Ratnam E M Kalra, a content creator known for emotional storytelling, recently shared a heartfelt reel featuring Viraj Srivastav — a former assistant director now working as a Rapido bike taxi captain. His emotional journey, filled with setbacks and resilience, has moved millions online.
Srivastav, who once worked on Zee TV’s hit show Qubool Hai, lost his father early and was forced to halt his education due to financial difficulties. Determined to succeed, he left home and his mother behind to chase his dreams. “I’ve travelled half the world, exhausted three passports. But fate has its own path,” he shares in the viral video.
Despite missing his mother deeply, he didn’t know how to return. Kalra, who coincidentally happened to be Srivastav’s first Rapido ride, was moved by his honesty and drive. Srivastav shared that his first TV salary was just ₹2,250, and though he later received another offer, life took a different turn.
Gifted musically, he’s trained in playing drums, congo, and ukulele, and also in singing thumri, a Hindustani classical genre. But his true dream is to direct. “Before I die, I’ll say ‘Roll, camera, action’ from a director’s chair,” he declares with fierce determination.
Kalra wrote, “He was just trying Rapido part-time. But he was so talented, so determined.”
The video touched hearts across platforms, garnering over a million views. Comments poured in, hailing Srivastav’s grit and dreams.