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Photo Gallery of Book Launch Events

Invitation card

Display at the launch venue

A talk before the launch

Niel Nitin Mukesh is quite a bookworm

Lutz Kothe shares some thoughts on the author

The author thanking his team and supporters

Media was there in full strength

Bob and Purab Kohli

Niel Nitin Mukesh, Bob and Lutz Kothe

Everone was eyes and ears for the message sent by H.H The Maharaja of Jodhpur

Many guest were engrossed in the book

A live band was there to liven up the evening

And everyone had lots of fun

Film actor Rahul Singh and his wife with Neil Nitin Mukesh

Plenty of good conversations

Lutz catching up with Kunwar Mahipal Singh of Sardargarh

Bob with his assistant Raja

India’s 100 Best Destinations

Speaking at the book launch event at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival, 2013

Book launch by Rahul Singh Founder Khushwant Singh Literary Festival

The festival is held at the Kasauli Club established in 1880

With fellow author Sardar Kishie Singh

More Driving Holidays in India

Book launch invitation card

The outdoor section of the launch location, is like a miniature forest

The jungle water hole ensured invitees did not go thirsty

Zeenia Patel, the talented designer of the book, at the reception desk that had hosts dressed in jungle khakis

Bob welcoming his sister Nini and her family

Recieving Viveck Goenka, Chairman of the Indian Express Group

Business India Group Head Ashok Advani (left) arrives with Kayus Wadia, copy editor of the book

Bob introducing his friend Rammy (left) to the legendary Nazir Hoosein, organiser of the Himalayan Rally

Rohit Suri, President JLR India, checking out the book before the actual launch

The team from JAK Printers who helped produce the book

Actress Neha Bhasin and Bob had a little talk before the launch

The hall was packed to capacity

Some members of the senior management team from JLR’s U.K office

The Q & A session was kicked off by Hormazd Sorabjee, Publisher and Editor, Autocar India

Actor Rahul Singh also had some queries

The JLR team joined Bob on stage before the launch

Rohit Suri President JLR India released the book

Rohit Suri and Bob

Bob and actress Neha Bhasin, who was the MC for the event

Bob and his niece Anshu

With Swati Khandelwal, well known News Editor & TV Anchor

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the after-party in the outdoor area

Thakur Raghuvendra Singh of Jhalamand (right), travelled from Jodhpur for the event

Rammy and the late Nazir Hoosein

L to R, Gary Lawyer, Commander H.K Singh and Rammy Nagpal

Designer of the book Zeenia Patel (left) with her mother Meheru and sister Parwana

Mr and Mrs Shoaib Kader, owners of the Indian Adventures chain of wildlife resorts

The wildlife themed menu

The live barbecue counters were a big hit

Many compliments were recieved for the innovative menu and delectable food

Chicken Biryani Bandipur had a wild flavour

And the Chicken Corbett had everyone asking for more

Preparing to print

Printed and ready for binding

Book Reading at Pench Tiger Reserve

Drive on the wildside before the book reading

The book reading was in a dry riverbed regularly frequented by wildlife

Bob with Claudio Sillero, Head of Conservation, Born Free

Del Sehmar (left) the senior executive from JLR, without whom this book would not have been possible

These curious spotted deer also dropped in at the book reading

The wildlife safari was a thrilling experience

Bob with wife Madhu

Nahid Bhatena (left) with Madhu Rupani

A bush dinner to celebrate the event

Pench in December gets really cold and this made the campfire even more enjoyable

The jungle barbeque was also delightful

Sitting around a campfire in the wilderness, has a unique charm

Tracking the Tiger

R.C.Bhargava (RCB), Chairman of Maruti Suzuki arriving at Transport Bhawan

RCB with the senior management of Maruti Suzuki

RCB, Nitin Gadkari and Mansukh Mandaviya

RCB gave a very enlightening talk on the relation between roads and the auto industry

Bob spoke about his journeys on the Golden Quadrilateral

He also shared some humourous anecdotes

RCB and Gadkari having an animated conversation

Gadkari spoke about his contribution in the construction of India’s first modern highway network

RCB attentively listening to Gadkari’s future highway network expansion plans

Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Road Transport & Highway also gave a talk

