'Narayana Murthy replied in hours': Bengaluru founder shares how a cold email to Infosys co-founder got an instant meeting invite

A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has shared how a simple cold email to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy turned into a real-life meeting within weeks. Vinay Parameshwarappa, founder of Gully Tours, recalled that Murthy replied to his unsolicited email within hours and later met him in person in Bengaluru. Vinay spoke about the experience during a recent podcast, describing Murthy as gracious, punctual and approachable.

Bengaluru founder reaches out to Narayana Murthy

Vinay Parameshwarappa told podcast host Jimmy Xavier that the incident dates back to May 2016. At the time, Vinay had just returned from the UK and wanted to meet Narayana Murthy, someone he deeply admired. The two had never interacted before, making the message a cold email to one of India’s most well-known business leaders.

“I really looked up to the Infosys founders and how they came together in the 80s to create something of value,” said Vinay on Jimmy Jimmy The Show.


“After I came back from the UK, I wanted to meet Narayana Murthy. So I shot him an email. I wrote to Narayana Murthy saying I’m so-and-so and I’d love to meet you,” recalled the founder of Gully Tours.

Vinay said he did not expect a response, let alone a quick one. But to his surprise, Murthy replied within a few hours.

‘He replied within a matter of a few hours’

Vinay said the timing of the reply made it even more unexpected. Murthy’s son-in-law had just won the UK elections around the same period.

“I remember it was in May of 2016. His son-in-law had just won the elections and he replied within a matter of a few hours. He copied his secretary and said I'm very happy to meet you and please schedule time,” Vinay remembered.

Murthy was travelling at the time, so the meeting was scheduled for June or July 2016.

Founder’s meeting with Narayana Murthy

Vinay received the address of Murthy’s office in JP Nagar, Bengaluru, and went there for the meeting. He recalled being impressed by the discipline and courtesy he saw even before meeting the Infosys co-founder.

“The staff [at the office] was very very polite,” said the founder of Gully Tours. “I was taken to a conference room by a secretary and I was made to sit. At sharp at 2:30 pm, he walked in and I shook his hand.

“I said ‘Thank you so much sir for taking time out to see me’, and he said ‘No no no I wanted to meet you as well’. It was such a lovely conversation. For me, he was a hero,” said Vinay.

Vinay’s story has struck a chord with many aspiring founders, highlighting how a simple email and genuine intent can sometimes open unexpected doors.