Global IndianstoryBike-packing across Italy to delivering a ‘Ghoomer,’ actress Saiyami Kher is a go-getter

Bike-packing across Italy to delivering a ‘Ghoomer,’ actress Saiyami Kher is a go-getter

Written by: Vikram Sharma

(September 4, 2023) Saiyami Kher has been a die-hard cricket buff and Sachin Tendulkar fan all her life. Growing up, she self-taught herself the sport by watching him on screen and later went onto becoming a state-level cricket player. She even bunked college to watch Tendulkar play and perhaps had the loudest “Sachin….Sachin” chant from the stands in the stadium. So recently, when the ‘god of cricket’ requested Saiyami to show him the now iconic “Ghoomer” bowling style, she gladly obliged. “Meeting Sachin Tendulkar was a dream and I never imagined it would come true. Eventually, I met my hero, my inspiration,” smiles actress Saiyami Kher, speaking exclusively to Global Indian.

Saiyami Kher

Saiyami Kher has embodied cricket like no other in her latest release, Ghoomer, with everyone lauding her earnest and sincere performance as Anina, a young girl who’s aspirations are broken when she meets with an accident and goes onto become a paraplegic cricketer.

She recently hosted a screening where the ‘god of cricket’ himself saw the film and even took to social media praising the film. “Unknowingly, Sachin Tendulkar taught me how to live, work hard, stay grounded and never give up,” says Saiyami, whose recent movie has struck a chord with audiences for its awe-inspiring message and storytelling. So what did Sachin have to say about her ‘Ghoomer’ style ? “He was speechless,” says Saiyami, who is on cloud nine with her ‘Ghoomer’ success.

Ghoomer & Yuvi

Saiyami also took notes from cricketer Yuvraj Singh to prepare for her role as a cricketer with disability in Ghoomer. “A lot of preparation– physical and mental– went into creating the character. Yuvraj Singh helped me prepare mentally for the role,” says Saiyami, who believes that a sportsperson does not just prepare physically but also mentally. Ghoomer is inspired by the story of Karoly Takacs, the late Hungarian right-hand shooter who won two Olympic gold medals with his left hand after his other hand was seriously injured.

She also trained with former cricketer Murali Karthik for her role. Since she played the role of a left-handed cricketer, she preferred a left-handed batsman and bowler to train with. “Murali was a specialist slow left arm orthodox bowler known for his loopy trajectory and ability to spin and bounce. He was the perfect cricketer to train with,” says Saiyami, who studied at St Xavier’s college, Mumbai.

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Movies

Primarily working in Telugu and Hindi films, Saiyami, the grand daughter of actress Usha Kiran, made her acting debut with Telugu film Rey in 2015. She followed it up with Hindi movie Mirzya the following year. In 2020, she appeared in the web series ‘Breathe’ and the next year, she was starred alongside Tollywood star Nagarjuna in the action film ‘Wild Dogs.’ Born in Nashik, Saiyami’s father Advait Kher was a renowned supermodel while her mother Uttara Mhatre was former Miss India. Saiyami’s sister Sanskruti is a Marathi actress.

Bike packing in Italy

The Nashik born shot a first-of-its kind travel documentary on bikepacking in Italy in July this year. The actress rides a mountain bike to cross the Italian mountain terrain while she shoots the documentary. “I took up this project owing to my love for sport and adventure, which I am extremely close to. I spent 2.5 weeks covering different landscapes of Italy including towns, mountains, beachside and countryside,” informs the 30 year old.

She says the documentary aims to bring forth awareness of the new trend of bike packing to India. “Bike packing is a favourite amongst adrenaline lovers who move across a country with a bicycle and a bag whilst exploring and taking short breaks in between. This has been one of the best trips of my life and a project I was most excited about,” says Saiyami, who was awarded with ‘superstar of tomorrow’ (female) by Stardust in 2016.

Saiyami shot the documentary along with actor and television personality Rannvijay Singha and three more cyclists. “We cycled over 300 kms. The distance wasn’t the problem. I was worried about the luggage while cycling. I did my first pass which was around 2000 metres in a day. And we climbed around 4000 metres in all,” informs the adventure freak.

Saiyami believes that exploring a place is best when you can do it on a cycle. “I have bike packed before from Berlin to Prague and fell in love with exploring places on a cycle. Which is why I couldn’t wait to do this bike packing trip in Italy. On tough days my motivation was finishing in order to eat pizzas and gelato,” laughs Saiyami.

