From Scissors to Supercars: The Remarkable Journey of Ramesh Babu
Quick summary: Ramesh Babu is a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur known as the "billionaire barber." His father, a barber named P. Gopal, died when Ramesh was seven, and his mother supported the family as a domestic helper. Ramesh took over the family barbershop, later renamed Inner Space, and in 1993 started a car rental business, Ramesh Tours and Travels, with a single Maruti Omni van. He added his first luxury car, a Mercedes-Benz E-Class, in 2004, and his fleet has since grown to a reported 400-plus vehicles including a Rolls Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S600. He is reported to still cut hair at his salon.
Image Source: The Better India
In the heart of Bengaluru, where the hum of city life meets the rhythm of ambition, a tale of resilience and transformation unfolds — a story that begins with a pair of scissors and culminates in a fleet of luxury automobiles.
Ramesh Babu's journey is not just about wealth; it's about the relentless pursuit of a dream against considerable odds. Born into modest means, he faced hardship early on. At the age of seven, he lost his father, P. Gopal, a barber. Left with no savings and a family to support, his mother worked as a domestic helper, reportedly earning around ₹40–50 a month. The family is said to have often survived on a single meal a day, with new clothes a rare luxury. Despite this, Ramesh took on odd jobs from around age 13, including delivering newspapers and milk, and by his mid-teens had taken on responsibility for his father's barbershop.
From the Barbershop to Inner Space
After completing his 10th standard, Ramesh balanced further studies — reported by some outlets as a diploma in electronics — with continuing to work in the barbershop. He eventually took full charge of the shop and rebranded it as a modern salon named "Inner Space," which went on to attract a diverse clientele, including politicians, military officials, and film personalities.
One Van Becomes a Fleet
In 1993, recognising the potential in the growing car rental market, Ramesh expanded his horizons. With his savings, he purchased a Maruti Omni van and began renting it out — the start of his car rental business, Ramesh Tours and Travels. He initially drove the vehicles himself, then expanded the fleet and hired drivers as demand grew.
Entering the Luxury Segment
Ramesh's entrepreneurial instincts led him into the luxury car rental market. In 2004, he acquired a Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, a significant investment that set his business apart in the industry. Over the years, his collection is reported to have expanded to include vehicles such as a Rolls Royce Ghost, Mercedes-Maybach S600, BMW 7 Series, Audi A7, and Jaguar XF. Media reports place his fleet at over 400 vehicles today, with roughly 120 of them luxury cars — though, as with many long-running success stories, exact figures have varied somewhat across reports over the years.
Staying Grounded
Despite his success, Ramesh is widely reported to remain grounded, continuing to offer haircuts at his salon and living by his stated motto: "Work is Worship." His journey from a modest barbershop to a luxury car fleet is a reminder of what perseverance and vision can build over decades, even from the humblest starting point.
Entrepreneurs inspired by Ramesh Babu's journey and looking to formalise or scale their own micro or small business can explore GRO-MSME's advisory and MSME loan services, or read more Wings of Will success stories from India's grassroots entrepreneurs.
This story is compiled from publicly reported profiles of Ramesh Babu, including The Better India, along with other media coverage. Fleet size, specific vehicle models, and some timeline details vary across sources and years, and should be treated as approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramesh Babu’s Journey
Who is Ramesh Babu, Bengaluru's "billionaire barber"?
Ramesh Babu is a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur who grew up helping run his family's barbershop and went on to found Ramesh Tours and Travels, a luxury car rental business with a fleet reportedly exceeding 400 vehicles, including a Rolls Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S600. He is widely known in Indian media as the "billionaire barber."
How did Ramesh Babu start his car rental business?
In 1993, Ramesh Babu bought a Maruti Omni van and began renting it out, marking the start of Ramesh Tours and Travels. He initially drove the vehicles himself before expanding his fleet and hiring drivers, later adding luxury vehicles starting with a Mercedes-Benz E-Class in 2004.
Does Ramesh Babu still work as a barber?
Yes. Despite owning a large luxury car fleet, Ramesh Babu is widely reported to still offer haircuts at his salon, Inner Space, reflecting his stated motto of "Work is Worship."
How big is Ramesh Babu's car fleet today?
Media reports place his fleet at over 400 vehicles, including roughly 120 luxury cars such as a Rolls Royce Ghost, Mercedes-Maybach S600, BMW 7 Series, Audi A7, and Jaguar XF, though exact figures vary across reports and years.