Former model and entrepreneur Abha Singhal started a business around ‘Khichdi.’ Her business called, Khichdi Express, clocks a turnover of Rs 50 crore.
In a world of digital companies and app-driven inventions, a multi-crore business empire based on India’s basic food Khichdi may surprise. From personal tragedies to business and Rs 50 crore corporate leadership, Abha Singhal shows the power of dedication, resilience, and innovation.
Abha’s childhood was difficult. She spent her childhood in hostels and boarding schools after her parents divorced when she was 12. Financial issues forced Abha to leave home with little goods and live in a friend’s rented apartment.
However, her hardships didn’t define her. Abha received a partial MBA scholarship in London for her academic prowess. She discovered a love for khichdi, an easy-to-cook, nutritious Indian dish, while studying overseas and working part-time. Her interest in the meal was its simplicity and versatility.
Destiny had other plans for her return to India. Abha discovered modeling through an ad director. She appeared in Samsung, Cadbury, and Kalyan Jewellers ads. After three years in the spotlight, Abha realized modeling was fleeting and wanted something more permanent.
A chance encounter with a close friend revived her khichdi love. In 2019, she launched “Khichdi Express” in Hyderabad against skepticism. Her venture took off with a Rs 3 lakh investment and two people.
Abha wanted to serve more than khichdi. Customers enjoyed pakodas and other local specialties at the outlets. Her creative and excellent khichdi varieties reached more people thanks to Swiggy and Zomato.
Khichdi Express provided free meals to the needy during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the globe was in chaos.
Abha grew her enterprise to Rs 50 crore in four years and hopes to double it. Different khichdi tastes are served at the outlets in various cities. Dream of Abha? To make Khichdi Express a global brand like McDonald’s and KFC.
Conclusion
Former model Abha Singhal has developed a multi-crore commercial empire on khichdi. Despite personal struggles, Abha’s scholastic talent and love of khichdi brought her to London for an MBA. During her time abroad, she found dish varieties.
After returning to India, she modeled for Samsung, Cadbury, and Kalyan Jewellers. However, she realized her modeling career was short-lived and returned to khichdi. Investing Rs 3 lakh and hiring two, she founded “Khichdi Express” in Hyderabad in 2019. Beyond khichdi, the brand served pakodas and other local dishes.
Khichdi Express brought complimentary meals to those in need during COVID-19. The startup has grown to Rs 50 crore in four years and hopes to quadruple that soon. The outlets sell different khichdi cuisines in various cities. Abha wants Khichdi Express to become a global brand like McDonald’s and KFC.
