gujarat’s cultural scene, blending humor with social commentary.
- Legacy: Dave’s work continues to bring joy to readers and listeners.
His leap year birthday adds a playful twist to his humorous persona.
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29 Feb Birthday Famous Personality Around the World
Beyond India, February 29 has been the birthdate of several global icons who have made significant impacts in music, acting, literature, and more. Stick till the end and tell us if you knew about any of these famous personalities. Here is the list:
| 29 Feb Birthday Famous Personality | Date of Birth | Description/Achievements |
| Dinah Shore | 29 February 1916 | An American singer, actress, and talk show host |
| Pope Paul III | 29 February 1468 | The last of the Renaissance popes A popular patron of the arts |
| Michèle Morgan | 29 February 1920 | A French film actress |
| Tony Robbins | 29 February 1960 | An American author and speaker Known for his self-help books |
| Gioachino Rossini | 29 February 1792 | An Italian composer |
| Ja Rule | 29 February 1976 | An American rapper, singer, and actor |
Dinah Shore (1916): America’s Singing Star
Dinah Shore was a famous American singer and TV host born on February 29, 1792. Known for her cheerful personality and smooth voice, she sang popular songs like “Blues in the Night” and “Buttons and Bows”. Apart from this, Dinah Shore also hosted several TV shows, including The Dinah Shore Chevy Show, winning 6 Emmy Awards. Did you know that Dinah was a big fan of tennis and golf? It became more evident when she sponsored a major golf tournament.
| Parameter | Description |
| Original Name | Frances Rose Shore |
| Born | February 29, 1916 |
| Died | February 24, 1994 |
| Awards and Honours | Emmy Award |
Gioachino Rossini
Gioachino Rossini was an Italian composer born on February 29, 1916. He was famous for his operas, especially The Barber of Seville (1816) and Cinderella (1817). Born to musician parents, Rossini grew up in the theatre. He started playing instruments and singing at a young age when he was just a child. At 14, he joined Bologna’s Philharmonic School. This was when he wrote his first opera.
| Parameter | Description |
| Full Name | Gioachino Antonio Rossini |
| Born | February 29, 1792 |
| Died | November 13, 1868 |
| Notable Works | Cinderella, Amida, Count Ory |
Michèle Morgan
Michèle Morgan was a celebrated French actress known for her beauty and talent, was born on February 29, 1920. She began acting at a young age when she was a teenager. Soon she became a star of the industry with Gribouille (1937). During World War II, she moved to Hollywood, where she achieved greater success in France. Some of her notable films include La Symphonie Pastorale (1946), for which she won the first Cannes Film Festival Best Actress award, and Fabiola (1949).
| Parameter | Description |
| Retired | 1999 |
| Last Feature Film | Everybody’s Fine |
| Awards | Cannes Film Festival |
Ja Rule (1976): Hip-Hop Sensation
Ja Rule, born on February 29, 1976, is an American rapper, singer, and actor known for his influential contributions to hip-hop music.
- Born: February 29, 1976
- Key Achievements:
- Released hit albums like Venni Vetti Vecci and Rule 3:36.
- Known for chart-topping singles like “Always on Time” and “Mesmerize.”
- Acted in films such as The Fast and the Furious (2001).
- Legacy: Ja Rule’s music continues to influence the hip-hop genre.
His leap year birthday adds a unique rhythm to his dynamic career.
Tony Robbins (1960): Motivational Guru
Tony Robbins, born on February 29, 1960, is an American author and motivational speaker whose self-help books and seminars have inspired millions.
- Born: February 29, 1960
- Key Achievements:
- Authored best-selling books like Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power.
- Known for his high-energy seminars and life-coaching programs.
- Legacy: Robbins’ teachings empower individuals to achieve personal and professional success.
His rare birthday reflects the extraordinary impact of his work.
Why Leap Year Birthdays Are Special
Leap year birthdays are a rare occurrence, with only about 0.07% of the global population born on February 29. This rarity adds a layer of intrigue to the lives of leaplings, who celebrate their “true” birthday only once every four years. Many choose to celebrate on February 28 or March 1 during non-leap years, making their birthday festivities unique. The 29 February birthday famous personality phenomenon captures the imagination, as these individuals’ rare birthdates align with their exceptional achievements.
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The 29 Feb birthday famous personality list is a testament to the extraordinary lives of leaplings. From Morarji Desai’s political leadership to Rukmini Devi Arundale’s cultural revival, and from Gioachino Rossini’s operatic masterpieces to Tony Robbins’ motivational insights, these individuals have left lasting legacies. Their rare birthdays, occurring once every four years, mirror the uniqueness of their contributions. Whether in India or across the globe, these leaplings inspire us with their remarkable stories.
FAQs
A famous person born on February 29 is Gioachino Rossini, an Italian composer known for his operas like The Barber of Seville.
Someone born on February 29 is called a “leapling” or “leap year baby.” Their actual birthday comes only once every four years, so they often celebrate on February 28 or March 1 during non-leap years.
Morarji Desai, India’s 4th Prime Minister, was born on February 29, 1896. He is one of the few people who were born on 29 February. Moreover, he is the only Indian Prime Minister born on a leap day.
Yes, February 29 is a rare birthday because it only happens once every four years in a leap year. This makes people born on this day extra special, as less than 0.1% of the world’s population shares this birthday!
The most famous person born on Leap Day (February 29) include Morarji Desai, Rukmini Devi Arundale, C. S. Seshadri, Dinah Shore, Gioachino Rossini, Pope Paul III, Michèle Morgan, Tony Robbins, and Ja Rule.
Relatable Reads
This blog was all about the 29 Feb birthday famous personality. Do you want to read blogs on more similar topics? Check out the Famous Personalities category of Leverage Edu and enhance your general knowledge.
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