Bengaluru-based Benny Prasad is a gospel musician who’s also credited with inventing a “bentar”, a cross between a bongo and a guitar. Prasad’s claim to fame, however, is something else entirely—he holds the record for being the fastest man to travel 245 countries. It’s not a recent feat; that distinction came back in 2010. Last month, however, a video of him nonchalantly flipping through his stack of 16 Indian passports gained 10 million views within 24 hours of posting. At an age where there are so many ways one can go viral, this one seems more than justified.
It’s a bizarre twist for the 50-year-old who, at 19, had suffered a personal crisis stemming from severe illness and academic failure. It was then that he turned to his faith, picked up the guitar, practised seven hours a day, and began touring as a musician.
By 2002, Prasad decided that he wanted to take his music around the world, so he set a goal to tour all nations by 2010. In 2006 he entered the Limca Book of Records for being the “most travelled Indian musician”. Soon, he set the other, more enviable record: the fastest man to visit all 245 nations (we are talking 194 sovereign states, 51 dependent territories, and, yes, even Antarctica) in six years, six months, and 22 days.
But honestly, the record isn’t even the wildest part. Prasad says he’s not a fan of sightseeing, hates shopping, never books a hotel, and packs a super-light travel wardrobe comprising just five shirts, two pants, and a single pair of slip-on Skechers. He’s anyone but your average travel influencer.
In a given year, he spends nine months living out of a suitcase, and the remaining chasing stamps at the visa offices. But the irony is hard to miss: For a guy who doesn’t like to make day-to-day itineraries, he sure loves to plan the countries he’s going to cover—a year in advance.
And that’s not all. After he returned from his world travels, Prasad had another idea: he pooled in his savings to open Chai 3:16, a Bengaluru cafe dedicated to helping depressed and lonely youth. It’s a safe space run by him and his team of counsellors and volunteers, where people can walk in and find somebody to talk to. They only serve chai, and a friend who really listens.
Below, excerpts from our conversation:
You created a record for the “fastest man to travel 245 countries” in 2010. So, how come you’re going viral now?
[Laughs] Oh, that is a mystery even I am trying to figure out. But when I was invited by the World Travelers Meet in Portugal, they were astonished by the passport. I have 16 passports, and they couldn’t imagine it. Most of them thought I started off as an Indian and then changed my citizenship and got an American passport. So, when they all saw this Indian passport, they were fascinated. Most of them had never seen these visas that I have. One of the girls there just took a video of my passport and posted it. Nobody expected that this would go viral.
How did you manage it financially?
This is the million-dollar question everyone keeps asking me. I stayed with families wherever I went. I did not book hotels—I asked friends or mutuals if there was an extra room I could stay in. I would eat what they eat, and live how they live. No host family hates that. My flights I would mostly book with the money people donated to my concerts.
Do you prepare your own itineraries?
I don’t prepare anything when I leave the country. I just go there and tell the host families to do it for me. It’s full of surprises and, because I’m not prepared, it adds adventure to the whole thing. I just tell them sightseeing is my last priority, the first being getting to actually know them.
Which country have you visited most frequently?
I’ve been to Singapore about 70 times, because it’s such a transit point and I have so many friends. Plus, it’s such a small country; even if you have a three-hour layover, you can still go out, meet friends, and come back.
What’s your preferred mode of travel?
My preferred transport is the cheapest mode of transportation. I’ve tried everything except submarines. I have gone by boat to Pitcairn Island. I have gone on a horse carriage from Raxaul to Chitwan, and even gone on foot from Spain to Gibraltar.
What are the two things you never do in any country?
I never shop; that’s one. Two is—I would not say I never do—but I never want to go to an Indian restaurant. Otherwise, it’s an expensive dosa to eat in Scotland and then you complain how bad it is. [Laughs]
Any local food that you absolutely loved?
I loved the tom yum clear soup in Thailand, chicken rice in Singapore, and the fondue and raclette in Switzerland.
Which shoes do you carry?
I normally wore Nike. Now I use Skechers slip-on shoes. It’s much easier; I don’t have to bend to put them on, and zero maintenance is always the best for me.
Is it satisfying to hand your passports to the immigration officers?
Oh, I love it! You should come once with me; you would just enjoy their expressions. If it’s a grumpy officer, seeing so many passports, he’ll tell me, “Don't come as a family; come one person at a time.”
Who’s your travel partner?
I always travel solo.
Have you ever encountered pickpockets?
Once in Peru, my friend Marcus was supposed to pick me up. I couldn’t find him, so the airline counter called him and found out he had a flat tyre. Suddenly, a random guy came up and said, “Are you Benny? Marcus is waiting outside.” I went out, but the guy was using a walkie-talkie and talking in Spanish. I knew Marcus, and this was not him. The guy insisted, “Marcus is waiting on the other side; he asked me to escort you.”
I said no and rushed back inside. The counter staff warned me: “Don’t go anywhere! It is very dangerous.” When my friend finally arrived, I told him what happened. He said, “Benny, this is extremely dangerous. There are people who do this, take your passport and belongings, and just throw you on the road.”
Where do you get your shirts from?
They’re from Maria Clara, who runs Qalam Batik in Hyderabad. So, almost 80 per cent of my wardrobe is by her. They are all batik shirts with themes—it can be about a pan flute or a guitar. Each one becomes a conversation starter. All my shirts are custom-made. So many people ask, “Where can I get them?” and I say, “You cannot get it; there’s only one piece of this.”
What’s the maximum number of days you’ve spent in a country? And what did you do?
I spent a month in the US travelling to different cities for concerts—honestly, I’m the most boring tourist ever! I visited NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nashville, Miami, Santa Fe, Dallas, Phoenix, and LA.
Which is the best country to explore on foot?
England, specifically London. The layout is well-mapped, the sites are all close to each other, and the metro system is convenient.
Which country has the friendliest people?
I’d have to say Brazil. Even though there was a language barrier and I needed a translator, the people were really helpful—you can strike up a conversation with a total stranger, and they will take time out of their day to show you around.
Which country has the most uptight people?
I think France. They can be unfriendly to tourists—they often refused to help me with directions or sometimes would just walk out on a conversation.
Which is the best place for nightlife?
Although I’m not a nightlife person, Singapore has the best nightlife. It’s very lively and super safe—you can enjoy your night out without worrying about being followed or pickpocketed.
