Astrotalk founder and CEO Puneet Gupta recently shared a light-hearted anecdote that went viral across social media, offering a humorous glimpse into how perceptions shift when money enters the conversation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gupta recounted how his newly hired driver’s demeanor changed dramatically after overhearing a phone call involving a ₹100-crore business deal. The incident, which unfolded over the course of three days, has since become a trending topic, highlighting the intersection of entrepreneurship, wealth, and everyday human reactions.
Gupta, who built Astrotalk into one of India’s leading astrology platforms, said he hired a driver for the first time. The first two days were uneventful, with the driver treating him like any other employer. But on the third day, after overhearing a high-stakes phone call, the driver rushed to open the car door for Gupta, visibly more respectful and deferential. “He realised bada banda hai,” Gupta quipped, capturing the moment with humor and humility.
📊 Timeline of Puneet Gupta’s Viral Driver Anecdote
| Day | Event Description | Driver’s Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Driver hired, normal behavior | Casual, professional |
| Day 2 | Routine commute, no change | Neutral |
| Day 3 | Driver overhears ₹100-crore phone call | Rushes to open door, visibly impressed |
| Day 4 | Gupta shares story on X | Post goes viral |
The post received thousands of likes and retweets, with users praising Gupta’s storytelling and relatability.
🧠 What the Incident Reveals About Perception and Status
| Insight | Interpretation Summary |
|---|---|
| Money Shapes Perception | People often reassess others based on financial cues |
| Entrepreneurial Visibility | Success stories resonate more when shared authentically |
| Humor in Leadership | Gupta’s tone reflects humility despite scale |
| Social Media Virality | Relatable content drives engagement |
Gupta’s anecdote underscores how quickly social dynamics can shift based on perceived status.
🗣️ Reactions from Social Media and Business Circles
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Startup Founders | “This is every founder’s journey in one story.” |
| Investors | “Puneet Gupta’s storytelling is as sharp as his business acumen.” |
| Astrotalk Users | “Now we know our astrologers are backed by a bada banda!” |
| General Public | “This is the most Indian CEO story ever.” |
The incident has sparked a wave of memes, jokes, and admiration across platforms.
📈 Astrotalk’s Growth and Business Milestones
| Year | Milestone | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Astrotalk founded | Bootstrapped launch |
| 2020 | Crossed ₹50 crore revenue | Pandemic-driven growth |
| 2023 | Expanded to global markets | UAE, UK, US presence |
| 2025 | ₹100 crore deal discussed | Strategic partnerships |
Astrotalk’s rise reflects the growing demand for tech-enabled astrology services in India and abroad.
🧭 Puneet Gupta’s Entrepreneurial Journey
| Phase | Description | Key Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | IIT graduate, corporate stint | Analytical, ambitious |
| Startup Launch | Founded Astrotalk after personal experience | Visionary, risk-taker |
| Scaling Up | Built team, raised capital, expanded reach | Strategic, resilient |
| Public Persona | Shares stories, engages with users | Authentic, humorous |
Gupta’s blend of tech savvy and emotional intelligence has made him a standout figure in India’s startup ecosystem.
📌 Conclusion
Puneet Gupta’s viral story about his driver’s reaction to a ₹100-crore phone call is more than just a funny anecdote—it’s a reflection of how success, humility, and storytelling can intersect to create moments that resonate with millions. As Astrotalk continues to grow, Gupta’s ability to connect with audiences through humor and authenticity will remain one of his greatest assets. And for the driver? He now knows he’s driving a “bada banda.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available social media posts, interviews, and business data. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute financial or personal advice.
