Richard Quest discovers Delhi’s vibrant spirit — from viral street chai to the universal language of laughter, led by Guinness World Record Holder Dr. Harish Rawat.
Delhi is known for its energy, colourful streets, delicious food and extraordinary people. But sometimes, the most interesting stories of a city are not found in its famous monuments. They are found in the people who make the city unique.
On 18 August 2025, CNN International’s Quest’s World of Wonder – Delhi, India, featuring renowned journalist Richard Quest, took international viewers on a journey through the many personalities and experiences that define India’s capital.
Among the memorable personalities featured in the programme were Dolly Chaiwala, the internet-famous tea seller known for his distinctive style, and Dr. Harish Rawat, International Laughter Wellness & Spiritual Coach, Guinness World Record Holder and Founder of LOL Yoga Foundation, India.
One brought the excitement of India’s street chai culture to the screen. The other introduced Richard Quest to something even more universal — the power of laughter.
Two distinctive Indian personalities. Two very different journeys. One international platform.
Watch the Original CNN International Video
Quest’s World of Wonder – Delhi, India | Richard Quest | 18 August 2025
Watch the full CNN feature here:
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/18/travel/video/quest-world-of-wonder-delhi-india
Look out for Dr. Harish Rawat’s Laughter Yoga segment, which appears after the Dolly Chaiwala feature.
When Richard Quest Discovered the Sound of Laughter in Delhi
Delhi is often described as loud, busy and full of movement. But during his exploration of the city, Richard Quest encountered a very different morning experience.
It was the sound of people laughing together.
Initially, Richard Quest was sceptical. After all, people deliberately laughing in a group can look unusual to someone experiencing Laughter Yoga for the first time.
But curiosity brought him into the session.
Leading the experience was Dr. Harish Rawat, who introduced Richard to Laughter Yoga through a combination of breathing exercises, stretching, movement and intentional laughter.
As the session progressed, something interesting happened.
What initially felt artificial and unusual began to feel natural. Richard Quest experienced the atmosphere of group laughter and the sense of community that makes Laughter Yoga such a distinctive wellness practice.
His reaction made the segment memorable: it was not simply about watching people laugh; it was about experiencing the practice himself.
Dr. Harish Rawat: The Man Who Introduced Richard Quest to Laughter Yoga
Dr. Harish Rawat, popularly known as Harry Funtoosh, is an International Laughter Wellness & Spiritual Coach and the Founder of Lot of Laughter Yoga Foundation, India.
CNN’s programme introduced him as a pharmacist turned Laughter Yoga practitioner and trainer who has shared this practice with diverse groups, including schoolchildren, politicians and soldiers.
His approach brings together laughter exercises, breathing techniques and positive group interaction.
For Richard Quest, the experience offered an unusual insight into how a wellness practice can bring people together beyond language, age and background.
For Dr. Rawat, it was another opportunity to share his message of happiness, wellness and human connection with an international audience.
Dolly Chaiwala and Dr. Harish Rawat: Different Personalities, One Global Spotlight
One of the interesting aspects of CNN’s Delhi episode is the variety of people and experiences it brings together.
Dolly Chaiwala became widely recognised for his entertaining and distinctive way of preparing and serving tea. His appearance reflects India’s vibrant street culture and the power of social media to turn an everyday activity into a global talking point.
Dr. Harish Rawat represents another dimension of India’s identity — its traditions of wellness, yoga, breathing practices and community connection.
Their journeys are different, but both demonstrate how individual personalities can introduce international audiences to something distinctive about India.
Dolly Chaiwala brings people together over chai. Dr. Harish Rawat brings people together through laughter.
And both remind us that extraordinary stories can emerge from everyday Indian life.
From a 36-Hour Guinness World Record to CNN International
The CNN appearance is an important milestone in Dr. Harish Rawat’s journey of promoting laughter and wellness.
In 2018, Dr. Rawat led the event recognised by Guinness World Records for the Longest Marathon Laughter Therapy Class, lasting 36 hours and 2 minutes, with a team of eight participants.
He has also received recognition in the Limca Book of Records.
Through LOL Yoga Foundation, his initiatives have reached corporate employees, students, senior citizens, NGOs, police personnel, defence communities and other groups.
His work includes:
- Laughter Yoga and Laughter Therapy sessions
- Corporate laughter wellness and team-building programmes
- International Laughter Wellness Teacher Training
- Guided meditation and sound healing
- Community wellness and social initiatives
- Happiness and stress-management workshops
A Mission Beyond Laughter: Depression-Free World and World Peace
For Dr. Harish Rawat, laughter is more than a moment of entertainment. It is a way to encourage positive interaction, human connection and emotional well-being.
Through LOL Yoga Foundation, he continues to work towards his larger mission:
A Depression-Free World and World Peace through Laughter.
His guiding philosophy is:
“Laughter Connects You to the Divine — हास्य आपको परमात्मा से जोड़ता है।”
The CNN feature offered viewers a glimpse of this philosophy in action — a group of people laughing together in Delhi, with Richard Quest experiencing the practice first-hand.
A Proud Moment for Indian Laughter Wellness
Being featured in CNN International’s Quest’s World of Wonder was a significant moment for Dr. Harish Rawat and LOL Yoga Foundation.
The programme brought international attention to a unique Laughter Yoga experience in Delhi and showcased the work of an Indian wellness coach to a global audience.
It also demonstrated that India’s identity is not limited to its monuments, food or traditions. It is equally shaped by the people who share its ideas, creativity and positive energy with the world.
From Dolly Chaiwala’s viral chai culture to Dr. Harish Rawat’s message of laughter, the episode presented two memorable sides of modern India.
Connect with Dr. Harish Rawat and LOL Yoga Foundation
Dr. Harish Rawat continues to conduct laughter wellness programmes, corporate sessions, workshops and teacher training through LOL Yoga Foundation.
For corporate wellness programmes, Laughter Yoga workshops, online training and collaborations:
Website: https://lolyogafoundation.com
WhatsApp: +91 9250001355
Email: lolyogafoundation@gmail.com
The Final Message
A cup of chai can bring a smile. A moment of laughter can bring people together.
From the streets of Delhi to the international screen of CNN, India continues to share stories that inspire, entertain and connect people.
Dolly Chaiwala showcased the charm of Indian chai. Dr. Harish Rawat showcased the power of Indian laughter wellness.
And the message from Dr. Harish Rawat remains simple:
Keep smiling. Keep laughing. Spread peace.