The most challenging parts of the ride were the climbs. The hot weather, rain and hailstorms made it extremely difficult. “I have been used to riding on flat terrains. Gravel biking was something new to me. Nonetheless, it was fun,”says the actress, who is used to climbing mountains, swimming in lakes and go trekking in Himalayas ever since she was a child.

Before the project, Saiyami trained hard but her shoots would come in between. “I would go to the hills for training. I also had a stationary trainer bike at home. But it was not enough and I wish I had more time to prepare well,” she says.

Coming soon, Agni

So what more movies are in the pipeline? “I am looking forward to Agni, where I play the role of a fire fighter,” informs Saiyami, who received the best actor award (female) for her role in web series ‘Choked’ at the Filmfare OTT awards in 2020. She was last seen in the movie ‘8 A.M. Metro’.

She has plans when it comes to adventure too. “I have been training to do the Ironman. But due to work commitments, it got postponed twice. Hopefully, I will do it soon,” says Saiyami, who is learning snowboarding and kite surfing. “Adventure keeps me alive,” she adds.

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Published on 04, Sep 2023

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Ancient living: Climate warrior Archana Soreng is saving the planet through tribal practices

(April 4, 2023) "We all can contribute towards climate action because we all are unique. Our voice matters. And you can contribute to climate action in the way you like, in the way you can," said climate warrior, Archana Soreng, as she finished her speech to thunderous applause at the United Nation's Climate Action, earlier this year. A member of the Kharia tribe in Odisha, this indigenous girl is the only one from India to be a part of the UN Secretary-General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change. [caption id="attachment_23052" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Archana Soreng, climate warrior[/caption] Passionate and articulate, Archana believes that the ancient practices of the indigenous tribes from across the world can help better the climate situation. “Over the years, generations of us indigenous communities have been told that we are underdeveloped, we are savage, we are backward because of our traditions, because of identities, because of our cultures. It's important to understand that the indigenous people who are contributing towards climate action to their traditional knowledge and practice to their way of living, who are least responsible for pollution, or who have only a minimal contribution towards the crisis, are being affected by the climate crisis, which

tion to their traditional knowledge and practice to their way of living, who are least responsible for pollution, or who have only a minimal contribution towards the crisis, are being affected by the climate crisis, which again, brings down to the question of justice - like the people who did not do it are being affected and people who are contributing are not supported," the climate warrior had said during her recent speech at the UN.

Connected to her roots

Hailing from a tribal village in the Sundergarh district of Odisha, Archana grew up surrounded by nature, witnessing her family following the ancient practices of the land. Very close to her grandfather, who was a pioneer of forest protection in her village, Archana would take part in all the meetings held to preserve the flora around the area, even as a young girl.

The Global Indian was also inspired by her father, who was a practitioner of indigenous healthcare. "Growing up, I saw him treat and cure people with various ailments using just roots and herbs. So these were ideas I was constantly exposed to from a young age. When I did my Master's in Regulatory Governance from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, I found the textual version of these concepts. I was introduced to environmental regulation as part of my course curriculum, and was very surprised to know that what my community members practice as a way of life is written in these books," she said during an interview with Nature In Focus magazine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOb6ek0M5f4

Unfortunately, the climate warrior lost her father in 2017. However, that incident left her thinking about how people from the indigenous tribes need to compile the knowledge they practice. "I realised that our indigenous community members and leaders, including our parents, will not be around forever to guide us. We need to document the knowledge they have gained over generations. I visited several districts in Odisha and interacted with almost all the indigenous communities in the state. All these communities have their unique ways of protecting their natural resources. They have their own rules and norms. This is what fuelled my interest in learning more and fighting for their voices," she said during the interview.

The ways of tribals

While she was studying at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the climate warrior, along with her elder brother, thought of not only documenting the indigenous culture but also showing it to the world. And thus Adivasi Drishyam, a well-known YouTube Channel with over two lakh followers, was born. "We created several videos on indigenous songs, medicines, etc., and uploaded them on YouTube. We always discussed with our friends how important it is not just to document these practices, but to document them in different formats. When we just write about them in articles or even books, we are restricting the reach of the content. But when you share images or create videos, they are available and accessible to people who have not received a formal education," she said during an interview.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_01exYn2hk0

This channel caught the eyes of several stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and even UN authorities. And thus began Anchana's journey as a global climate change warrior. "Did you know that the inner crust of pumpkin and watermelon was once cooked and used to store water? The cool water it held was a real thirst quencher, especially during hot summer days. As I found more and more nuggets of information like this, I realised how sustainable our ancestors were," she once informed the audience during a climate change summit.