I.V Rao, head of R&D and Director of Maruti Suzuki Centre for excellence was also there along with other senior executives

Customary shot for the media

Gadkari carried a copy to keep in his office

The media wanted RCB’s invaluable views

Unveiling at Le Meridien Hotel, Delhi

Entry to launch event at Le Meridien

R.S. Kalsi Head of Sales & Marketing Maruti with Dr. Raghupati Singhania Chairman & MD JK Tyre

Bob welcoming some guests

C.V. Raman Senior Executive Director Maruti Suzuki with some of his colleagues

L to R- R.S Kalsi, Dr. Singhania, Wing Cdr Nebb and Tarun Thakral, Founder Heritage Transport Museum

R.S. Kalsi spoke eloquently about how good roads are important for a nation’s growth

Dr. Singhania, Wing Cdr Nebb and Tarun Thakral

Bob gave a talk on India before and after its first modern highway network

The very supportive team from Maruti Suzuki

It was a completely packed hall

Bob thanking Wing Commander Nebb for honouring the event with his presence

Wing Cdr Nebb and Bob catching up with Dr. Singhania

R.S Kalsi and Wing Cdr Nebb having a good time

Bob signing a copy for Dr. Singhania

The Golden Quadrilateral

Invitation to celebrate the Royal Life

Rakesh Srivastava and Y J Ahn of Hyundai Motor India with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 tropy that was displayed at the venue

Rakesh Srivastava (left), H.H Rana Manvendra Singh Barwani and Shapur Kotwal, Editor What Car

Bob and his wife Madhu, with Rakesh Srivastava and Kunwar Jitendra Singh

Many aristrocrats graced the event

Madhu Rupani (Right) with Shalu Sainani and Nicky

Nawabzadi (Princess) Aaliya Sultana Babi of Balasinor

An interesting talk before the launch

Rakesh Srivastava, Sr. Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Hyundai Motor India

Bob shares what went into making of the book

The launch event had an elite audience

H.H The Maharaja of Jodhpur Gaj Singhji sent a recorded message that was played before the launch

H.H Rana Manvendra Singh Barwani

Nawabzada Sultan Salauddinkhan Babi of Balasinor

L to R- Rakesh Srivastava, Bob and Y J Ahn

Group shot with some of the royals featured in the book

Gaurav Gill, 3 time winner of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship with Rakesh Srivastava

Rakesh Srivastava and Maharaj Kumar Harshvardhan Singh of Dungarpur

All class and grace

Kunwarani of Kelwa with Maharaj Kumari Priyadarshan Kumari of Dungarpur (Right)

Bob with Gaurav Gill, the only Indian to win the APRC crown three times

Multiple-time Indian National Rally Champion, Hari Singh checking out the book

It gets the rally champs thumbs up

L to R- Cdr H.K Singh, M.K Dungarpur, film actor Rahul Singh and Nawabzada Balasinor

Informal Party After Book Launch

Maharaj Kumar Harshvardhan Singh of Dungarpur with his friend Rajen

Kunwar Jitendra Singh of Kelwa with Bob

L to R- Kunwar Jitendra Singh, Bhanwar Siddharth Singh of Piploda and Thakur Shivraj Sinh of Limdi

Commander H.K Singh (Left) with Alok Rathi

L to R-Nawabzada Salauddinkhan Babi of Balasinor, Cdr. H.K Singh and actor Rahul Singh

L to R- Princess Aaliya Babi of Balasinor, Maharaj Kumari Priyadarshan Kumari of Dungarpur and Bhanwarani Harshita Singh of Piploda

L to R- Namita Velkar, Sanjay and Shalu Sainani

Bob with his assistant Raja

Cdr. H.K Singh and Thakur Shivraj Singh of Limdi

The Chief Chef cum owner Yajush, got complimented for the food

Living the Royal Life-Volume I

Photo Gallery of Memorable Events

All set to drive from Berlin to Bombay via the Silk Road

We drove both on -road and off-road

Many of the highways, especially in countries like Kazaksthan, were completely free of traffic

Driving on the now dry Aral Sea

Bob fell in love with Uzbekistan

The Range Rover Evoque was the official vehicle of the Expedition

The Silk Road once connected China and India to Rome

Uzbekistan is full of lovely monuments

Anyone for Aladdin’s magic lamp

Bob really enjoyed the long driving hours

And felt honoured that the organisers had put his legal name just above his driving seat.

