Former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, described Captain Gorur Ramaswamy Iyengar Gopinath as someone who creates new markets and changes values on a large scale. Capt. Gopinath inspired the 2020 Tamil film Soorarai Pottru and its upcoming Hindi remake Sarfira starring Akshay Kumar. The Tamil version won seven National Film Awards, including Best Actor and Actress for Suriya and Aparna Balamurali.
Who is Captain Gopinath ?
Capt. Gopinath, known as the father of Indian low-cost airlines, aimed to make flying affordable for everyone. He ensured tickets were available for just Rs 1, making air travel possible for those who couldn’t afford it before.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1951 in Karnataka’s Haasan district, Gopinath was taught at home by his father, a poor teacher. He joined a Kannada medium school in the fifth grade. At 11, he joined Sainik School, Bijapur, and later cleared the NDA entrance exams. After three years, he graduated from the Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, and served in the Indian Army for eight years, participating in the 1971-72 Bangladesh Liberation War. He retired at 28 to pursue other interests.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Gopinath’s biography, Simply Fly, reveals his diverse ventures including cattle rearing, poultry farming, silkworm farming, motorcycle dealing, hotel ownership, and stock brokering. Inspired by a Vietnamese girl who flew helicopters post-war, he aimed to make air travel accessible to all.
Deccan Airlines
On August 25, 2003, Gopinath launched Deccan Airlines with flights from Bengaluru to Hubbali. The airline targeted middle-class travelers with low fares and grew rapidly, becoming India’s second-largest carrier by 2007.
Film Adaptations
His story inspired Sudha Kongara to create the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru, which won seven National Film Awards. The Hindi version, Sarfira, is set to release on July 12, starring Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Seema Biswas, and Paresh Rawal.
Director’s Perspective
Sudha Kongara admired Gopinath’s perseverance and integrity. In an interview, she highlighted his refusal to bribe officials and his determination to achieve his dreams despite numerous obstacles.
Capt. Gopinath’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and innovative spirit, transforming India’s aviation industry.