April 05, 2005
Sir Branson, ustad of the photo opBusiness
Richard Branson inaugurated the first London to Bombay route for Virgin Atlantic last Thursday (via Zoo Station). He cavorted atop a jet wing in a Virgin-colored sherwani and took the Andheri-to-Churchgate local with the dabbawallahs to deliver hot lunches to his staff. In his spare time, he played a cricket match at the Oval Maidan next to Bombay U, paraded before the Gateway of India in a chariot and wore the infamous light bulb-festooned black leather suit that Amitabh wore in Yaarana. He’s also throwing in a couple of free airline tickets for two dabbawallahs to represent at Prince Charles’ wedding (thanks, Turbanhead). This guy’s theatrics put Steve Jobs to shame.
Getting a taste of British-style bureaucracy, Branson nearly got deported for an expired visa; ringing up the prime minister got that sorted. Branson said he’d been wanting this route for 10 years and pushed for unrestricted access to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad, even more aggressive than India’s open skies agreement with the U.S.
In 2000, he inaugurated the Delhi route:
His performance in Delhi in 2000 was even more impressive. Clad in Punjabi dress, he did the bhangra and then rode his way on a cycle rickshaw…
Photo galleries of Branson’s visit: 1, 2
manish on April 5, 2005 11:40 AM in Business, Photos · T·r·a·c·k·b·a·c·k address · Direct link · Email post
that picture of him with the giant-sized flag tickled me to death. Hilarious!
Cheaper flights to India. Go Sir Richard!
India might have got the seed from the Brits but they've certainly added a VERY healthy dose of less-than-desirable indigenous innovation. You can't blame India's almost criminal civil service ethic on post-colonialism.
The Brits inspired Brazil. Left to their own devices, developing countries generally don't have excessively structured processes-- they have little, everything gets done via invisible power structures and graft.
Anyhow, it's irony, yaar. Branson was briefly hostage to a petty-minded airport clerk. Brits can relate.
I *heart* Richard Branson.
(I have another picture of him on a jet holding a huge Indian flag from some 5 years back. Suppose that's from the Delhi route's inauguration.)
For a second, I thought you meant the movie "Brazil", and my mind was off and running.
-D
he's so extra.
i love it.
deepa, I think he did mean the movie Brazil.
first the compare and contrast of Apprenticing Raj's, then this... Branson is SO much cooler and hip than our ridiculous Donald, any day of the year.
The inspiration for Brazil, as explained by Gilliam himself. Not to mention the fellows of The Crimson Permanent Assurance from The Meaning Of Life.
Richard Branson is beginning to grow on me, despite the complete disregard for money and real talent as exhibited in his Billionaire show. Virgin (and all of its subsidiaries) is a very smooth-running operation and the guy has impeccable taste in homes and personal effects.
Maitri
plus he can rock a kurta pyjama!
Wow, I'm not the only Bransonette! ;)
Fanfare aside, I can fly direct to Mumbai on my second favourite airline now.
Oh, boy this is the most amazing website. I absolutely looooooved it!!!! It was inspirational and I decided to travel to New Delhi to learn about your country. It was amazing. So amazing I might go there again next year. Thank you for this grand website. I LOVE YOU!
P.S. If I'm writing to a guy then I'd like to let you know that I'm GAY!!!!