Bengaluru founder ends up driving after cab driver falls asleep, shares video: 'I felt a mix of emotions'

The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 12 million views. (Image: milindchandwani/Instagram)

A late-night cab ride from Bengaluru airport turned into an experience for Milind Chandwani, an IIM graduate and the founder of Camp Diaries Bengaluru. Chandwani’s video recounting the incident, where he ended up driving the cab while the actual driver slept in the passenger seat, has captured widespread attention on social media.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Chandwani narrated the unusual events of that night: “Last night at 3 AM, while returning from Bengaluru airport, I found myself in an unexpected role: my cab driver’s driver. He was so sleepy, he even stopped for tea and a cigarette but still couldn’t keep his eyes open. So, I offered to drive, and to my surprise, he handed me the keys faster than I could say ‘Bengaluru traffic.’”

The accompanying video showed Chandwani behind the wheel, navigating through the city using Google Maps, while the drowsy driver reclined his seat and dozed off.

Reflecting on the incident, Chandwani shared a mix of emotions: “I felt a mix of emotions: glad that he trusted me, sad that he had to push himself so hard, and slightly amused at how quickly he decided I was qualified for the job. Gave him a Rs 100 tip and asked for a 5-star rating in return—fair trade, right?”

He concluded his post with a reflective message:

“Life is full of unexpected detours. Be kind, be empathetic, and maybe brush up on your driving skills. Most important moral of the story? When you offer something, be ready for the other person to take your offer.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Milind Chandwani (@milindchandwani)

The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 12 million views and sparking a mix of humour, concern, and praise from users online.

“This is hilarious but also a wake-up call for better working conditions for drivers,” one user commented.

Another added, “The trust he showed in you is both heartwarming and concerning!”

A third quipped, “Milind just unlocked a new skill set—Bengaluru traffic navigator!”

Others lauded Chandwani’s empathy, with one remarking, “You turned an inconvenience into a moment of kindness and understanding.”