[caption id="attachment_23053" align="aligncenter" width="675"] Climate | Archana Soreng | Global Indian Archana conducting evidence-based research on Forest Rights Act, 2006 at Ambapadia village, Odisha[/caption]

Since then, the climate warrior has been a part of several summits and conferences, including the 66th Session of CESCR: “A Day of General Discussion on Land and ICESCR”, Global Youth Caucus on Desertification and Land’ at the UNCCD COP, YOUNGO (Youth Constituency of UNFCCC), and Youth Dialogue with Inger Andersen and Ibrahim Thiaw. Her emphasis on the importance of drawing on the wisdom of indigenous elders and bringing an indigenous perspective to climate policy-making and action led to her being nominated as one of seven members of the UN Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change in 2022.

[caption id="attachment_23054" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Climate | Archana Soreng | Global Indian Archana interacting with Greta Thunberg during COP 14 UN Convention[/caption]

"In my tribal language, the meaning of my surname Soreng is 'rock'. It is a representation of how connected my tribe is with nature, that nature is a part of our names as well. It goes to show that the world we live in is a source of identity for us. This is where I come from," the climate warrior shared during her UN speech. Archana is currently working on expanding the community involvement in climate action and encouraging tribal youth from across the globe to take part in saving the planet.

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Reading Time: 6 mins

Krithi Karanth: Conservation biologist leading efforts to alleviate human-wildlife conflict in India

(November 10, 2023) Most toddlers watch the big cats in the nearby public zoo, but not Krithi Karanth, who had the privilege of spotting her first tiger as a three-year-old in a jungle with her father. It was a beautiful early evening at Nagarhole National Park in Karnataka when she saw her first big cat, and for years to come, the jungle and national parks became her playground, thanks to her dad, a noted tiger biologist and conservationist and her grandfather, an environmentalist. Growing up, she learnt to track tigers and set camera traps. "In our family, you actually don't have a choice when it comes to going out into the wild," said the conservationist who became the first Indian and Asian woman to receive the WILD Innovator Award. Although she explored the length and breadth of jungles across India, she wasn't too keen to follow in the footsteps of her father as a conservationist, and instead wanted a PhD like her mother, which she did at Duke University. She had a plan, and she moved to the US to earn a BSc degree at the University of Florida, followed by an M.E.Sc from Yale University. It was here that

ty. It was here that she got attracted to the field when she spent four months at Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary for an interdisciplinary project. "I was doing ecological and social science research. I love both. I've always been an interdisciplinary person. That trip made me realise I wanted to get into conservation," she added. Despite getting into an accident and fracturing her leg, she was determined to return to the jungle, finish her interviews and line transacts.

Krithi Karanth | Global Indian

Finding her calling

That trip to Western Ghats helped her find her calling, and another trip in 2009 only cemented her passion for her work. Krithi conducted a research project in India, focusing on the growth and impact of wildlife tourism in 10 parks over six months, while also overseeing a team of 75 volunteers. "The actual engagement, spending time on the ground and interacting with people helped me realise how much I love being in the field in India," added the conservation biologist. After spending 12 years in the US, she packed up her bags and moved to India at the age of 31, where she became a Ramanujan Fellow, and joined the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS) as a research fellow.

It opened up a door of opportunities for Krithi who connected with the wildlife and the people like never before. Her life underwent a significant transformation in 2011 when she was selected as the 10,000th research grantee by the National Geographic Society. This milestone was followed by another achievement in 2012 when she was named an Emerging Explorer by the same organisation. These experiences had impact on her as they enabled her to extend her focus beyond scientific research. She had the opportunity to connect with the wider public, impart her knowledge, and actively involve people in her work. "It put me on a public platform for the first time and helped me connect with people, globally," she said, adding, "Many scientists don’t like being in the public spotlight and communicating why our work matters. We think if you publish a great paper in a top journal, the world will hear about it. They won't. You have to connect with people in other ways."

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In these years as a wildlife conservationist, Krithi realised that the relationship between animals and people is not always positive, owing to the acute human-wildlife conflict which includes animals attacking people, destroying their crops, or taking away their livestock. "Kids grow up with a negative, traumatic perspective on wildlife and significant economic hardship. They're not going to appreciate the fact that India has the highest number of tigers or Asian elephants in the world, that it's the best place to witness extraordinary animals," she added.