The participants were stuck for more than 12 hours at the Kazakhstan- Uzbekistan Border

The customs official kept the cars and participants in the fenced no mans land between Kazaksthan and Uzbekistan

Punctures were a pain, especially when you had to replace the tyres at night

Bob loved sleeping under the stars in his sleeping bag and never used the tent

With the remarkable Russian made Antonov AN-2

15 countries, 11,000 kms- now thats what you call a drive

The father of the Indian samosa- baked somsas in Uzbekistan

Fuel was not easily available in some Central Asian countries

Bob with his German co-driver Hennings Luke

All cars regrouping near the Bandra Worli Sealink Mumbai before to driving to the finish

Bob was delighted to show Hennings and the other participants his city

Arriving at the finish at the Police Gymkhana, Mumbai

Bob was the only Indian invited to be part of this event

The grand finale

Silk Road Route map

The Silk Road Expedition (2013)

Driving across the Great Australian Desert – it does not get better than that

The Australian bush is beautiful

Road surveyor Len Beadell made the tracks to be as straight as a gun barrel

Camp getting ready to roll at 6.00 am- the regular starting time.

Look at what is written on the ground

Land Rover Experience Tour Australia 2015

But vehicles often got stuck in the soft sand. Sand rails, man power and winches all were used

One had to keep a lookout for ruts. A participant broke the suspension after hitting one at high speed

You were almost always struggling for grip and had to be really sensitive with the throttle

Bob’s bush bedroom, the tents the Aussies call a swag

The tents or swags had to be strapped to the roof

Bob with his Land Rover Discovery Sport

All cars had a special accessory to monitor tyre temperatures and pressures

Punctures were the biggest problems with some teams having well over a dozen

Cuts in sidewalls were a common complaint

Drivers briefings were short, but packed with good advice

At places where the bush was too thick, we had to hack our way through

Even in the middle of nowhere, you can find such warning signs. Amazing

Night driving was tough and many got lost too wherever the GPS mapping was off the mark.

No pollution and no habitation in the Outback, means its only a world of starry starry nights

Bob really enjoyed the long hours of driving

The Australian Bush is the ‘fly capital’ of the world. They are all over and even get into your mouth if you are not careful while eating

The ‘Fly Net’ was Bob’s constant companion as the Australian Outback is the ‘fly capital’ of the world’

The bush also has the world’s biggest colony of termites

Bob with Henning- his German co-driver on the Silk Road 2013 Expedition

The expedition’s ‘Mother Ship’ – the six-wheel drive truck, even had an onboard refuelling station!!!

The camps had proper dining facilities with each vehicle carrying its own folding table and chairs

The support truck carried all kinds of frozen meat in its big refregirator for the – Bush Barbecues

All helped with chopping, cooking, cleaning dishes, etc

The expedition ‘Master Chef’ at work

Feast in the bush-rice, chicken, prawns, veggies and of course pudding

Bob with a local resident in one of the small villages they went through

At one of the campsites they even had a shower!!!What magic to see water come out of a pipe

An Aboriginal bushman in western dress

A small gas station in the bush

Our Mother Ship getting re-stocked. Water also came in the plane and was the most vital thing in the bush

Every night was a party. In the centre is Doctor Dominic- fortunately nobody fell sick on this expedition.

This is a wildlife rich region

Bob saw this monitor lizard and also some snakes

Camping on the banks of Lake Mackay- a huge salt lake

At the famous Ayers Rock

The drive was mainly in restricted areas requiring special access permits

Farewell party on a sand dune overlooking the amazing Ayers Rock

Farewell party on the dune

Mission accomplished. Celebration time. Bring on the bubbly

An indigenous Australian playing the wind instrument didgeridoo. In the backdrop is the Ayers Rock

The Chief Minister who came to the finish was very down to earth and without any security

With Dag Rogge, Expedition Leader

Bob’s luxurious toilet travelled from Bombay to the Australian Bush. He left it at the last campsite and hopes to revisit it again someday

