Dhruv Rathee’s journey from a small-town boy in Haryana to a global digital voice is inspiring. He turned his passion for learning into a mission for truth.
Despite facing criticism and controversies, he has remained committed to his values.
By using simple language, logic, and research, he has made complex issues easier for millions to understand.
Whether you agree with his opinions or not, there is no denying the impact he has had on India’s digital and political landscape.
His journey is far from over, and his voice continues to be one of the strongest in India’s online public discourse.
Who is Dhruv Rathee?
He is an Indian YouTuber, social media influencer, and political activist known for his educational and fact-based videos on political, environmental, and social issues.
He creates content mainly in Hinglish, a mix of Hindi and English, and has gained a massive following for his analytical style, critical thinking, and fearless commentary.
As of mid-2025, he has over 36 million subscribers across all his YouTube channels and more than 7 billion total views.
He is currently based in Berlin, Germany, and continues to play an important role in shaping online discourse around Indian politics and global issues.
Early Life & Background of Dhruv Rathee
He was born on October 8, 1994, in Rohtak, a city in the Indian state of Haryana. He comes from a Hindu Jat family and was raised in a well-educated household.
His parents, Mahavir Rathee and Urmila Rathee, encouraged him to explore science, current affairs, and social issues from a young age. He also has a sibling, although he chooses to keep their identity private.
His childhood in Haryana was filled with curiosity and learning. This background laid the foundation for the kind of informed and thoughtful content he would go on to produce later in life.
Dhruv Rathee Education
After completing his primary and secondary education in Haryana, Dhruv moved to Germany at the age of 17 to pursue higher studies. He joined the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, one of the top technical universities in Germany.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, followed by a master’s degree in renewable energy engineering.
His academic background helped him develop a logical and structured way of thinking, which is reflected in his videos.
During his student years in Germany, he also developed a deep interest in politics, environmental issues, and the power of digital platforms to educate and inform.
Dhruv Rathee YouTube Journey
He started his YouTube channel in 2013 while he was still studying in Germany. At first, he made videos about technology and environmental topics which reflects his academic interests.
But in 2014, everything changed when he posted a political video analyzing the performance of the Indian government.
This video went viral and marked the beginning of his career as a political commentator. Over the years, Dhruv shifted his focus toward current affairs, social justice, and government accountability.
His content stood out because of his calm tone, strong research, and simple explanations of complex topics.
Dhruv Rathee Growth & Expansion
As his main channel grew in popularity, Dhruv decided to expand his content into different formats.
In 2018, he launched a second channel called Dhruv Rathee Vlogs, where he shares travel experiences, often with his wife Juli Lbr.
This channel offers a lighter side of his personality and allows followers to see more of his daily life and international adventures.
In 2022, he started his Shorts to share quick, informative videos in under a minute. These short videos helped him reach a wider audience, including younger viewers and those with shorter attention spans.
He has also collaborated with global platforms like Deutsche Welle for travel shows and hosted a podcast called Maha Bharat with him on Spotify.
In 2023, he introduced his own educational initiative, Dhruv Rathee Academy, in collaboration with Nas Academy, offering courses on productivity and time management.
Dhruv Rathee Language Expansion
In April 2024, Dhruv announced the launch of five new YouTube channels to publish his content in regional Indian languages.
These included Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, and Kannada. This move helped him connect with people from different linguistic backgrounds and make his educational content more accessible.
Personal Life of Dhruv Rathee
Dhruv met his wife Juli Lbr in 2014 while traveling on a tram in Germany. They both were 19 at the time and commuting to their respective institutions.
Their friendship soon turned into a strong bond, and they were in a relationship for several years before getting married.
In November 2021, Dhruv and Juli tied the knot at Belvedere Palace in Vienna, Austria. They later held a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony in 2022.
Juli, who is a German citizen and a medical student, often appears in Dhruv’s vlogs and shares a strong interest in travel and learning.
The couple welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in September 2024. Dhruv now lives in Berlin, balancing his professional work online with family life in Europe.
Dhruv Rathee Content Style & Mission
He is known for his factual, data-driven videos. He often covers political events, historical issues, social injustice, and environmental topics. His goal is to help people understand the world better through clear and unbiased information.
He uses simple language, logical reasoning, and verified sources to break down complicated subjects. Over the years, he has covered everything from demonetization and election results to climate change and global conflicts.
Despite criticism, Dhruv believes in staying committed to truth and reason. His mission is not to support any party or ideology, but to challenge misinformation and promote critical thinking.
Dhruv Rathee Political Views & Shift in Ideology
Interestingly, Dhruv was once a supporter of the Bharatiya Janata Party and Narendra Modi during the 2014 Indian general elections.
But after observing the government’s policies and performance over time, his views changed. He became critical of the BJP and its promotion of Hindutva ideology.
He has been vocal about issues like demonetization, censorship, communal violence, and the role of biased media. His videos often challenge powerful narratives and spark public debate.
Dhruv Rathee Controversies & Criticism
His bold commentary has made him a target of several controversies. Over the years, he has been involved in disputes with political supporters, corporations, and even fellow YouTubers.
In 2022, one of his videos about the Pakistan political crisis was blocked in India due to a disputed map.
In 2023, he faced a copyright case from the company Dabur over a video about harmful ingredients in cold drinks. A court ordered social media platforms to remove the video.
