A Mumbai-based cab driver has gone viral on social media after sharing how he earns nearly Rs 2 lakh a month, turning what many assumed was a regular driving job into a thriving small business.
The story
surfaced through a viral Instagram post shared by content creator @caleb_friesen, who documented a candid conversation with the driver during a ride.
According to Friesen, he casually asked the driver how much he earned, expecting an ordinary answer. Instead, the driver claimed he makes around Rs 2 lakh per month and went on to explain the entrepreneurial journey that helped him reach that figure.
Sharing the clip, Friesen wrote, “Asked a cab driver how much he earns. He told me Rs. 2 lakh. Then he explained how he makes so much. The answer he gave genuinely gave me goosebumps.”
During the conversation, the driver explained that while his work had been difficult, he had chosen to build his own business rather than remain solely dependent on a salary.
Referring to his first vehicle as the foundation of his venture, he described how he gradually expanded his operations by acquiring additional cars and allowing other drivers to operate them.
Drawing inspiration from large business groups, he said that successful companies also began on a small scale. Using Reliance as an example, he noted that major enterprises do not emerge overnight and often start with modest beginnings before growing steadily over time.
When asked whether starting a business was risky, the driver dismissed the idea. According to him, taking calculated risks is essential in life, as depending entirely on employment can become uncertain later in life. He argued that building something of one’s own provides greater long-term security.
The driver further revealed that he follows a revenue-sharing arrangement with drivers operating his vehicles. According to his explanation, a car can generate around Rs 5,000 in a day, with earnings divided after accounting for expenses such as fuel.
He claimed that his overall monthly profit is close to Rs 2 lakh, although a significant portion goes towards loan repayments and vehicle EMIs.
What resonated with many viewers was the driver’s reflection on his educational background. He said he had completed engineering but felt that earning Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 per month through a conventional job would not justify the money and effort invested in obtaining his degree. As a result, he chose a different path and focused on entrepreneurship.
Towards the end of the interaction, Friesen praised the driver’s mindset, saying India needs more people willing to build their own dreams rather than spend their lives building someone else’s. The driver responded by encouraging people to create their own identity and pursue independent ventures.
The video quickly gained traction across social media, sparking a lively debate among users.
Not everyone was convinced by the driver’s claims. One user commented, “He can’t even speak clearly, how did he become an engineer 😭”
Another wrote, “Although i would praise the driver, but not happy with the language skills, especially after completing Engineering, as per his claims. Not good.”
Asked a cab driver how much he earns.
He told me Rs. 2 lakh.
Then he explained how he makes so much. The answer he gave genuinely gave me goosebumps. pic.twitter.com/JhPnw00XSw
— Caleb (@caleb_friesen) June 1, 2026
Others focused on the motivational aspect of the story. One user said, “Wow! What a wonderful real-life motivational video to watch on a Monday morning. I just saw it, and it’s truly inspiring. I especially loved how casually he said at the end, “Build your own label.” Thanks for sharing this wonderful video @caleb_friesen👏🤝”
A fourth commenter viewed the driver differently, writing, “Hes not the driver, he is a businessman.”
Meanwhile, another user offered a more nuanced perspective, commenting, “He won’t agree that we should have more people like him (drivers) in India, the earnings will decrease and competition will increase. Founders for other start ups are risky without having proper knowledge and energy to run through, driving is calculated risk though since there is disciplined support provided by Uber, Rapido, etc.”
