A Himalayan Dreamer in the Heart of China: The Rise of Dev Raturi
Once upon a time in the remote village of Kemsiya-Saur in Tehri Garhwal district, nestled amidst the mighty Himalayas about 120 km from Dehradun, a boy named Dev Raturi was born to a humble farmer’s family in 1976. Growing up in the laps of the serene “Pahad” (mountains), Dev was an ordinary boy with an extraordinary dream. A fervent fan of the legendary Bruce Lee, Dev was enchanted by the glitz and glamour of the film industry, not knowing that his destiny was also intricately tied to it.
Upon finishing 10th grade, the call of responsibilities led Dev to the bustling city of Delhi, away from his peaceful village. A series of odd jobs followed, but Dev’s spirit remained undeterred. He tried his luck in Bollywood in 1998, only to face rejection. But this did not dampen his spirit. Instead, it fuelled his resolve to carve his path, leading him to learn martial arts and return to Delhi to work.
In a surprising turn of events, Dev decided to move to China in 2005. He began his new life humbly, serving as a waiter in an Indian restaurant in Beijing. However, the boy with big dreams had his eyes set on the stars. Through relentless perseverance and dedication, Dev climbed the ladder of success and by 2007, he was managing a German restaurant. His hard work earned him the position of area director in a hospitality chain in 2010. Life seemed to be on an upward trajectory, but the best was yet to come.
After a brief return to India to get married in 2011, Dev embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in China by opening his Indian restaurant named Red Fort in Xi’an city, Shaanxi province, in 2013. Another restaurant followed in 2015, but the defining moment came in 2016. Dev’s childhood dream materialised when he was offered a role in a Chinese film, “Special SWAT”. Despite playing a villain, his performance garnered praise, marking the turning point of his career.
Dev’s inspiring journey continued to bloom. His performances in over 20 films, TV shows, and web series were highly appreciated, with his roles ranging from police officer to astronaut, special forces officer, and doctor. His TV series “My Roommate is a Detective” became the most popular web series in China in 2020.
Even amidst his soaring success, Dev never forgot his roots. Living in China for 15 years, he still held dear his “Pahad” and India. Dev made it his mission to promote his country’s rich culture and traditions among the Chinese. Through various cultural events at his eight restaurants across China, he became a bridge between the two cultures.
Despite the challenges, Dev never faced any antagonism in China, even during the recent border conflict. His next goal? To contribute to a collaborative film project between India and China, highlighting the cultural richness of both countries. And as a tribute to his homeland, he aspires to invest around ₹500 crore in India, especially in Uttarakhand.
Dev Raturi’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the courage to tread an unfamiliar path. From a small village in India to the bustling cityscapes of China, from a simple waiter to a celebrated actor, Dev’s journey is a beacon of inspiration to many. His tale underscores the belief that no matter where you start, with passion and determination, you can touch the stars.
