Jharkhand truck driver’s YouTube fame outshines day job with bigger paycheck
PTC News Desk: Rajesh Rawani, a seasoned truck driver with 25 years of experience on India’s roads, has recently gained fame as a YouTuber, leveraging his passion for cooking to become an internet personality. Based in Jamtara, Jharkhand, Rawani has amassed an impressive following of over 1.86 million subscribers on YouTube. His newfound fame has also allowed him to purchase a new home, a milestone he achieved with his earnings from the platform.
In a recent podcast with Siddharth Kannan, Rawani shared insights into his financial journey and personal experiences. He discussed how he is building his first home, an endeavour he embarked upon with his YouTube success.
Rawani also opened up about a life-threatening accident that left him with an injured hand. Despite the injury, he continued to drive, driven by the need to support his family and complete his house. He stated that he plans to keep driving as long as his health permits, until the house is finished.
Earnings Comparison: Truck Driving vs. YouTube
When asked about his earnings, Rawani revealed that his income from driving a truck ranges between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month. In contrast, his YouTube revenue fluctuates based on viewership, with monthly earnings ranging from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. His highest monthly earnings on the platform have reached Rs 10 lakh.
Rawani recounted the story behind his viral success, noting that a video featuring a voiceover generated significant interest, leading viewers to request a face reveal. His son then created a video showing Rawani’s face, which quickly garnered 4.5 lakh views in just one day.
He attributed much of his success to his family’s support. “We manage both the truck and the YouTube channel together. This achievement would not have been possible without the help of my family,” Rawani said.
Reflecting on his past, Rawani shared that he grew up in Jharkhand in a family of five. His father, also a truck driver, was the sole breadwinner, sending Rs 500 per month to support the family. Despite financial hardships and frequent borrowing, Rawani’s perseverance has led him to significant achievements today.
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