Mogul gets SA Dance-Fever

When a Pretoria entrepreneur sent a business proposal to Sir Richard Branson, he never imagined it would land him an invitation to the British magnate's mansion and a plum deal.

Yashwin Mohan is the brains behind Game Over, a company that programmes and manufactures arcade game machines.

Last year, Mohan developed a new dance device called Dance-Fever. He saw an opportunity to supply Virgin Active gyms with the machine to provide a fun alternative to other weight-loss equipment.

"I developed a dance machine at a fraction of the cost of the imported version on which could put local songs, everything from kwaito to Bollywood.

"I then made a kid's version of the dance machine and wanted to supply it to all the Virgin Active health clubs in South Africa. Who better to pitch your idea to than the boss?" said Mohan. The 35-year-old then e-mailed Branson his proposal.

"He was impressed and assured me we would meet on his next trip to SA.

"He kept his word. I was obviously nervous before our meeting, but he was so easy-going and genuinely interested in what I had to say, he really made me feel at ease," said Mohan.

"Richard even danced on my dance machine, much to the delight of everyone present. He certainly lived up to the persona we have all come to love. He's a true rock star."

By the end of August, Dance-Fever will be in every Club V - a gym aimed at children - in the country.

"Right now Club V is only found in flagship stores around the country. There are plans to introduce the children's gym into every Virgin Active. Once that happens, we will supply the machines."

He, along with other international businessmen, assisted in tailoring the curriculum at the Branson School of Entrepreneurship to suit the SA market.

His first meeting with Branson led to two more and, in April this year, Mohan received an invitation to Branson's lush country estate in Kidlington.

The Pretoria father of one spent over a week at the Branson mansion last month. "It was truly an unforgettable time. I got a call from a number which I recognised as London. After the call I just sat in silence, at a loss for words. I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I had met Richard twice before, but being invited to his home was something I could never have imagined, not even in my wildest dreams," gushed Mohan.

"He has a truly amazing family. Never before have I met people that have so much yet remain humble and down to earth. They made it feel as though you were staying with family."

Mohan said Branson had considered his every need, even going so far as to serve duck almost every day as a substitute for beef and pork.

In addition to lodging with the Bransons, Mohan was the guest speaker at the Fast Track 100 conference, an annual event celebrating the 100 fastest-growing companies in the UK, where he discussed entrepreneurship in SA.

Mohan said while every experience he had in the UK would remain special to him, it was the chance to "hang out" with Branson that he considers his favourite memories.

"I have to say just chilling with Richard in his game room, where I supplied him with a jukebox, pinball, and my retro arcade video game, stood out."