afaik, anything possible if we have patience and long relationship, with frequent LEs. >5 years, frequent LE (note: sometimes it offered in netbanking without any communication), consistent usage (not high or low but like everymonth 5k, 10k etc.). Patience is key.
Not sure that friend got through some short route, but above works for many.
open radiance account and deal with branch, only option. above method won't work 95% of time in BOB unless that executive really consider spends but thats rare.