Soorarai Pottru is hands down one of the best films that were released this year. Based on Captain GR Gopinath’s ‘Simply Fly’, the Suriya-starrer mesmerized the viewers with an impeccable conceived piece of cinema.
Ever since Soorarai Pottru hit the bullseye, many have been talking about the inspirational tale of Mr. Gopinath. Although the film had taken into account only a few pages of the Captain’s life, there are plenty of interesting details about the Air Deccan founder’s life that were not showcased. Of course, Soorarai Pottru is just the story of his entrepreneurial life but had they shown these ten below details as well, the film could have had impressed the audience more.
Captain Gopinath joined school directly in 5th standard
It is said that Mr. Gopinath’s father did not believe in the system of the school, and was resolved to teach him at home. Nonetheless, he did make it to a school, albeit directly to fifth class.
Mr. Gopinath’s father was a novelist
Different in the film, Captain Gopinath’s father Ramaswamy Iyengar was a Kannada Novelist. He was a school teacher and had an immense impact on the ideologies and thoughts of Mr. Gopinath.
Source: Wikipedia
A sericulture farm
Back in the day, this idea had actually become popular across the state. The ecologically sustainable sericulture farm that he set up also brought him many laurels. This feat was also covered in many news magazines then.
An Enfield dealership
Before he dealt in things that could fly, Mr. Gopinath had tried his hands at on-road automobiles too. Called Malnad Motorbikes, the venture was an Enfield dealership.
The man had also laid his hands in the hospitality business
Always a man of a vision, Mr. Gopinath had even opened a hotel before pursuing his own airline company. The hotel that he started was based in Hassan.
VRS with Rs 6500
It is said that when he quit the army at the age of 28, his gratuity was Rs 6500. Well, that shows the commitment he had towards his dreams.
Bagged the Civilian Award by the French Government
For his exemplary achievements, Mr. Gopinath was conferred with the “Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur”, the civilian award that is conferred by the French Government.
An helicopter service
Much before he launched a low-cost airline, Mr. Gopinath had started a helicopter charter service in 1997. It was called as Deccan Aviation.
APJ Abdul Kalam’s statement
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam once stated that Captain GR Gopinath’s autobiography Simply Fly must become a textbook in management institutions.
The political career
In 2009, he contested as an independent candidate to the Lok Sabha from Bengaluru South. In 2014, Aam Aadmi Party provided him a ticket to contest in the Lok Sabha Elections. Both occasions, he was not successful with the result.
Source: Wikipedia