In 2025, he faced backlash from the Sikh community for using an AI-generated image of Sikh gurus in one of his videos. The video was taken down after strong public objections.
Other online influencers like Elvish Yadav and Flying Beast have also clashed with Dhruv over his political views.
Some accused him of being biased, while others claimed he was spreading negativity. Dhruv has always responded with facts and defended his right to free speech.
List of Dhruv Rathee Controversies
1. Criticism of BJP and Narendra Modi
Once a supporter of Modi in 2014, Dhruv later became a strong critic of the BJP government, often calling out its policies like demonetization, censorship, and media manipulation. This earned him the label of being “anti-national” by some right-wing supporters.
2. Blocked Video on Pakistan Political Crisis (2022)
A video he posted about the political crisis in Pakistan was blocked by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The video allegedly showed a distorted map of India, marking parts of Kashmir as “disputed”.
3. Dabur Copyright Case (2023)
He faced legal trouble from Dabur after posting a video titled “The Dark Side of Cold Drinks”, where he blurred their Real Juice brand. The Calcutta High Court ordered social media platforms to remove the video after a copyright complaint.
4. Backlash After Pahalgam Terror Attack (2025)
After the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistani news channels aired clips of Dhruv’s video criticizing Indian security lapses. This led to backlash in India, with many accusing him of giving Pakistan “ammunition”, though he claimed the clips were misused.
5. AI-Generated Sikh Guru Thumbnail Controversy (2025)
Dhruv faced outrage from the Sikh community for using AI-generated visuals of Sikh gurus in a video titled “The Rise of Sikhs”. Visual representation of Sikh gurus is strictly forbidden in Sikhism. After criticism from SGPC and Sikh groups, the video was taken down.
6. Clash with Elvish Yadav
Elvish, a popular influencer, accused Dhruv of being a paid AAP supporter. In response, Dhruv released a counter-video with evidence. The controversy turned into a major online feud, exposing deep political divides on YouTube.
7. Conflict with Flying Beast (Gaurav Taneja)
After Dhruv questioned Sadhguru’s tweet about changing India’s name to Bharat, Gaurav Taneja called him “anti-India” and dragged his wife Juli into the debate. Dhruv hit back, accusing Gaurav of using his family for views.
8. Silent Rivalry with Nitish Rajput
Though no direct conflict exists, fans often compare the two. Dhruv has indirectly criticized Nitish for staying silent on key political issues, calling it “cowardice disguised as neutrality”.
9. Criticism of Abhi and Niyu
Dhruv accused Abhi and Niyu of pretending to be neutral while avoiding criticism of BJP policies. He said influencers have a responsibility to speak truth, not sugarcoat content for brand safety.
10. Bageshwar Dham Video Controversy
Dhruv made a video criticizing Dhirendra Shastri of Bageshwar Dham for promoting superstition and blind faith. He received hate from Shastri’s followers and sections of conservative media.
11. Critique of Animal Movie
Dhruv slammed the Bollywood film Animal for promoting toxic masculinity and violence. This sparked outrage among fans, but Dhruv stood by his words.
Dhruv Rathee Achievements & Recognition
In 2023, Dhruv was listed by TIME Magazine as one of the Next Generation Leaders. He is widely respected for using his platform to fight misinformation and educate the masses.
He has also received YouTube Creator Awards for each of his channels. His main channel earned the Silver Play Button in 2017, the Gold in 2018, and the Diamond in 2023. His vlog and shorts channels have also crossed major milestones.
Dhruv Rathee Net Worth & Income
With millions of views each month, he earns a significant income from YouTube ad revenue, brand collaborations, and other ventures.
As of 2025, his estimated monthly income from YouTube is between 1.5 to 1.9 million dollars.
His net worth is estimated at around 7 million dollars or 58 crore rupees. In addition to YouTube, he earns from public speaking, online courses, and app development.
This financial success shows how content creation can be a full-time career when combined with quality and consistency.
Dhruv Rathee Legacy & Influence
He has changed the way many Indians think about politics, media, and governance. Through his videos, he has empowered people to ask questions, seek evidence, and stay informed.
He is part of a new generation of digital educators who use the internet not just for entertainment but for spreading awareness and truth.
His work has inspired many young creators to take up similar causes and contribute to public discussions in a meaningful way.
Dhruv Rathee FAQs
Who is Dhruv Rathee?
Dhruv Rathee is an Indian YouTuber and political commentator known for fact-based videos on current affairs.
Where is Dhruv Rathee from?
He was born in Rohtak, Haryana, and now lives in Berlin, Germany.
What is his educational background?
He studied mechanical engineering and renewable energy in Germany.
When did he start his YouTube channel?
He started his channel in 2013 while still a student.
What kind of content does he create?
He makes videos on politics, the environment, social issues, and global affairs using simple language and logic.
Has he been involved in controversies?
Yes, he has faced criticism from political parties, religious groups, and rival influencers.
What is Dhruv Rathee’s political stance?
He was once a Modi supporter but later became a vocal critic of the BJP and Hindutva ideology.
Is Dhruv Rathee married?
Yes, he married Juli, a German citizen, in 2021 and they have one child.
How many followers does he have?
As of 2025, he has over 36 million subscribers and 7 billion total views across his channels.
What is Dhruv Rathee’s mission?
His goal is to promote truth, critical thinking, and fight misinformation through digital media.