A program to reduce human-wildlife conflict

This led her to the idea of a conservation program that employs education, artistic expression, narrative, and interactive games to spark inspiration among children residing in proximity to India's wildlife. She soon founded Wild Shaale, which translates to ‘wild school’, to help fill in the gap in environment learning. The program also delves into the reasons behind conflicts involving wildlife and imparts strategies for responding in such scenarios. This initiative blends various elements, including games, storytelling, presentations, and videos, and features an adaptable curriculum. Krithi particularly enjoys her work with children in India, as she has found them to exhibit a higher level of empathy compared to their counterparts in Europe or the United States. The program has been implemented in 300 schools in seven languages with a revamped curriculum.

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In the program, students engage in creative painting, participate in interactive games, and attend informative presentations focused on Indian wildlife. They closely observe animal behaviours and their natural habitats. "The idea is that you start by making learning fun and if you make learning fun, then they're already and excited about wildlife. I think that's what's really made a difference," said the adjunct associate professor at Duke University.

Krithi, who was awarded the 2020 Eisenhower Fellowship, has also been a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Despite all the accolades and achievements, Krithi is hungry to do more. "What I’ve done is not enough. We can do more and can have a greater impact." In the years to come, she is keen to expand Wild Shaale programmes across India and the world, working with colleagues in Kenya, Sri Lanka, or Brazil. "As long as my mind is working, there is always something I will be able to do."

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Reading Time: 5 min

Mitu Bhowmick Lange: Bringing Indian cinema to Australia’s big screens

(November 30, 2024) When Mitu Bhowmick Lange first arrived in Melbourne in 2002, she found herself in a city that couldn’t have been more different from Mumbai, where she had built a thriving career in television and film. Melbourne, despite the multicultural vibe, felt quieter, slower and unfamiliar. As a passionate cinema lover, she missed the energy of India’s entertainment industry and the rich, dynamic stories that reflected her homeland. Fast forward two decades and Mitu has transformed this cultural distance into a powerful bridge. She is the founder of Mind Blowing Films (MBF), the leading distributor of Indian films across Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, and the director of the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the largest South Asian film festival in the Southern Hemisphere. [caption id="attachment_60866" align="aligncenter" width="585"] Mitu Bhowmick Lange[/caption] Under her leadership, Indian cinema has become a prominent part of Australia’s mainstream entertainment. What once played in small community centres has now made its way to major multiplexes, where Bollywood hits and regional films attract audiences from the Indian diaspora and curious locals alike. Her work has also strengthened collaborations between Indian and Australian filmmakers, establishing Melbourne as a key center for cross-cultural storytelling. "You

aspora and curious locals alike. Her work has also strengthened collaborations between Indian and Australian filmmakers, establishing Melbourne as a key center for cross-cultural storytelling. "You will find not just Hindi films but Tamil, Punjabi, and Telugu films being screened. I feel very proud about the kind of growth the market has witnessed since we started," the Global Indian said.

Over the years, her work has earned widespread recognition, including the Jill Robb Screen Leadership Award and the prestigious Order of Australia for her contributions to Australian cinema. But her journey, like any film narrative, began with challenges, determination, and a deep passion for storytelling.

From Mumbai to Melbourne: A New Beginning

Originally from Kolkata, she finished her graduation from Delhi University before studying film at St Xavier's College in Mumbai. Soon she kickstarted her journey in film and television by producing and directing shows for BBC News, Zee TV and Star Plus, and worked on the award-winning documentary Watch Without Prejudice, which UNICEF India presented to highlight the impact of violence on Kashmiri children.

But she had to bid her thriving career a goodbye when she followed her husband to Melbourne "resentfully". "In India, I had a good job and I was part of the media and television world. In Melbourne, I didn’t have anything going on. Slowly, I tried to create my own little world here." She joined a media and advertising company and spotted an opportunity others had overlooked: the untapped potential of Indian cinema in Australia. At the time, Australian companies were primarily focused on American productions, and Bollywood was barely on the radar. "I somehow managed to convince my very Australian boss that we should look at India as well," she said in an interview. The idea was bold, and it paved the way for what would become her life's work.

Salaam Namaste: The Turning Point

The breakthrough came in 2005 with the Bollywood romantic comedy Salaam Namaste, which became the first Indian film shot entirely overseas. As an in-line producer for the project, Mitu worked closely with Yash Raj Films, a collaboration that laid the groundwork for her future ventures.