It was truly the best way to ‘Discover the Australian Outback’

Australia Expedition (2015)

The Rubicon Trail is possibly the toughest and most difficult off-road track in the world

Bob drove this Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and was most impressed

The suspension is as flexible as a yoga guru

Bob is amongst a handful of Indians to have driven the Rubicon Trail

View from Bob’s windscreen

More views from Bob’s windscreen

Many of the drops were really scary and at time you needed nerves of steel

Driving needed concentration and feathering of the throttle and brakes

Correct wheel placement was also very important

At times you needed a spotter guide

Relishing the challenge

Convoy crawling along

Bob’s tent complete with a comfortable folding cot and sleeping bag

The team from Jeep had even put up his legal name to help Bob locate his tent

Hot shower in a camp- what more can you ask for

The camp even had a shower area

Our temporary tented town

There was even a talented piano man

And a campfire with live music

This cowboy sang the best of country songs

The camp was difficult to reach so supplies came in a chopper

The food at the camp was freshly cooked and delectable

The weather was extreme, hot in the day and cold at night

The Rubicon is the ultimate test of man and machine

Just look at that wheel articulation. Amazing

Bob enjoying open top off-roading in one the best SUVs in the world

The tyres play a very important role on the Rubicon Trail

Happiest behind the wheel

Partying on the rocks

Bob’s delighted he has driven the Rubicon Trail

Driving the Rubicon Trail (2018)

Getting prepared. Bob and Suvir with their Isuzu Trooper prior to the start of the expedition

All set for the Himalayas

Crowd watches as Bob makes his way down into the riverbed

This is one of the most difficult things ever attempted by Bob

Safely down into the riverbed

Now begins the challenge of picking the right path and driving upstream

So tough was this task that it took almost 12 hours to cover just 4 kms

Taking a break. Note the back lumbar support belt-very essential for serious off-roading

Bob’s tent right besides the fast flowing Ganga

All vehicles were fitted with this state of art GPS navigation system.

Suvir and Bob had a super time on this expedition

Bob just loved the tiger theme graphics on all participating vehicles

On few sections they also encountered heavy snowfall

Bob and Suvir with Team Japan at a monastery in Ladakh

A really beautiful located campsite

Bucket bath at the campsite

Convoy regrouping time

The expedition also went to the Rezang La

Being at this war memorial was a very emotional experience

The friendly locals were excited to meet the participants

Quite a few participants got high atitude sickness and needed oxygen

Each participating vehicle carried two oxygen cylinders

Great bonding of good friends

Back then this was a big achievement

In those days, the road to Khardung La was narrow and broken

It was wonderful to drive amidst the clouds

All vehicles carried extra tyres and fuel in red jerry cans

Memorable group photo

Bob collecting his certificate and greeting the organisers at the finish

Isuzu Challenge (2001)

The event started and finished at the majestic Bensberg Castle in Germany

Bob participated in this VW Beetle from the Hollywood film series Herbie

About 70 classic machines took part in this prestigious rally

An all woman team

The legendary Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Sports cars to limousines, all were there

Children also took a keen interest in the classic cars

Jacky Ickx, former F1 driver and 6 times winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans, was also a participant

Hans-Joachim Stuck, former F1 driver and twice winner of Le Mans, took part too

Lining up for the start

The Bensberg Castle was packed with classic cars and car enthusiasts

This all girl team even dressed in period Lufthansa crew uniforms

Time for flag-off

Bob’s Beetle on the flag-off ramp

Engine of Bugatti being hand cranked

The event exuded lots of class and elegance

And of course beauty

An early BMW 328 with aerodynamically shaped body

Bob and his team did well and at one time were even running 6th overall

There goes Bob in Herbie

Now that’s a real engine

Events like the Bensberg Classic are all about great cars and happy people

Competition badge in his legal name

Bensberg Historic Rally(2011)

