Anand Mahindra shares viral video of ‘aapda autorickshaw’ on London street; netizens celebrate ‘reverse colonization’ | Today’s news
Industrialist Anand Mahindra shared a viral video of a three-wheeler driving through the streets of central London with a Gujarati-tinged caption — “UK ma riksha aavi gai chhe… Mahindra ni chhe, aapda”.
The viral clip featured a vehicle, believed to be a Mahindra Treo model, maneuvering between cars and cabs, accompanied by playful Gujarati text on the screen inviting people to experience it in London.
It loosely translated to: “Look, a Mahindra rickshaw is now in the UK – and it’s one of ours!”
Netizens react
The sight of a typical Indian tricycle plying British roads prompted a flurry of amused and proud reactions on social media, with many users celebrating “reverse colonisation”.
Taking the export as a funny symbolic milestone, one user wrote: “People in the UK after 200 years are getting a taste of reverse colonisation! Sir, now even in the rain of London a car driver will say ‘Hey sir don’t go that way, traffic is bohot hai!'” Proud moment! Another similarly joked that “the rickshaw on British roads is the most reliable import since tea.”
Many found amusement in the fusion of the two worlds, imagining “an autowala with a British accent”, while another suggested to fellow travelers: “Next time you go to London, take a spin in your own rickshaw!!!”
From a business and branding perspective, netizens praised the automaker’s global footprint. “This is the cheapest advertisement you have been paid for sir. Kudos to the Mahindra group for taking the Bharat brand beyond Bharat,” read one comment.
Pointing to the booming domestic electric car market, a Gujarati user added: “Does London have mr aapdi riksha India k FY26 pehli vaar 8 lakh thi vadhu electric three wheeler vechaya — next stop electric Mahindra riksha nu export?”
However, some users felt the international attention was calling for a modern makeover, with one commenting: “Our humble rickshaw definitely needs a change in the way it looks. A design challenge.”
Mahindra e-rickshaws in the UK
Mahindra & Mahindra will be exporting its electric trikes to the UK from at least late 2021 and early 2022. These vehicles are primarily distributed through specialist local dealers such as Cheshire-based Tuk Tuk (UK) Ltd, commonly known as The Tuk Shop.
Instead of serving as traditional passenger taxis, these exported electric cars are adapted for a diverse range of specialized functions. The cargo-focused variant of the Mahindra Treo Zor is increasingly being used by small businesses for last-mile green deliveries to cities.
Meanwhile, the passenger-oriented Mahindra Treo is becoming popular for promotional activities, hospitality transport and leisure trips. The vehicle’s unique adaptability was further highlighted in October 2022 when Gwent Police in Wales officially added the Mahindra Treo to its fleet, according to a report by The Times of India.
In December 2021, Anand Mahindra took to social media to congratulate the first UK buyers who took delivery from The Tuk Shop, stating that they had “seen the future and it’s electric and three-wheeled”.