The film was a massive success. Beyond box office numbers, it showcased Melbourne as a vibrant, multicultural city, leading to a 17 percent increase in tourism from India to Victoria. “Salaam Namaste went on to create so much awareness for Melbourne in India," Mitu said, adding, "There was a hike in tourism, with students coming to study here."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFKteKPVU5E

The success of Salaam Namaste was only the beginning. Mitu realised there was a growing appetite for Indian films among Australia’s South Asian diaspora. But at the time, these films were screened in makeshift venues like community halls and Chinatown cinemas. “I remember sitting in these makeshift cinemas, and in the middle of the screening, the projector stopped working. When the reel was changed, it was a completely different film!”

The Rise of Mind Blowing Films

Determined to change this, she founded Mind Blowing Films (MBF) in 2009, a distribution company dedicated to bringing Indian cinema to mainstream Australian audiences. The early days weren’t easy. Australian exhibitors were wary of working with Indian distributors, citing past difficulties. But Mitu persisted, earning their trust and opening doors for Bollywood and regional films.

Today, Mind Blowing Films is the leading distributor of Indian cinema in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, releasing over 40 films a year. From Hindi blockbusters to Tamil, Telugu, and Punjabi hits, MBF has helped make Indian films a staple in Australian multiplexes. With the Indian diaspora growing rapidly in Australia, now numbering over 700,000, the love for Indian cinema has remained strong, serving as a cultural bridge for many to stay connected to their roots. By bringing Bollywood hits and regional films to Australian theatres, she has made it easier for the diaspora to enjoy the stories they love.

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne

Mitu’s vision for Indian cinema didn’t stop with distribution. In 2010, she launched the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), the largest South Asian film festival in the Southern Hemisphere. Supported by the Victorian Government since 2012, the festival has become a cultural institution, showcasing the best of Bollywood, regional films, and independent cinema.

[caption id="attachment_60868" align="aligncenter" width="573"] Mitu Bhowmick | Global Indian Mitu Bhowmick with Shah Rukh Khan[/caption]

IFFM is more than just a celebration of Indian films; it’s a platform for diverse storytelling. From Tamil and Telugu films to hard-hitting documentaries, the festival represents the vast spectrum of South Asian cinema. Over the years, it has brought stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Vidya Balan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kangana Ranaut to Melbourne, attracting audiences from all walks of life.

“Often, we are only as inclusive within our comfort zones,” Mitu says. “Screen is so important for bridging prejudices. You can’t be what you can’t see, and this has driven my work.”

In 2019, Mitu launched My Melbourne, an initiative that pairs Indian filmmakers with Australian writers to create films exploring race, gender, disability, and sexuality. The project is set to premiere at the 2024 IFFM, further cementing the festival’s role as a platform for underrepresented voices.

Beyond Cinema: Championing Social Impact

Mitu’s work isn’t limited to entertainment. She’s deeply committed to using cinema as a tool for social change. In 2016, she produced the award-winning documentary Raising the Bar, which followed six individuals with Down Syndrome from India and Australia as they attended the World Down Syndrome Congress in Chennai.

Her passion for education led to Educate the Educators, a program launched in collaboration with La Trobe University and Blue Bells International School in New Delhi. The initiative equips teachers with the skills needed to work with children with special needs.

Recognition and Legacy

Over the years, Mitu’s contributions have earned her widespread recognition. In 2017, she became the first Indian to receive the Jill Robb Screen Leadership Award. A year later, she was appointed to the board of Film Victoria, another first for an Indian in Australia.

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In 2023, she was awarded the Order of Australia, an honour that she describes as deeply meaningful. “It’s a recognition for all the hard work, especially for anyone who has come to Australia and calls the country a home now. You have to work and try to find a sense of belonging, and when you receive such recognition, you feel complete,” she says.

A Vision for the Future

Mitu’s journey is far from over. With plans to produce collaborative Australian-Indian films, she continues to push boundaries and foster creative partnerships. “As the world is getting smaller, audiences are becoming more global,” she says. “Diverse creative expression across cinema and the arts is important.”

Mitu Bhowmick Lange | Global Indian

From her early struggles in Melbourne to her role as a cultural ambassador for Indian cinema, Mitu Bhowmick Lange has shown how the power of storytelling can bridge worlds. Through Mind Blowing Films and IFFM, she has not only transformed how Indian cinema is experienced in Australia but has also created a legacy of inclusion, diversity, and connection.

