The Internet sure is a bizarre place. But sometimes reality is more bizarre and when the two coincide, it ends up breaking the Internet. Microsoft founder Bill Gates is here in India to attend the grand pre-wedding festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The billionaire is having a great time exploring the country. He’s also sharing regular updates on his social media.
In one such video shared on Wednesday, Bill Gates appreciated the innovative approach of Indians as he shared his interaction with internet sensation Dolly Chaiwala. “In India, you can find innovation everywhere you turn — even in the preparation of a simple cup of tea!” Bill Gates captioned the reel he shared on his Instagram. In the video, Mr Gates is seen requesting “One Chai Please” from Dolly who excitedly obliges.
The Viral Collab
Dolly’s USP is his unique method of preparing the tea on his special cart, offering a glimpse into the artistry that goes into making this beloved beverage. Bill Gates was in awe watching Dolly Chaiwala elevate the simple act of making a cup of tea to an art form. Sipping the piping hot tea from a glass, he expresses excitement about being back in our country.
The Microsoft CEO describes India as home to incredible innovators who are working on new ways to save and improve lives. The video concludes with Gates looking forward to more “chai pe charcha” (discussions over tea), standing beside the tea seller.
Also Read: Social Media Reacts to PM Narendra Modi’s Dive In Dwarka
Know Dolly Chaiwala
With a roadside tea stall located near the old VCA stadium in the Sadar area of Nagpur, Dolly Chaiwala became an internet sensation with his unique approach to making ‘chai‘. While his real name remains unknown, Dolly Chaiwala’s videos accumulate lakhs of views on the internet. The tea seller is known to make tea in his distinct style, attracting over 910K followers online.
He pours milk from a distance without spilling, throws in other ingredients, and almost smashes the buyer’s face with the cup of tea at the end. Dolly connects with his customers not just through his tea and tea-making skills, but also by keeping cigarettes at his stall. His special cart is always beaming with tea enthusiasts. He is also named as ‘Jack Sparrow of India‘ by netizens because of his style and antics.
When Chaiwala Met Gates
While the internet went crazy over the video of Bill Gates sipping Dolly Chaiwala’s tea, he had no idea that he was serving tea to a billionaire. He only realized it the next day when people started asking him about the “Bill Gates video”, surprised at the global attention he received. “Mujhe bilkul bhi nahi pata tha ki jo mujhe mile, vo itne bade aadmi hai” he said.
Dolly said that the video was initially supposed to be filmed in Nagpur where his tea stall is located, but they ended up shooting in Hyderabad. He was invited to there to prepare tea in his signature style but wasn’t told about Bill Gates. “I thought that he was a guy from a foreign country so I should serve him tea” said the talented tea-maker.
Speaking about his experience, Chaiwala shared that Bill Gates said ‘Wow, Dolly ki Chai.’ “We did not speak at all, he was standing just beside me and I was busy with my work.” “I watch South movies and from them, I have learned the styles…Today, I feel that I have become ‘Nagpur ka Dolly chai wala.’ In future, I wish to serve tea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi…” he added.
Netizens React
The video has garnered over 60 million views since being posted. From terming it as the “crossover that even Marvel can’t imagine” to calling Dolly Chaiwala the “luckiest“, the comments had a lot to say. Swiggy India cheekily asked “how much was the bill 🤭” A user said “India is not for Beginners❌ Billionares✅” Prafull Billore, Founder and CEO, MBA Chai Wala Group took the opportunity to ask Bill Gates “kab tak ho India mai. 😂”
This was one collaboration that no one could have even dreamed of! The Internet continues to surprise but we’re very happy for Dolly Chaiwala who is enjoying his virality currently.