Detailed pre-event inspection

Lined up for the start next to a canal

Bob is ready for the flag-off

German auto journo Tim Westermann was his co-driver

They drove this rare 1973 VW K70 that was in showroom condition

Bob and Tim with the team from the Volkswagen Classic Museum

The seasoned control marshalls knew how to make themselves comfortable

Participants waiting outside a control

This was the only Indo German team on the event

This 1973 VW K70 was in showroom condition

Many amazing cars like this Alfa Romeo Montreal took part

The friendly couple in the Fiat 500 also wore retro dresses

Tim drove on the first two days, and Bob for the next three days

And they went to some really spectacular places

Both Bob and Tim pushed quite hard

And were able to keep up with some far more powerful cars

Striking a pose

Many villages in Germany have such quaint welcome boards

Another one for the camera

Tim looks on as their car gets some gas

Informal drivers briefing

Cleaning headlights for the night section

Bob does the same with the windscreen

The Indo German Team in a pretty town square

The town square was taken over by classic cars

The 1000 kms long route went through some really attractive countryside

Time for a selfie

They made a good team

And had a really awesome time

3101- Bob’s competition badge

Crème 21 Youngtimer Rallye (2014)

Bob’s competition number was 26 and here he is putting the stickers before the start

Checking out the showroom condition 1977 VW Scirocco that had done less than 500 kms

The sporty Volkswagen Scirocco with its direct steering and sharp handling was a treat to drive

Bob met his navigator Carolin just an hour before the start and here they are holding the road book

Bob is grateful that Volkswagen Classic invited him to drive their Scirocco in this event

Informal particpant briefing before the start

Participants and organizers posing for the offcial camera just prior to the start

Participants and their cars were properly introduced before being flagged off

Bob and Carolin on the red carpeted starting line

All set to go. Three,two, one

Bob thoroughly enjoyed driving the Scirocco

And Carolin did a great job of navigating

The event had lots of skill tests and games

Like getting a model car to stop in the marked slot

And throwing newspapers into a bucket from a moving car

Bob hit the bulls-eye in the game of darts

Carolin holds the cylinder head while Bob tries to fit the spark plugs

Some participants also wore perfect period dresses

Bob and Carolin were the only Indo German team

At the end of Day 1 they were in 2nd position and were given many goodies

Carolin and the pretty German countryside

The route was scenic and had some super driving roads

The cars were both old and youngtimers with the cut-off manufacturing year being 1995

Fragrance of flowers and a lovely classic car- what a charming combination

Bob and Carolin made really a good team

Carolin’s navigating board complete with stop watch

Just another shitty day, in paradise

Oldschool girls had a lot of fun in their head turning hot rod

Though these two met just before the start, many mistook them as a regular team

Bob believes the best way to see the world is through the windscreen of an automobile

The finishing line also had a red carpet

Celebrations and greetings on the finishing line

Post event party for the Indo German Team

There was plenty of the famous German beer

And also one of Bob’s favourite dishes-currywurst with fries

Bob’s event identity tag

Rallye 604 (2015)

First view of the Polar region from the flight

This driver training programme was held on frozen lakes

The Audi A4 Quattro all-wheel drive was the official event vehicle

He is driving car No 5

That is the view from Bob’s windscreen

He is gradually learning new driving skills

By day 2 he is able to slide and drift with confidence

Even when he is out of the car, Bob practises giving opposite lock

Yes that’s the way to do it

Restaurant where meals were served

His car had a snow bath

Snow covered wheels and tyres

Bob’s gotten used to the cold and is actually enjoying it

Mobile refuelling truck arrives

The oganizers move about on state of the art snowmobiles

The snow tyres are fitted with studs for better grip

View from Bob’s hotel room window

Polar Drive (2010)

Bob with Björn Waldegård, 1979 World Rally Champion and four times winner of the legendary Safari Rally

A delighted Bob at the starting ramp of the Safari Rally in Nairobi, Kenya

Bob and Asif drove over almost the entire rally route in a first generation Range Rover loaned to them by Jay Mehta

Mechanics trying to repair rally leader Weber’s VW Golf. He dropped out due to transmission problems

Back then the Safari Rally was run on open public roads and always attracted crowds

Enthusiastic specators cheering for a particpant. Note the Indian ladies standing by the side of the road