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The electrifying business of electric mobility

Eclectic Indians are spearheading the electric mobility wave across the world as unicorns are sprouting across the country to lend a greener outlook to our lives (March 17, 2022) If you’ve visited the more cosmopolitan areas of Bengaluru in the early 2000s, it is unlikely that you have missed the sight of India’s first electric car – the Reva– in its bright colours, scurrying around town, usually with a lone passenger, sometimes two. It was a fad for the well-heeled to have REVA as their supplementary car, usually for chores and drives that do not involve lost distance travel. Early days of REVA revving up the industry [caption id="attachment_21424" align="alignright" width="523"] Chetan Maini, director, Lithium Urban Technologies[/caption]In 1994, when Chetan Maini launched the REVA (Revolutionary Electric Vehicle Alternative) as a joint venture with Amerigon Electric Vehicle Technologies(AEVT Inc.), little did he know that two decades later, his brain child will go on to become a case study in electric mobility. REVA was ahead of its times, and still managed to export to around 25 countries including France, Greece, Brazil, Japan. Portugal, Spain and Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, closer to home. An ideal example of an Indian-origin innovator in the

ctric mobility. REVA was ahead of its times, and still managed to export to around 25 countries including France, Greece, Brazil, Japan. Portugal, Spain and Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka, closer to home. An ideal example of an Indian-origin innovator in the electric mobility space, Chetan boasts of an educational roster that includes Harvard Business School, University of Michigan, and the Stanford University. He was at the helm of REVA (eventually taken over and rebranded as Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited) for 16 years before becoming the director in 2016 of Lithium Urban Technologies, a company that he calls “an initiative to establish the infrastructure and service environment for shared electric-powered mobility in India”. Today, the world is embracing electric mobility as the future of personal transportation, and Indian innovators and businessmen are rolling up their sleeves to fight on what is a familiar turf for them, thanks to the Maini impetus.

The Indo-Spanish handshake

[caption id="attachment_21420" align="alignleft" width="174"] Electric Mobility | Mahesh Babu Mahesh Babu, CEO, Switch Mobility[/caption]Another Indian name that is synonymous in the electric mobility world is that of Mahesh Babu, a 20-year veteran in the field. From being an advisor and consultant for the Niti Aayog, Mahesh is the biggest electric mobility policy maker in the country. His dream of “creating customised electric mobility experiences with cutting-edge technology, for a billion Indians” has led him to embrace the concept of being a "servant leader – focussing on developing strong teams based on their aspirations and attitude". For six years, Mahesh was the CEO at Mahindra Electric Mobility before recently becoming the CEO of Switch Mobility, a Hinduja Group company, under management of the Ashok Leyland team, with a manufacturing and technology center in Spain at an investment of Rs 500 crore. With this, the company hopes to break into the top 10 manufactures of electric vehicle transportation solutions.

Government impetus

While Indian innovators are collectively solving the last mile challenges of making electric mobility both accessible and affordable, the government is lending a helpful hand, not just in policy making, but also by committing to a better charging infrastructure. After all, don’t we need to recharge our electric vehicles, pretty much the same way we fuel our non-electric cars?

In mid-February, 2022, the power ministry of India made an announcement that electric vehicle (EV) charging stations have expanded by two-and-a-half times across nine Indian cities (with population of over 4 million), including Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, just in the past four months. It also stated that government efforts have resulted in 2.5 times increase in charging stations in Surat, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai during this period. This is in continuation of the ministry’s January issuance the revised consolidated guidelines and standards for EV charging infrastructure, which is being hailed by the industry as a forward-looking yet achievable set of recommendations towards the proliferation of EVs, a key step towards the country’s ambitious target of 100 percent electric mobility by 2030.

