It all started with a simple toy helicopter. A young boy in Surat, Gujarat, received it as a gift from his father, not knowing that this tiny flying machine would spark a passion that would eventually change his life. That boy was Arth Chowdhary, and what began as childhood fascination soon turned into a mission—one that would lead him to build a revolutionary drone manufacturing company.
A Childhood Passion That Took Flight
Some kids dream of becoming astronauts, some want to be doctors, but for Arth, it was all about flying. Airplanes, rockets, helicopters—anything that soared through the sky captured his imagination. Initially, he dreamed of becoming a pilot, but as he grew older, his ambitions shifted. It wasn’t just about flying anymore; it was about creating the technology that made flight possible.
His entrepreneurial spirit showed early. In college, he was eager to start something of his own, but like many young dreamers, he faced financial constraints. When he approached his parents for a loan, they hesitated. Instead, they gave him ₹3,500 to attend a drone workshop. What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. With the knowledge he gained, he built his first drone and sold it for ₹10,000. That wasn’t just a successful sale—it was proof that he was onto something big.
Building a Business That Solves Real Problems
One of the biggest issues faced by farmers is exposure to harmful chemicals while spraying pesticides. Arth saw an opportunity to make a difference. Instead of simply following traditional business paths, he co-founded a drone manufacturing company in 2000 with two friends, starting with just ₹5,000. Their goal? To create drones that could help farmers spray pesticides from a safe distance, reducing direct chemical exposure and making agriculture more efficient.
From a small idea to a massive impact, the company grew beyond expectations. Today, it stands as a ₹150 crore business and has even earned its founders a spot on the Forbes Under 30 list. But for Arth, success has never been just about money or recognition—it’s about innovation, solving real problems, and making a difference in people’s lives.
The KBC Experience: Facing Big B and a Tough Question
Life has a way of presenting unexpected opportunities, and for Arth, one such moment was sitting across from Amitabh Bachchan on the set of Kaun Banega Crorepati 16. It was a surreal experience—one of those moments that felt like a dream.
With confidence, he tackled question after question, using his lifelines wisely. But then came the ₹25,00,000 question: Which English word did Mahatma Gandhi misspell in high school? With no lifelines left and unsure of the answer, he made a smart decision—to walk away with ₹12,50,000 rather than risk losing everything. Later, he found out that the answer was kettle.
However, beyond the game, what truly left an impression was Amitabh Bachchan’s humility. At one point during the show, Arth asked for water. To his surprise, Mr. Bachchan himself handed it to him, along with tissues. Overwhelmed by the gesture, Arth remarked, “Sir, main Mahakumbh toh nahi gaya, par aaj meri tripti ho gayi hai.” (Sir, I haven’t been to the Mahakumbh, but today I feel fulfilled.)
Looking Ahead
The story doesn’t end with KBC. Arth and his team have set their sights on an even bigger goal—taking their company public with an IPO by 2030. While on the show, he jokingly invited Amitabh Bachchan to invest in the company, to which the legendary actor replied with a smile, “Socha jaayega iske baare mein.” (I’ll think about it.)
From a small toy helicopter to building a game-changing drone business, Arth’s journey proves that dreams, when paired with relentless hard work and a vision for the future, can lead to extraordinary success. The sky, after all, is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.
