For Rajesh Rawani, the open road has always been home. A seasoned truck driver and now a celebrated YouTuber behind R Rajesh Vlogs, his journey embodies resilience, reinvention, and the spirit of a self-made man.
Rajesh’s love for trucks began early, fueled by his father, who was also a driver. “I didn’t start behind the wheel, though,” he shares. “I worked as a mechanic first, learning how engines breathe. After my father passed away, I became a cleaner to support the family. It was two hard years before I finally got to drive my first truck.”
By the mid-1990s, Rajesh had his own number plate, driving a six-wheeler and transporting coal from Dhanbad to Nagpur. “On the return trip, I’d bring back oranges, onions, or whatever goods were available,” he recalls. “Back then, Jharkhand was still part of Bihar, and the roads were nothing like they are today.”
For nearly three decades, Rajesh drove for the same company, mastering routes, building trust, and hauling everything from coal to perishable fruits. The challenges were immense. “There were no cold storage facilities then. If oranges or grapes were delayed, they’d spoil, and we’d bear the loss. Sometimes, we drove 24 hours straight to meet deadlines,” he recounts.
In the last year and a half, Rajesh now 48, has taken the leap to independence, driving his own truck. “It’s a single Eicher Pro 5016 truck, and I transport FMCG goods like biscuits, chips, and soaps. Owning my vehicle gives me the freedom I never had before. I decide my routes, my timings. For festivals, I make it a point to come home,” he says with pride.
Driver’s Seat to Camera Screen
But it’s not just driving that keeps Rajesh on the move. His second passion, vlogging, has turned him into a household name among truckers and fans alike. The idea, he says, came from his children. “When I’d cook in my truck’s cabin or relax by a river, my kids started to show them what I am doing, where I am put up. I recorded those moments and they uploaded them to YouTube. People loved it. They said, ‘Dad, this is fascinating! Show them more.’”
Managing both driving and vlogging was initially tough, with Rajesh uploading one video every few days. Then his eldest son, Sagar, stepped in. “Sagar began documenting everything—what I eat, where I park, the challenges I face. It’s raw, real, and people connect with it,” he explains.
His channel, with 21.8 lakh subscribers, not only sheds light on the life of a truck driver but also challenges stereotypes. “Drivers get a bad name for drinking or misbehaving, but not all of us are like that. I don’t smoke or drink. I’ve also focused on educating my kids, ensuring they graduate and work hard,” Rajesh says, breaking the stigma around his profession.
Through his vlogs, Rajesh has inspired countless others. “Some drivers started their own channels after watching mine. They call me for tips or just to share their progress. It’s fulfilling to see them succeed,” he says, his face lighting up with a smile.
Despite his fame, Rajesh remains grounded. His videos are edited at home by his three sons, and he alternates between using a mobile phone and a camera to shoot. “There’s no big team—just us. It’s a family effort,” he emphasizes.
The respect Rajesh receives from viewers is a far cry from the struggles he highlights in his videos. “Drivers are the backbone of the economy, yet we’re overlooked. Governments collect taxes through our work, but we get no pensions or proper benefits.”
Looking ahead, Rajesh dreams of expanding his transport business and mentoring the next generation. “I want to teach my son everything—from handling police to managing breakdowns. Trucking is tough, but with the right approach, it can also be rewarding.”
Rajesh’s story is more than a tale of perseverance; it’s a testament to the power of adaptability and hope. Whether he’s driving down winding highways or sharing his life through vlogs, Rajesh Rawani is raging a trail, one kilometer—and one video—at a time.
“We are truly inspired by Rajesh Rawani and honored that an Eicher Pro 5016 truck has been his chosen companion. His journey from driver to truck owner and a social media vlogger embodies the spirit of determination and reflects Eicher’s philosophy of progress embodied in ‘Nayi Soch, Naye Raaste.’ As with many other driver–heroes on the road who keep India ticking, the Eicher Pro 5016 is more than just a truck for him—it’s a partner that has enabled his independence and prosperity. Rajesh’s perspectives on improving conditions for drivers are invaluable and we hope that his journey inspires many others to take up this profession.”
– Bhagwan K Bindiganavile, EVP, Strategic Planning, Brand and Communications
