# From Rs 7 Chai to Rs 5 Lakh Appearances: The Epic Rise of Dolly Chaiwala **Imagine serving tea to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates without even knowing who he is – and turning that moment into a multimillion-follower empire.** That's the wild story of Dolly Chaiwala, the Nagpur tea vendor who transformed a humble roadside tapri into a nationwide sensation.[1][3] Dolly Chaiwala, real name Sunil Patil, started brewing tea at his elder brother's stall in the early 2010s before launching his own spot, **Dolly Ki Tapri**, near Nagpur's VCA Stadium in 2007.[1] What sets him apart? His flamboyant style – think dramatic milk pours from impossible heights, swift hand flips inspired by Rajinikanth, Jack Sparrow, and South Indian cinema swag, complete with yellow goggles, gold chains, and funky hair.[1][2][3] Locals flocked for the entertainment as much as the Rs 7 cups, with daily sales hitting 350-500 glasses for Rs 2,450–3,500 in earnings.[2] Fame exploded in February 2024 when a video of Dolly serving chai to Bill Gates went viral. Gates posted it on Instagram, praising the "innovation" in a simple cup of tea – and Dolly didn't even recognize him until the next day![1][3][4] Celebs like Ashish Vidyarthi, Nimrat Kaur, and politicians followed, turning his stall into a must-visit landmark.[1] Today, with **4.5 million Instagram followers** and **2 million YouTube subscribers**, Dolly commands Rs 5 lakh for appearances at five-star hotels in Kuwait, drives a Lamborghini, owns luxury cars, and even has a Dubai office.[2] He's franchising nationwide, backed by smart branding strategies, though not without controversies like public spats and "attitude" debates.[2][5] From school dropout to global influencer – Dolly's journey mirrors underdog tales like PM Modi's, proving personality and hustle can brew massive success.[2] His tapri isn't just about chai anymore; it's a **viral brand** captivating India and beyond.[1][2]
Dolly Chaiwala in action at his Nagpur tapri (Wikipedia Creative Commons).
Citations
1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolly_Chaiwala
2.https://www.exchange4media.com/marketing-news/dolly-chaiwala-goes-global-how-sunil-patel-brewed-a-tea-rrific-brand-138857.html
3.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/meet-dolly-the-man-who-served-bill-gates-a-tapri-style-chai/articleshow/108243356.cms
4.https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/who-is-dolly-chaiwalla-the-tea-seller-who-made-chai-for-bill-gates-101709203330457.html
5.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWjUXhWsiao
6.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7bQ-S1yjBg
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