Ritu Rathee Biography: Pilot, YouTuber, and Inspiration
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- July 8, 2025
Ritu Rathee, born November 20, 1990, in Nindana, Haryana, is an Indian commercial pilot, YouTuber, and social media influencer. Known for co-running the Flying Beast YouTube channel with her husband, Gaurav Taneja, she inspires millions with her aviation career and family vlogs. This Ritu Rathee biography explores her early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, showcasing her journey of breaking stereotypes.
Ritu Rathee’s Early Life
Growing Up in Haryana
Born into a conservative Haryanvi family, Ritu Rathee faced societal pressures against educating girls. Her parents, however, supported her ambitions. Raised in Nindana village with her brother Prateek and sisters Nisha and Seema, she excelled in math and science, sparking her interest in aviation after a friend’s suggestion.
Education and Pilot Training
Ritu studied at Blue Bells Model School in Gurugram and earned a B.Sc. in Chemistry from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi. Determined to become a pilot, she convinced her father to use her wedding savings for training in Arizona, USA. She completed her aviation training in 2013, defying family objections and societal norms.
Ritu Rathee’s Career Growth
Rising in Aviation
After training, Ritu Rathee returned to India and joined IndiGo Airlines as a co-pilot in 2014. Her hard work led to her promotion to captain, flying Airbus A320s. Her aviation career, earning ₹4–5 lakh monthly, showcases her skill in a male-dominated field. She balances flying with her digital career, inspiring women in aviation.
YouTube Stardom with Flying Beast
Ritu co-manages the Flying Beast YouTube channel, launched in 2017 with Gaurav Taneja. With over 9 million subscribers by 2025, their vlogs on family life, travel, and fitness resonate globally. She also appeared on The Thugesh Show (2023) and Smart Jodi (2022), boosting her fame. Her authentic chemistry with Gaurav drives their success.
Struggles and Down Phases
Financial and Personal Losses
Post-training, Ritu faced a tough aviation job market, working part-time jobs like teaching for ₹12,000 monthly to support her family. The loss of her mother to a brain hemorrhage during this period added emotional and financial strain. She rode a Karizma bike daily from Gurugram to Delhi to make ends meet.
2024 Marital Controversy
In September 2024, rumors of Ritu’s separation from Gaurav surfaced after her emotional video at a Bhajan Marg satsang, hinting at infidelity. The viral clip sparked public scrutiny, with netizens accusing Gaurav. This led to a dip in her online engagement, as fans speculated about their marriage.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Despite challenges, Ritu regained her footing. In October 2024, she posted a Divorce Reality Check video on Instagram, defending Gaurav and addressing societal judgment. The couple clarified their commitment, quashing rumors. Her role in Panchayat Season 3 (2024) as a guest and their New York Fashion Week appearance as the first Indian creators in 2024 cemented her fame.
Current Status and Influence
Multifaceted Influence
As of June 2025, Ritu Rathee boasts a net worth of ₹2–5 crore from YouTube, brand deals with Olay and L’Oréal, and her pilot salary. With 1.7 million Instagram followers, she inspires women through vlogs on parenting, fitness, and aviation. She reduced flying hours to focus on motherhood and content creation but remains a captain.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Married to Gaurav Taneja since February 5, 2015, Ritu is a mother to daughters Kairavi (Rasbhari) and Chaitravi (Pihu). The couple launched Rosier Foods in 2025, promoting healthy products. A devotee of Radha Rani, Ritu supports girls’ education, raising ₹51,000 for a chaiwala’s daughter in 2020. Her resilience inspires millions.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Tomboy Persona: Rode a Karizma bike during financial struggles.
- Charity Work: Funded education for underprivileged girls.
- TV Debut: Appeared on Smart Jodi with Gaurav in 2022.
- Viral Vlog: Haryanvi Jat Girl Struggle hit 5 million views.
- Spiritual Side: Follows Premanand Maharaj for guidance.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ritu Rathee Taneja |
| Born | November 20, 1990, Nindana, Haryana, India |
| Profession | Commercial Pilot, YouTuber, Influencer |
| Notable Work | Flying Beast, Smart Jodi, Panchayat Season 3 |
| Marital Status | Married to Gaurav Taneja (2015) |
| Net Worth | ~₹2–5 crore ($240k–600k, 2025) |
| Awards | New York Fashion Week Creators (2024) |
Conclusion
This Ritu Rathee biography highlights a journey of grit and passion. From defying stereotypes in Haryana to becoming a pilot and YouTube star, Ritu Rathee overcame financial struggles and public scrutiny to shine. Her 2025 influence, balancing aviation, motherhood, and Flying Beast, inspires millions, proving determination can soar above challenges.
