Dolly Chaiwala was only a tea vendor from Nagpur, India.
What began a humble man, he carved himself to fame, thanks to his charismatic appearance and stylish approach to the everyday stall he owns.
Serving chai, a popular drink in Asia, which consists of black tea with milk, water and sugar with added herbs and spices, Chaiwala created an inspiring journey from zero to hero, by serving locals and visitors alike. The tea shop, which later became famous as Dolly Ki Tapri, also caught the attention of enthusiasts, politicians, and even celebrities.
And among those who came to his stall to enjoy his spectacular show and his tea, was Bill Gates.
During his trip to India, the Microsoft co-founder made a stop to his stall, and this "endorsement" skyrocketed Chaiwala to global fame.
During his teenage years in the early 2010s, Dolly started working at his elder brother’s tea shop. Little did he know that this humble beginning would pave the way for his extraordinary future.
His theatrics while preparing and serving tea, along with his stylish attire set him apart in the world of tea sellers.
His style draws inspiration from diverse sources.
Some said that his looks is a blend of Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, and the charismatic South Indian actors Rajinikanth and Allu Arjun.
From his colorful long hair, trendy goggles, and vibrant clothing became part of his signature look, his tea stall became a digital landmark, attracting not only chai enthusiasts but also celebrities.
Celebrities like Anurag Dobhal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Nimrat Kaur, and Nani have visited his tea stall for film promotions, further boosting his popularity.
But it was on February 2024, that Chaiwala achieved global recognition when a video of him serving tea to Bill Gates went viral on social media.
This unexpected encounter catapulted him into the limelight, earning him the nickname “Celebrity Chaiwala of India” among his fans.
It's worth noting that his nickname "Dolly" originated from his girlfriend, who affectionately called him by that name.
Soon after Bill Gates visited his stall, his fame shot up, and this exposure brought him international recognition.
Sooner than later, he was reached by people abroad.
One of which, was the United Arab Emirates.
As an internet sensation, he was invited to Dubai
In social media posts, he is seen at the iconic Burj Khalifa, enjoying a cup of coffee.
"Ek coffee pine Burj Khalifa ke top pe gaye" (I went to the top of Burj Khalifa to have a coffee).
He also went to pose with ultra expensive cars, like Rolls Royce and McLaren, and some other cars.
He also pose near the world's only 7-star hotel, the Burj al-Arab.
His posts, in total, continue gaining virality, as Dolly now has become a famous man.
The video of this moment went viral on social media, garnering millions of views and reactions from fans and admirers.
Dolly’s journey from a chaiwala in Nagpur to a global influencer is a testament to the power of social media and the unexpected paths fame can take.