Umesh Parekh treats his Rolls-Royce Ghost like a tuxedo, a special creation meant for special occasions. Picture by Anindya Shankar Ray

When I grow up, I want to be a Rolls-Royce — so goes the legend on a popular windshield sticker. Umesh Parekh never wanted the sticker, he wanted the Rolls-Royce.

The managing director of the Calcutta-based Shree Ganesh Jewellery House fulfilled his dream last September, gifting himself a Rs 3.4-crore custom Rolls-Royce Ghost on his birthday.

“I love cars. When I was young, I used to participate in car rallies. And I have always wanted to own a Rolls-Royce,” he says.

Parekh’s is the only Rolls-Royce Ghost in town, according to his Mumbai-based car dealer. Someone else from Calcutta has purchased a Phantom — Amitabh Bachchan drives one — but the jeweller is happy he chose the Ghost.

“I didn’t want the Phantom because it’s too big, and I would have difficulty parking it. Also, there is a partition between the chauffeur and the master seat at the back. It is more suitable for diplomats,” says the 45-year-old businessman with a smile.

A special car deserves a special number, so Parekh paid a hefty fee to the motor vehicles department for a number plate that reads WB 06H 7966, matching his date of birth September 7, 1966.

The white-and-silver car with its customised black interiors is, of course, class and luxury personified.

From the silver Fairy that glides out of the bonnet the minute the ignition is fired to the umbrella with an “RR” monogram that flips out of the driver’s door at the touch of a button, everything about the Ghost has the stamp of uniqueness.

Parekh points out that a dryer has been fitted inside just for the umbrella to be rid of raindrops every time it is used!

But is it worth riding a Ghost on a bumpy Calcutta road? Parekh likens the Ghost to a tuxedo meant for special occasions. “It’s strong but you don’t wear it everyday,” he says.

So does the Ghost stay in the garage for the most part? “I bring it to work four times a week. I usually prefer to take it when I go to my club and to parties.”

Parekh’s best moment in his gleaming Rolls-Royce was when he took it for a spin on National Highway 6 (Delhi Road).

“I hit 210kmph. There was a glass of water on the dashboard, but even when the car was at 200kmph not a drop was spilt. That’s how smooth a ride on the Rolls is,” trills the proud owner.

The longest distance Parekh has covered in the car is Calcutta to Dhanbad, which is around 280km. Like most good cars, the Rolls-Royce Ghost shows what it is capable of on long drives.

“The unique feature of a Rolls-Royce is that it combines power with style. A sports car has power and speed, but it doesn’t offer the kind of comfort and luxury that a Rolls does,” says Parekh.

He should know. Apart from the Rolls-Royce, Parekh’s garage flaunts a Mercedes, a Jaguar and a Volkswagen Beetle.

“Before I got the Rolls-Royce, I used to find the Mercedes a big car. Now I think it is a mid-sized car,” he signs off.