Electric rickshaws

[caption id="attachment_21428" align="alignright" width="482"] Electric Mobility | Amitabh Saran Amitabh Saran, CEO, Altigreen Propulsion Labs[/caption]While EVs worldwide are often two wheelers or four wheelers, an ex-Nasa Indian innovator decided to bring this technology to the country’s ruralinteriors, by creating an innovative electric rickshaw. The brainchild of Amitabh Saran, CEO of Altigreen Propulsion Labs, the Altigreen neEV, was launched in January this year, with a bid to transform the commercial transportation sector in India. His company aims to develop technology for high-efficiency hybrid electric mobility solutions with a split team based in the US and India. While Amitabh’s roots lie in Lucknow and Dehradun, he went on to serve the Thailand office of Philips, before leading the development of computation modelling systems for NASA scientists, for more than a year. Two things make him feature among the big daddies of electric mobility in India. One, the fact that he has devoted more than a decade to Altigreen since inception, and two, the recent announcement by the energy arm Reliance, the Reliance New Energy Limited (RNEL) to invest more than Rs 50 crore in the company. Amitabh told global media, “A good part of the investment will be in R&D. We have on board investors who are also bringing their expertise to the table. For one, Reliance New Energy is investing heavily in non-li-ion batteries and we get access to those technologies." He also stated that the company now plans to expand heavily into South East Asia. But his core philosophy is very grounded. He has often said, “a humble auto rickshaw driver probably won’t be thinking about the environment first. He will be worried about his livelihood and what he can take home at the end of the day, each day. Any invention for him will need to be approached from this standpoint. Rest of it in the backend is our innovation.”

Onwards to a greener future

Be it the first-mover advantage or the sheer entrepreneurial and disruptive streak of Indian origin innovators, India is set to rule the electric mobility wave in the months to follow. Today, we see a handful of Ola electric scooters or a few passenger cars with green number plates on them, but thanks to combined innovations, we can foresee a future that is cleaner, greener and more sustainable.

Future of electric mobility in India

A report by the India Energy Storage Alliance estimates the EV market in India to exceed $200 billion by 2030.
The Dublin, Ireland-based ResearchAndMarkets.com estimates that the Indian EV market size will grow at an astronomical 94.4 percent to reach $152.21 billion by 2030.
2022 is the watershed year for EV adoption in India, driven by the commercial vehicle segment of 3-wheelers, according to World Economic Forum.

Reading Time: 6 min

Plot twist: How Dev Raturi went from waiter to restaurateur to one of China’s best loved actors

(October 24, 2024) Dev Raturi fondly remembers his pahad in Uttarakhand, although nearly 20 years have passed since he last called it home. In 2005, armed with a job offer from a friend, and lots of dreams for his future, Raturi scraped funds together to buy himself a plane ticket to Beijing. As promised, he began his career as a waiter, serving food and wiping down tables at his friend's restaurant and earning a meagre monthly salary of 1650 RMB. Five years later, he was fluent in Mandarin, had a steady diet of Bruce Lee films, and had risen through the ranks to become general manager of a steakhouse. He went on to open his own restaurant chain, and in 2015, found the break he had been waiting for all his life - the chance to act in a film. Now, he has worked in over 20 films and web series, and still owns a chain of successful Indian restaurants. He is now such a popular name in China that his life story has found its way into a Chinese textbook. The Global Indian, who has become a self-appointed cultural bridge between India and China, is a prominent member of

l Indian, who has become a self-appointed cultural bridge between India and China, is a prominent member of a small-ish Indian diaspora comprising around 45,000, a mix of professionals, traders and students. Most of these people are located in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. In Beijing, where Dev Raturi started his journey, Indian professionals are found in fields like IT, finance, and education. Additionally, Indian-owned businesses, including restaurants, play a key role in representing Indian culture.

[caption id="attachment_58490" align="aligncenter" width="308"] Dev Raturi | Actor | Global Indian Dev Raturi[/caption]

Early Life: Leaving Home for Opportunity

Dev grew up in Kemriya-Saur, a village in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal district. His family lived off farming, and money was always tight. Like many young men from his background, he had to leave school early to help out. He moved to Delhi in the late 1990s, working a series of jobs—anything that paid the bills. But Dev wanted more than just to scrape by. He dreamed of making it big, especially in films. Inspired by Bruce Lee, he was fascinated by the world of cinema.

In 1998, he tried his luck in Bollywood. He auditioned, waited, and hoped, but it never clicked. Dev didn’t have the connections or the polish to break into an industry known for being tough on outsiders. After several years, it became clear he needed to find another path.

"Acting was something I had given up on, but China gave me a second chance." - Dev Raturi

The Move to China: A Gamble That Paid Off

In 2005, a friend told him about a job opportunity in Beijing. It wasn’t glamorous—a waiter job at an Indian restaurant—but it was a chance to start fresh in a place where no one knew him, and where he might just find his break. “I remember everyone telling me I was making a mistake,” Dev said. “But I had to try something new. I felt stuck.”

