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Journalism of Courage
Dolly Chaiwala Instagram: Dolly Chaiwala, the flamboyant tea-seller from Nagpur, whose flair for brewing chai made him a social media sensation, has unexpectedly disappeared from Instagram, leaving lakhs of followers surprised and disappointed. His account, once buzzing with videos of his signature moves, trendy clothes, flashy hairstyles, and oversized shades, has been deactivated without warning.
Known for serving tea with a dramatic, Rajinikanth-style twist at his iconic stall, Dolly Ki Tapri, in Sitabuldi Civil Lines, Dolly has built a loyal fanbase both online and offline. Tourists, influencers, and locals line up daily just to catch a glimpse of the man who turned tea-making into performance art. Beyond Instagram, his presence remains strong on YouTube, where he has over two million subscribers.
Dolly’s rise to global fame reached a new high in February 2024 when none other than Bill Gates stopped by his stall for a cup of tea. The video, shared by Gates himself, catapulted Dolly into the international spotlight and earned him a surge of followers and brand deals.
But Dolly isn’t just basking in the spotlight, he’s turning the buzz into business. He recently announced his expansion into the franchise world, inviting others to be part of what he calls “India’s first viral street brand.”
“It’s India’s first viral street brand, and now… it’s a business opportunity,” he wrote in a now-viral post. “From carts to flagship cafes, we’re launching nationwide and looking for real people with real passion to carry this dream forward.”
Through an application link shared in his Instagram Stories, he laid out the three formats for potential franchisees: a cart model costing between Rs 4.5 to Rs 6 lakh, a store model priced around Rs 20 to Rs 22 lakh, and a flagship café setup between Rs 39 to Rs 43 lakh.