Some Masai tribal warriors that Bob and Asif met in the African Bush

Bob was also thrilled to meet many of his heroes including, Hannu Mikkola

After the finish of the rally, they also enjoyed many of the local delicacies

Bob is comfortably perched to view the rally cars

In 1990, he drove over the rally route in an Isuzu Trooper

Breakfast in the bush, while waiting for the rally cars

Bob is possibly the first Indian to have covered a WRC event. That too way back in 1988

And he loved being at the event so much, that he went there in 1990 too

He had access to most of the areas

Safari Rally (1998 & 1990)

Cruise on River Thames an evening before the event

Windsor Castle, home of The Queen is the largest occupied castle in the world

Windsor Castle hosted a classy concourse in 2012

Windsor Castle Concourse of Elegance 2012 was held to mark 60 years of the Queens reign

The Queen still uses this 1949 Rolls-Royce, which was given the red carpet treatment

This is the 1969 Aston Martin that the Queen gifted Prince Charles on his 21st birthday and he still drives it

An ex-Maharaja of Jaipur Bentley was also on display

When the previous owner gets more prominence than the present one

Bob was overjoyed being amongst some of the finest vintage cars

Even the Queen’s ceremonial horse carriage was on display

Majestic setting for a meal. Complete with model car

The Queen’s Guard marches by

Many invitees came in their Sunday best

Some cars were as vintage as this lady and both looked equally elegant

There could not have been a grander setting for this classic car event

And people went all out to ensure their cars were also looking grand

The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas was there too

Today both India and Britain have Gurkha Regiments and their war cry Jai Maha Kali, Ayo Gorkhali chills the blood of the enemy

Windsor Castle Concourse (2012)

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a must visit for any motorsport lover

Bob was elated at being at Le Mans

He had access to most areas and this is the view from the lounge

Being on the lower deck got you closer to the action

Strategy and teamwork are very vital at this 24 hours endurance race

Porsche has a longstanding association with this incredible and unique race

Watching what’s happening in the pits, is as much fun as what happens on the racetrack

The Ferrari Team is known for its well orchestrated pit stops. Note the insulated fuel reservoir

Le Mans also has many options for shopping and entertainment

The lounge also had a slot racing arena where Bob had a lot of fun

The lounge served excellent food and drink too

The portable device that lets one watch live action throughout the race

Access pass for Audi lounge, pits and camp

And this gave free access to other areas

24 Hours of Le Mans (2007)

Bob was elated that he got to drive to Goodwood in this Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Roadster

Going to Goodwood in true classic style in the world’s first ever supercar

There are times when the pleasures of the drive, are equal to the delights of the destination

Goodwood is where you can see such legendary cars in action again

And even the rarest of rare compete at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

You also get to see and meet lots of former racing drivers and champions

Its delightful to watch vintage race cars being pushed to the limit

Goodwood is a great gathering of legends

The hay bales at Goodwood are reminders of the racetracks of yore

Great to see Indian racing driver Karun Chandok being asked for autographs

Goodwood also has a large shopping section

Automotive artists also display and sell their paintings

This festival attracts a large audience of automotive enthusiasts

They also have an exhibition of vintage and classic cars

The London Eye provides one of the best views of this historic city

And Bob also went for a ride on this revolving observation wheel

Goodwood Festival of Speed (2012)

It’s not every day that you get invited to the Ferrari Headquarters

And obviously Bob was ecstatic to be there

He got a guided tour of the fantastic factory

And saw from up close how meticulous is the manufacturing process

He also went to the classic section

And checked out the restoration facilities for classic cars

He was shown Ferrari’s collection of racing cars too

And he could not resist posing with some of them

That’s where he stayed

Maranello is synonymous with Ferrari

At Ferrari’s World Design Contest

Later he went to the Ferrari restaurant

No visit to Maranello can be complete without some Ferrari souvenirs

Inside the Ferrari shop. Note the Prancing Horse

The Prancing Horse is seen all over Maranello

There are also many places where you can rent a Ferrari

Going on a drive from the reception area inside the Ferrari Factory

All set to go on that dream drive

Steering that makes one feel special

Memorable Events

And was filled with joy and jubilation

The Ferrari Museum houses many masterpieces

The World Design Contest showcased lots of young talent

Badge saying- Guest of Ferrari

Ferrari Factory & Museum Tour (2012)

Email: bobrupani@gmail.com

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