Chandubhai Virani’s story is a true inspiration of going from rags to riches. Born into modest circumstances, he became the mastermind behind the renowned potato wafer brand “Balaji Wafers,” valued at Rs. 4,000 crore. At the age of 15, Chandubhai moved with his family to Dhundoraji (Jamnagar), nearly 79 kilometers away from Rajkot. In 1972, their father, the late Popat Virani, provided them with Rs. 20,000 to start afresh after selling parched land.

Initially, the Virani brothers tried their hand at an agricultural products and farm equipment venture in Rajkot but faced failure within two years. Consequently, Chandubhai, who had completed Class X, found work at the Astron Cinema’s canteen.

In addition to the canteen job, Chandubhai took on various odd tasks, like door-keeping, poster sticking, and ushering, earning a meager wage of Rs. 90 per month. He even repaired broken seats in exchange for a plate of chorafari, a Gujarati snack. The family was in dire financial straits, so much so that they were forced to leave their rented home one night as they couldn’t afford the Rs. 50 rent. However, Chandubhai later managed to pay the rent.

Through dedication and hard work, Chandubhai and his brothers secured a contract for Rs. 1,000 per month due to their exceptional performance at the canteen. In 1982, the entire family relocated to Rajkot when his brother Ramjibhai bought a house with a spacious garden.

Working in the canteen, Chandubhai noticed the high demand for wafers, especially at the theatre. This sparked an idea, and he set up a small hut in the courtyard, spending around Rs. 10,000, to experiment with making chips from his one-room home. The idea was a success! The startup business gained immense popularity, with chips being in demand not only at the theatre but also outside.

In 1989, as sales grew, Chandubhai established Gujarat’s largest potato wafer facility in Rajkot’s Aji GIDC neighborhood. With a modest bank loan of approximately Rs. 50 lakh, the brothers founded Balaji Wafers Private Ltd in 1992. The name “Balaji Wafers” was inspired by a small glass statue of Lord Hanuman present in their room. The company has now expanded to operate four plants across the country, with a combined capacity of 6.5 million kg of potatoes and 10 million kg of namkeen per day.

As of FY21, Balaji Wafers reported revenue of Rs. 4,000 crore. Despite receiving a buyout offer worth the same amount, the company declined, standing firm as an independent entity. Balaji Wafers now employs around 5,000 people, with nearly 50% of its workforce being women. Today, the company offers customers a wide array of over 13 different flavors of wafers, 22 flavors of Namkeens, and 15 flavors of Western Snacks produced in various units and outlets.