The first job was as basic as it sounded. Dev’s salary was 1,650 yuan a month, barely enough to live on. The language barrier was huge, and he knew little about China beyond what he’d seen on TV. But this was where Dev’s stubbornness came in handy. He learned Mandarin on the job, listening carefully to how customers spoke and picking up phrases from his colleagues. By 2007, he had learned enough to be promoted to manager, and his salary rose significantly. “I was always good with people, and I think that’s what helped,” he said. “Even when I didn’t understand everything, I listened.”

[caption id="attachment_58493" align="aligncenter" width="574"] Dev Raturi | Actor | Global Indian A still from a Dev Raturi film[/caption]

By 2010, Dev had become the area director for a hospitality chain. He was responsible for multiple restaurants, handling operations and marketing. But he wasn’t satisfied with just being an employee. He saw the gap in how Indian culture was represented in China and thought he could do it better. He heard his Indian friends speak ill of China, and his Chinese friends' unflattering opinions of India, and was hurt by both. However, he came to understand these prejudices came from ignorance, rather than any real malice or hatred. "I realised it is not an easy job being a proud Indian in China. So I thought I must fill this gap because there were very few Indian restaurants, but none of them present you with Indian culture, they just sell the food. I realised that no, this is not enough."

Entrepreneurial Success: Building a Restaurant Chain

In 2013, Dev opened his first restaurant, Redfort, in Xi’an. This wasn’t just another Indian eatery. Dev wanted it to be an immersive experience of Indian culture, from the decor and music to the food and service. The restaurant became a hit, not just because of the food, but because it gave people something they hadn’t seen before—a glimpse into India. “We didn’t just sell food; we sold an experience,” Dev explained. “When people walked into Redfort, I wanted them to feel like they were in India, not just another restaurant.”

Redfort was successful enough that Dev expanded it to other cities. Over the next few years, he opened more branches across China, each one adding a little more to the experience. Today, he owns a chain of eight restaurants, as well as two Chinese restaurants specializing in local cuisine. His success earned him numerous media appearances, and in 2018, he was named one of the “Top 100 Entrepreneurs in Shaanxi.” His story even became part of a class 7 English textbook in Xi’an.

[caption id="attachment_58491" align="aligncenter" width="622"] Actor | Global Indian Red Fort, the Indian restaurant in China owned by Dev Raturi[/caption]

Breaking into Films: An Unexpected Twist

While his restaurants were thriving, Dev’s childhood dream of acting hadn’t disappeared. His big break came out of nowhere. In 2016, while preparing to open a new restaurant in Sichuan, he was approached by a director looking for an Indian actor for a small role in a Chinese film. “I didn’t think much of it,” Dev recalled. “I thought, why not? It had always been my dream.”

The film was a low-budget project, but it gave him a taste of what he had always wanted. The role wasn’t big, but it was enough to get him noticed. Over the next few years, Dev landed more roles in films and TV shows, playing a variety of characters. By 2019, he had appeared in over 20 productions, including “The Ark,” where he played an astronaut, and “My Roommate is a Detective,” a popular TV series. “I never thought I’d get to do this,” he said. “Acting was something I had given up on, but China gave me a second chance.”

Impact

Dev’s story is now well known, both in China and back home in India. He’s been featured on CCTV, Xinhua News, and other media platforms. His restaurants are popular not just for their food but for the cultural experience they offer. He regularly organizes events that showcase Indian music, dance, and festivals, making his restaurants more than just places to eat—they’re a way for people to learn about Indian culture. “I wanted to do more than just serve food,” he said. “I wanted to bridge a gap. There are so many misconceptions about India in China, and I wanted to change that.”

In 2018, Dev was recognized as one of the “Top 100 Entrepreneurs in Shaanxi,” and his achievements earned him roles such as Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Committee of Xi’an Baoji Chamber of Commerce. Today, his story continues to inspire many, especially those who feel limited by their circumstances.

Dev Raturi | Actor | Global Indian

Dev is also planning to invest further in his home state of Uttarakhand. “I want to give back,” he said. “I’m working on a plan to open a business there, maybe something similar to what I’ve done in China. It’s important for me to contribute to where I came from.”

For Dev Raturi, success didn’t come the way he expected, but it came nonetheless. From waiting tables to running a chain of restaurants, from dreaming of Bollywood to acting in Chinese films, his journey is a reminder that sometimes, taking the unexpected route leads to the most surprising destinations.

Follow Dev Raturi on his website.