INTERVIEW – BGMI fan Karan Kargwal on building a real-life buggy, rooftop struggles, viral fame, and more

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Story Highlights

  • Karan Kargwal built a real-life BGMI buggy from scratch on a rooftop in Rajasthan.
  • Balanced a full-time railway job while building his passion project every weekend.
  • Gained over 220K followers as his rooftop buggy build went viral on Instagram.

Karan Kargwal, an enthusiast of Battle Grounds Mobile India (BGMI) and a technician for Indian Railways, has garnered nationwide attention by constructing a genuine, lifesize replica of the game’s famous buggy entirely on his own, using only hand tools. Originating as a pastime during weekends at his humble residence in Sri Ganganagar, this DIY project has since exploded into a popular Instagram series boasting over 200,000 followers.

During our conversation with GamingonPhone, we delved deeper into Karan’s remarkable journey, the hurdles he encountered along the way, and how KRAFTON’s Beyond Battlegrounds initiative is propelling his visionary project towards its completion.

The love for BGMI and the inspiration

Similar to numerous others, Karan embarked on his Battlegrounds Mobile India adventure amidst the COVID-19 lockdown. He connected with his friends digitally, and what initially seemed like leisurely play soon evolved into a genuine passion for the game.

During that time, Battlegrounds Mobile India felt like so much more than just a game for him. It became our means of connection, and as the days passed, he found himself increasingly captivated by it.

In the game, it was the buggy that caught his eye above all other vehicles. The excitement of racing it in competitions ignited a creative spark – what if he could build this experience into reality? With this notion and a vague image in his head, the dream began its initial journey.

Building a Buggy on a rooftop

On weekends, despite maintaining a full-time job in Delhi, Karan would return to Sri Ganganagar to continue working on the construction project. The entire undertaking was carried out within the confined space of his home’s rooftop, as the scorching desert heat tested Karan’s resilience.

In his own words, he mentions that despite limited space, the terrace served as his makeshift workshop. His family was instrumental in his journey, with his parents and brother offering constant support during the highs and lows, always urging him on. Initially, he breathed new life into the engine of his cherished motorcycle, a project he refused to part ways with.

Furthermore, what lay ahead was far from simple. Procuring suitable components, navigating cramped areas, and enduring an injury to his left hand were all considerable challenges for Karan. Remarkably, he still bears a scar on that hand as a testament to one of the accidents. Yet, rather than deter him, this ordeal motivated him to christen his Buggy “Wolf.

Capturing the journey, vlogging and viral growth

Karan found himself drawn to vlogging since day one, which made him effortlessly share his experience on Instagram. Over time, he started uploading frequent updates – showcasing advancements, obstacles, and candid backstage glimpses.

Initially, his growth was gradual, but then his follower count suddenly increased dramatically, which he remembers as happening almost instantly. He reflects, “It went from 50,000 to 100,000, and that’s when I realized people were truly resonating with my story.” As of writing this, Karan has amassed over 200K followers on Instagram alone.

As our community expanded, we received a wealth of suggestions. People offered ideas about the engine, color choices, and mechanical adjustments. However, Karan remained committed to his initial vision for the build. As he explains, ‘I valued feedback immensely, but this project was my personal dream. I ensured it retained my unique touch, with contributions from those closest to me.’

Inspiring creativity in many, a journey worth documenting

Karan’s tale underscores the fact that gaming can foster true-life imagination. When prompted about how games transcend mere amusement, Karan underscored the significance of enthusiasm. In his own words, “Interest is key first. Then it’s all about dedication and faith in what you’re pursuing.

Apart from his railway technician background, he acknowledges that the hands-on knowledge gained from a previous welding class played a crucial role in turning his concept into reality. This practical skillset essentially served as the connecting link between his professional past and his creative odyssey.

Karan demonstrates that unwavering resolve can overcome obstacles. His transformative story, spanning his rise from a humble welder in a small town to an internet phenomenon, transcends the realm of gaming. It’s about defying expectations, following one’s passion, and crafting something that resonates with others.

KRAFTON has come on board to help complete the last installment of Karan’s Instagram series, “Beyond Battlegrounds.” This buggy project had its climactic end, symbolizing Karan’s journey that transcends gaming boundaries. Many look up to him as an inspiration, and we wish him nothing but success in his future ventures, as his story underscores the profound impact of gaming off-screen.

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2025-08-08 09:51