From Auto Driver to Millionaire: Jaipur Businessman Spends Rs 31 Lakh on VIP Number Plate for Son's Luxury Audi

Taneja's remarkable journey began from humble origins as an auto-rickshaw driver.

Jaipur:

A Jaipur entrepreneur with humble beginnings as an auto-rickshaw driver has recently invested Rs 31 lakh to secure a prestigious VIP registration number for his son's luxury vehicle.

Rahul Taneja, renowned for his affinity for exclusive number plates, acquired Rajasthan's most expensive vehicle registration number—RJ 60 CM 0001—from the Jaipur Railway Transport Office for his son's Audi RSQ8. Transport officials have confirmed that this record-setting registration number was obtained through a competitive bidding process.

Taneja's life story represents a remarkable transformation from driving an auto-rickshaw to becoming a successful businessman. Born in Katra, a small village in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district, he faced significant hardships during his childhood. His father earned a living by repairing bicycle punctures while his mother worked as a field laborer. At just 11 years old, Taneja began working as a waiter at a roadside eatery in Jaipur's Adarsh Nagar.

For two years, he served refreshments before transitioning to street vending to support his family financially. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early as he sold seasonal items—firecrackers during Diwali, colors during Holi, and kites for Makar Sankranti. Throughout the next five years, he managed multiple jobs simultaneously, including selling comics during summer months, delivering couriers, distributing newspapers, and handling rental advertisements.

By age 16, Taneja had begun driving an auto-rickshaw at Jaipur's Durgapura railway station during evening hours from 9 pm until midnight.

At 19, having accumulated sufficient savings, he established a small automobile dealership called Car Palace in Jaipur's Sindhi Colony. Concurrently, he explored modeling as a career and won several prestigious titles including Mr Jaipur, Mr Rajasthan, and Male of the Year 1999. While his fashion endeavors provided visibility, his business aspirations remained his primary focus.

In 2000, Taneja launched an event management company named Live Creations, followed by IndianArtist dot com in 2005, an artist management agency with operations in Mumbai. Ten years later, he expanded into luxury wedding planning with Rahul Taneja Premium Weddings. His business ventures prospered, establishing him as one of Jaipur's most distinctive entrepreneurs.

However, what has maintained his public profile is his fascination with unique vehicle registration numbers. In 2011, he purchased RJ 14 CP 0001 for his BMW 7 Series, spending Rs 10 lakh—a record in Rajasthan at that time. Seven years later, in 2018, he invested another Rs 16 lakh for RJ 45 CG 0001 for his Jaguar XJL.

This year's acquisition holds special personal significance. His son Rehan, currently 17, celebrates his 18th birthday on November 16, and Taneja decided to present him with the Audi RSQ8, complete with the prestigious VIP registration number.

Taneja revealed that seven years ago, when he purchased the Jaguar, he made a promise to his son that upon turning 18, he would gift him his dream car.

When questioned about whether allocating Rs 31 lakh for a vehicle registration number seemed excessive, Taneja responded with a smile:

"I prioritize living in the present moment. I pursue what brings me joy today. My happiness is derived from seeing my son happy. My son finds happiness in cars and special registration numbers. Therefore, I don't believe I need to overthink doing something that contributes to my son's happiness."