“The best part about my job is meeting people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a quick chat or a long ride across the city, I’ve genuinely enjoyed it for 35 years. Looking back, life wasn’t always about the meter. As a teenager, I dreamt of the big screen. I used to go for junior artist auditions at Krishna Nagar, hoping for a break, but reality hit hard when family responsibilities took over. My father saved up a small sum to send me to Hyderabad, and I had to choose survival over the spotlight.

I learned to drive in six months—back then, petrol was only 3 rupees! I started with a rented auto and watched this city transform. I remember when Raidurg and Gachibowli were just barren lands; now, they’re tech hubs that never sleep.
It’s been a long journey, and it’s not always easy. When the April sun hits 40°C and those hot winds blow through the cabin, the exhaustion is real. Every auto driver in Hyderabad knows that heat. It’s a struggle to keep going, but apps like Ola and Uber have at least made the bookings more consistent for us.

Despite the daily grind, I make it a point to offer free rides to pregnant women and those who are differently-abled. It’s my way of giving back to the city that gave me a life when nothing else worked. I might not have become a movie star, but on these roads, I found a reason to live wholeheartedly.”