Gaurav Taneja, better known to his 3.4 million YouTube subscribers as “Flying Beast, is also a full-time airline captain by profession.
Gaurav, an IIT Kharagpur alumnus with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering, juggles his aviation career with two of India’s largest YouTube channels.
Gaurav’s YouTube Vlogs
Flying Beast and Fit Muscle TV together attract over 33 million monthly views; in 2019 alone, Flying Beast amassed more than 293 million views, making it the country’s top vlogging channel that year. A certified nutritionist and competitive bodybuilder, Gaurav has secured multiple national and state bodybuilding titles.
His other vlog, ‘Rasbhari Ke Papa,’ initiated on July 8, 2020, is dedicated to gaming content and rapidly gained a substantial subscriber base.
He has produced several popular vlogs, including “John Abraham Shows his Bike Collection,” “Best Flight as a Captain,” and “This Custom Made Personal Gift Made Her So Emotional.”
In an interview with Raj Shamani published October 16, Gaurav recounted that he was terminated from AirAsia for raising safety issues and noted that regulators later echoed his concerns. Instead of retreating, he pivoted fully to digital content and now claims to earn more each month than the CEO.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Transitioning fully into digital content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gaurav expanded his entrepreneurial pursuits by co-founding BeastLife, a fitness and lifestyle brand, and Rosier Foods, known for products like organic ghee.
The Shark Tank Episode Controversy
On Shark Tank India, Gaurav pitched a fitness‑and‑lifestyle venture but clashed with the Sharks over valuation and strategic vision. Mittal’s remark that Gaurav was ill-prepared struck a nerve; the two walked out after failing to agree on terms. In the days following the broadcast, both Gaurav and his partner have publicly critiqued the show’s format and defended their business acumen.
Gaurav’s journey exemplifies adaptability and determination, transitioning from an aviation professional to a successful content creator and entrepreneur while navigating challenges and controversies in the public eye.
The Achievements
Gaurav has excelled in bodybuilding, securing the title of Mr. Delhi in 2014 and competing nationally for four years. He has also amassed millions of subscribers and established himself as a leading fitness and lifestyle influencer in India.
His contributions have been recognised with awards, including the Best Lifestyle Blogger – Male at the 2020 Bollywood Life – Instagram Awards and a nomination for Best Fitness Blogger at the 2023 Bollywood Life – Social Media Awards. Additionally, he was honored at SheThePeople’s Digital Women Awards for his brand “Flying Beast.”
The Life Lessons
Gaurav emphasises the importance of pursuing one’s passions, noting that engaging in work aligned with one’s interests prevents feelings of fatigue and fosters dedication. He also understood that success isn’t solely defined by financial wealth but varies based on individual aspirations and contentment.
Additionally, Gaurav underscores the value of resilience and adaptability, advocating for unwavering commitment to one’s objectives while remaining flexible in tactics and being hands-on in every endeavor. Collectively, these insights underscore his belief in passion-driven work, personalised definitions of success, and the necessity
