In a country where success stories often emerge from boardrooms, the tale of Ramesh Babu, India’s Billionaire Barber, stands apart as a shining symbol of grit and determination. From growing up in extreme poverty to owning over 400 luxury cars, Ramesh Babu’s journey proves that with persistence, vision, and hard work, no dream is too big.
Who Is Ramesh Babu?
Ramesh Babu is a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur, barber, and car enthusiast who transformed his humble beginnings into a multimillion-rupee empire. Today, he owns a fleet of luxury cars, including Rolls-Royce, BMWs, Jaguars, and Mercedes-Benz sedans—a feat that earned him the title of India’s Billionaire Barber.
But his success wasn’t overnight. Ramesh’s journey from a small barbershop on Brigade Road to running one of India’s leading luxury car rental companies is a story of resilience and smart business thinking.
A Difficult Beginning
Ramesh Babu wasn’t born into wealth. His father, P. Gopal, was a small-town barber who owned a tiny salon in Bengaluru. When Ramesh was just seven years old, tragedy struck—the untimely death of his father left the family in dire financial distress.
With no savings and three young children to care for, Ramesh’s mother started working as a housemaid, earning barely ₹40–₹50 per month. The small salon was rented out for just ₹5 a day to help cover basic needs.
Life was harsh, and the family often survived on just one meal a day. But Ramesh never gave up. He delivered newspapers, milk bottles, and took on odd jobs from the age of 13 to help his mother.
The Turning Point
After completing his 10th grade, Ramesh decided to revive his father’s old barbershop instead of continuing his formal education. He renamed it “Inner Space”, giving it a modern touch. His dedication and charming personality soon turned it into a popular salon for local customers and professionals in the area.
By the early 1990s, Ramesh began saving from his earnings at the salon. In 1993, he made a bold move that would change his life forever—he bought his first vehicle, a Maruti Omni van, with financial help from his uncle.
However, since he spent most of his day managing the salon, the van sat idle. That’s when an idea struck him—to rent it out when he wasn’t using it. What started as a small side business quickly became the seed of a new empire.
The Birth of a New Business
Ramesh’s first rental customer came from a family his mother used to work for. They connected him with corporate clients, including Intel, who needed transportation services for their executives. His professionalism and reliability soon gained attention, and business started to grow through word of mouth.
Recognizing the potential of the luxury vehicle rental market, Ramesh decided to invest his savings back into expanding his fleet. In 2004, as India’s tourism and corporate travel sectors began to boom, he officially launched Ramesh Tours and Travels, focusing on luxury and executive rentals.
Building the Billionaire Barber Empire
Ramesh Babu’s first luxury car purchase was a Mercedes E-Class sedan worth ₹38 lakh—a huge risk at the time. But his foresight paid off. Soon after, he added more high-end models like BMW 5, 6, and 7 Series, Jaguar, and Mercedes S-Class to his collection.
As of today, his company manages a fleet of over 400 vehicles, including:
- Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
- BMW 5, 6, and 7 Series
- Mercedes-Benz C, E, and S-Class
- Jaguar XF and XJ
- Mercedes-Maybach S600
- Toyota Innovas and imported luxury vans
His fleet serves corporate clients, celebrities, and film personalities. Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Sachin Tendulkar have all used his luxury cars during their visits to Bengaluru.
A Love for Luxury but a Heart That Stays Grounded
Despite his enormous success, Ramesh Babu has remained humble and grounded. He still works as a barber and personally styles clients at his salon—charging around ₹150 for a haircut. His humility and dedication to his roots have won him admiration across the country.
Even after becoming a millionaire, he drives himself to work every morning and spends hours perfecting hairstyles, just as he did decades ago. “I can never leave my scissors behind,” he once said—a reflection of his gratitude to the profession that built his empire.
Key Business Philosophy
Ramesh Babu believes in reinvesting profits and staying disciplined. He attributes his growth to three key principles:
- Hard Work – Never be afraid of humble beginnings.
- Smart Investment – Put your money back into growth.
- Staying Grounded – Success should never change your values.
His story also highlights the importance of respecting every profession. What society often considers “small” can become extraordinary with the right mindset.
Recognition and Achievements
- Known nationwide as India’s Billionaire Barber
- Runs one of the largest privately-owned luxury car fleets in India
- Regularly featured in the media as a self-made entrepreneur and inspirational figure
- Provides employment opportunities through his business ventures
- Actively participates in charitable activities for underprivileged children
Ramesh Babu’s Life Lessons
- Start small, dream big – Even a ₹5-a-day business can grow into a crore-making empire.
- Never forget your roots – Despite wealth, he still honors his father’s legacy as a barber.
- Adapt and evolve – Turning a barbershop income into a car rental empire took vision and courage.
- Value relationships – His first business break came from personal connections built on trust.
Conclusion
Ramesh Babu’s journey from a small barbershop to a fleet of Rolls-Royces is not just a rags-to-riches story—it’s a testament to human willpower. In his hands, a pair of scissors became the symbol of self-belief and transformation.
He didn’t just cut hair; he cut through adversity, limitations, and stereotypes to carve out a legacy that continues to inspire millions of Indians.
Ramesh Babu reminds us that success doesn’t depend on where you start—it depends on how passionately you pursue your dreams.
