Gaurav Taneja Biography: The Rise of Flying Beast
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- July 4, 2025
Gaurav Taneja, born on July 9, 1986, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, is a renowned Indian YouTuber, commercial pilot, and fitness enthusiast known as Flying Beast. With over 8 million subscribers, he shares vlogs on aviation, fitness, and family life. This Gaurav Taneja biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, rise to fame, current influence, and lesser-known facts, showcasing his inspiring journey.
Gaurav Taneja’s Early Life
Growing Up in Kanpur
Born to Yogendra Kumar Taneja, a retired bank officer, and Bharti Taneja, a teacher, Gaurav Taneja grew up in a middle-class family in Kanpur. With a sister, Swati, he was an active child, inspired by Bollywood star Salman Khan to pursue fitness. His early love for sports and bodybuilding shaped his future passions.
Education and Pilot Dreams
Gaurav excelled at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. After scoring a rank of 184 in the JEE, he studied civil engineering at IIT Kharagpur, graduating in 2008. Despite family financial constraints, he pursued his dream of becoming a pilot, training in the USA and earning a commercial pilot’s license.
Gaurav Taneja’s Career Growth
Aviation Career
In 2011, Gaurav Taneja joined IndiGo as a first officer, becoming a captain by 2014. He later moved to AirAsia in 2019. Alongside flying, he pursued bodybuilding, winning gold medals in state-level competitions. Additionally, he became a certified nutritionist and personal trainer, showcasing his multitasking ability.
YouTube Journey
In 2016, Gaurav launched FitMuscle TV, sharing fitness tips. His engaging style led to the creation of Flying Beast in 2017, focusing on daily vlogs, aviation, and family life. Later, Rasbhari Ke Papa, a travel and gaming channel, further expanded his reach. By 2025, Flying Beast had 8.21 million subscribers, making him a top Indian YouTuber.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Career Challenges
Gaurav faced hurdles early on. Financial struggles prevented immediate pilot training, forcing him to work as a flight instructor in 2009 during a global recession. Balancing aviation and bodybuilding was tough, as long hours limited his gym time, testing his discipline.
Controversies and Setbacks
In 2020, Gaurav was suspended from AirAsia after raising safety concerns, leading to his exit. In 2022, his claim that havan counters pollution sparked backlash on X, with critics questioning his IIT credentials. That same year, Noida police arrested him briefly due to a chaotic birthday crowd, adding public scrutiny.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Despite setbacks, Gaurav bounced back. His Flying Beast channel hit 1 million subscribers in 2019, earning a YouTube Gold Play Button. His authentic vlogs, featuring wife Ritu Rathee and daughters Rashi and Pihu, resonated widely. In 2022, he and Ritu became the first Indian content creators to walk at New York Fashion Week. His 2023 Aasman Mein Bharat mission, drawing a 350 km Indian map in the sky, went viral, boosting his fame.
Current Status and Influence
YouTube and Lifestyle Icon
As of June 2025, Gaurav Taneja boasts 8.21 million subscribers on Flying Beast, 2.1 million on FitMuscle TV, and 1.24 million on Rasbhari Ke Papa. His net worth, estimated at ₹37–41 crore, comes from YouTube, brand deals with OnePlus and Flipkart, and merchandise. He owns a ₹7 crore Delhi home and luxury cars like a Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Gaurav, married to pilot Ritu Rathee since 2016, shares family moments with daughters Rashi and Pihu. He advocates for fitness, aviation safety, and child education, engaging fans through live streams. Despite occasional X criticism over personal vlogs, his relatable content inspires millions.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Salman Fan: Inspired by Salman Khan’s physique for bodybuilding.
- World Record: His channel gained 1 lakh subscribers in 98 minutes.
- Obama Meeting: Met Barack Obama in 2019 with Ritu.
- Aasman Mein Bharat: Drew India’s largest sky map in 2023.
- Fitness Guru: Won multiple state-level bodybuilding medals.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gaurav Taneja |
| Born | July 9, 1986, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Profession | YouTuber, Commercial Pilot, Nutritionist, Bodybuilder |
| Notable Work | Flying Beast, FitMuscle TV, Rasbhari Ke Papa, Aasman Mein Bharat |
| Spouse | Ritu Rathee (married 2016) |
| Net Worth | ~₹37–41 crore (2025) |
| Awards | YouTube Gold Play Button, State-Level Bodybuilding Medals |
Conclusion
This Gaurav Taneja biography highlights a journey of passion and resilience. From a pilot facing financial and professional hurdles to a YouTube icon, Gaurav Taneja built a ₹41 crore empire through Flying Beast. His fitness advocacy, family vlogs, and bold initiatives like Aasman Mein Bharat continue to inspire, making him a beloved figure in India’s digital space.
