Dolly Chaiwala vanishes from Instagram, leaving fans puzzled

New Delhi: Nagpur tea-seller Dolly Chaiwala, famous for his Rajinikanth-style flair and viral stall Dolly Ki Tapri, has suddenly gone missing from Instagram, according to reports. 

His account, once buzzing with videos of his stylised tea-making, vibrant outfits, dramatic hairstyles, and oversized sunglasses, has been deactivated without warning, leaving lakhs of followers surprised and disappointed.

The Sitabuldi Civil Lines-based tea vendor, whose offline charm regularly attracts tourists, influencers, and locals, shot to international fame in February 2024 when Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates visited his stall for a cup of tea. The video, shared by Gates himself, quickly went viral and propelled Dolly into global recognition.

Despite the sudden disappearance from Instagram, Dolly’s presence remains strong on YouTube, where he boasts over two million subscribers. His videos, which blend street culture and performance art, continue to draw views and engagement.

According to the report, Dolly has been actively expanding his brand and recently launched a franchise model, referring to it as “India’s first viral street brand.” 

In a widely circulated post, he wrote, “It’s India’s first viral street brand, and now… it’s a business opportunity. From carts to flagship cafes, we’re launching nationwide and looking for real people with real passion to carry this dream forward.”

He shared an application link via Instagram Stories before the account disappeared, outlining three franchise formats: a cart model priced between Rs 4.5 lakh and Rs 6 lakh, a store model around Rs 20 lakh to Rs 22 lakh, and a flagship café setup ranging from Rs 39 lakh to Rs 43 lakh.