Bengaluru barber buys Maybach for Rs 3.2 crore

he legendary barber Ramesh Babu, who gives haircuts for Rs 75 and collects luxury cars that he rents out too.

Ramesh’s latest acquisition, the Mercedes-Maybach arrived last month. After Vijay Mallya and a builder, he is the only other person in the city known to have imported this car. The other standouts in his fleet include a Rolls Royce, 11 Mercedes, 10 BMWs, three Audis, and two Jaguars.

Ramesh’s journey is as awe-inspiring as his cars are. Like he has been doing every day for the last 30 years, Ramesh, owner of Ramesh Tours and Travels, spends at least five hours daily in his salon at Bowring Institute. He personally styles the hair of his regular customers. As a professional barber, he doesn’t want to forget his roots. But unlike others, he can be spotted driving to work in his egg-white Rolls Royce Ghost.

The 45-year-old bought his Mercedes-Maybach last month with his own money, supplemented by a huge bank loan. His earnings from the salon are modest, but Ramesh, who networks well with the rich clientele, has built a lucrative luxury car rental business.

Vijay Mallya has the same car but in a golden colour and after he went to London, his car was never seen in Bengaluru. Some say it has been sold, others claim it has been parked in UB City.

“It gives me a high to know that I’m the only other person after Mallya and a builder to own a Mercedes-Maybach,” beams Ramesh.