Few can rival the wildly successful Virgin Atlantic Airways chairman in flamboyance, theatrics, showmanship, audacity or entrepreneurial success.

Nor has anybody had as much fun on his way to becoming a billionaire.

Now he plans to take India by a storm.

Branson says that India and Britain must have a proper 'open skies' policy that will lead to airfares dropping and more cities could be served. He also said that Virgin Atlantic should be allowed to fly anywhere in India.

Branson atop a buggy in front of the Gateway of India in Mumbai, along with four airhostesses of Virgin Atlantic Airways on Friday.

Photograph: Jewella C Miranda