Meet Chandubhai Virani: From Canteen Worker to Creator of a Rs.5,000-Crore Potato Wafers Empire

Chandubhai Virani’s path to success is paved with challenges and obstacles that he overcame through sheer determination and relentless perseverance. 

There are several tales of people who went from nothing to becoming millionaires. One such inspirational story is that of Chandubhai Virani, a mere 10-class pass man who created the potato wafer brand “Balaji Wafers,” worth Rs. 5,000 crore.

Born into a modest family, Chandubhai faced financial struggles from a young age, compelling him to seek employment to support himself and his family.

When he was 15, Chandubhai Virani moved to Dhundoraji (Jamnagar), which is around 79 kilometres from Rajkot along with his family. Later in 1972, Virani along with his brothers — Meghjibhai and Bhikhubhai — were given Rs 20,000 to start a new life, by their father, the late Popat Virani who sold parched land.

Using the funds, the brothers established a new agricultural products and farm equipment firm in Rajkot. However, Within two years, the venture failed miserably.

Following this, Chandubhai took up various odd jobs, including repairing cinema seats and selling snacks at a local theatre, where he earned a meager income of Rs 1000 per month.

Despite the hardships, Chandubhai remained undeterred in his pursuit of a better life. He wasn’t content with these jobs and decided to start his own business. His innate entrepreneurial spirit and desire to create something of his own fueled his ambition to venture into business.

The turning point in Chandubhai’s life came when he decided to capitalize on his culinary skills and venture into the food industry. He began experimenting with homemade chips, meticulously crafting recipes and flavors that would appeal to the masses. 

Chandubhai’s dedication and hard work paid off when he received positive feedback from customers, encouraging him to take his entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

Undeterred by failure, Chandubhai embarked on a new entrepreneurial endeavor with renewed determination and vigor. Armed with greater foresight and resilience, he took a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh and established the first factory for his potato wafer business in 1982. Alongside his brothers Bhikubhai and Kanubhai, Chandubhai laid the foundation for what would later become Balaji Wafers Private Limited.

The early days of Balaji Wafers were marked by immense challenges and sacrifices. Chandubhai and his brothers faced financial constraints, logistical hurdles, and stiff competition from established players in the industry. However, their unwavering commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction set them apart from the competition.

Through sheer grit and determination, Chandubhai Virani transformed Balaji Wafers from a humble startup into a multi-billion rupee empire.

Today, the company has a daily production capacity of 6.5 million kilograms of potatoes and 10 million kilograms of namkeen, making it an impressive success story

Joyville