Name: Dolly Chaiwala
Profession: Tea seller from Nagpur
Claim to fame: Famous for his charismatic tea-selling style. His recognition soared after Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates shared a video enjoying Dolly's chai.
The anticipation for Bigg Boss 18 is reaching a fever pitch as the reality show's premiere date approaches on October 6 at 9 PM on Colors. Fans are abuzz with excitement as the confirmed list of contestants grows, promising an electrifying season filled with unexpected names and drama.
Among the newcomers is none other than Dolly Chaiwala, the famous tea seller from Nagpur, adding a unique flavor to this year’s lineup.
Dolly Chaiwala, a tea seller from Nagpur, has become a social media sensation, captivating tea enthusiasts with his unique style and flair. Recently, he garnered even more attention after a viral video showed Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates enjoying a cup of chai prepared by Dolly himself. This moment added another layer to Dolly’s growing fame, but it wasn't the first time his videos took the internet by storm.
Dolly, who runs a modest tea stall in Nagpur, is known not just for his tea but also for his larger-than-life personality. With a distinct look—dressed in a waistcoat, oversized sunglasses, gold chains, and a signature hairstyle—Dolly makes preparing tea an art form. His quirky way of pouring milk from a distance and serving tea with swift, flamboyant hand movements often leaves customers both amused and amazed.
The tea seller’s rising popularity can be seen in his impressive social media following. With over 10,000 Instagram followers, Dolly’s page is filled with videos showcasing his tea-making skills. His Instagram bio had proudly declared him as “Nagpur ka famous chai wala” (Nagpur's famous tea seller), complete with the hashtag #dollykitaprinagpur. His location is also pinned for curious fans who want to visit his tea stall, “Dolly ki Tapri,” on Ravindra Nath Tagore Marg in Nagpur.
The video of Bill Gates enjoying tea at Dolly’s stall further amplified his fame. Bill Gates, who was visiting India at the time, shared the video on Instagram, expressing his admiration for the innovation found in India’s everyday life. In the caption, Bill Gates wrote, "In India, you can find innovation everywhere you turn — even in the preparation of a simple cup of tea!" The video shows Bill Gates asking for “One chai, please” as Dolly prepares the tea with his signature flair, showing the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into each cup.
Apart from his quirky style, Dolly's personality has drawn comparisons to Hollywood actor Johnny Depp, further boosting his charm. His tea stall is always buzzing with customers, with Dolly serving chai in stylish glasses and storing snacks like cigarettes and toffees in imaginative ways.
Dolly’s viral fame is not confined to his tea-making videos. His stall has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, eager to experience the Dolly Chaiwala magic. For his part, Dolly seems to take it all in stride, continuing to serve his tea with the same enthusiasm and charisma that earned him his place in the spotlight.
Dolly Chaiwala’s meteoric rise to fame, punctuated by a visit from one of the world’s most prominent figures, marks yet another example of how even a humble tea seller can make a global impact through creativity, personality, and passion.
Returning as host for the 18th season, Salman Khan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Coming back to ‘Bigg Boss’ feels like returning home to a grand legacy we’ve built together over the years. Each season, we rewrite the definition of entertainment, and this year is no exception. With the theme ‘Time ka Tandav,’ Bigg Boss isn’t just observing the present — he’s peering into the future of the housemates.”
ALSO READ: Bigg Boss OTT 3 contestant Adnaan Shaikh breaks silence after sister files FIR
The confirmed contestants for this season include Nyrra Banerjee, Muskan Bamne, Nia Sharma, Shoaib Ibrahim, Karanveer Mehra, and Avinash Mishra, among others. In a twist that’s sure to excite long-time fans, producers are bringing back several notorious contestants from past seasons to participate in iconic tasks, infusing a sense of nostalgia into the new season.
ALSO READ: Bigg Boss 18: All you need to know about contestants Arfeen Khan and his wife Sara
The theme for Bigg Boss 18, "Time Ka Taandav," promises to explore concepts of the past, present, and future. This thematic focus is expected to influence not only the aesthetics of the house but also the challenges and tasks contestants will face. Viewers can look forward to a captivating mix of temporal twists and surprises designed to keep them engaged throughout the season.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!