Bhujia Barons: The Untold Story of How Haldiram Built a Rs 5000-crore Empire

Pavitra Kumar

Aug 2016 · Penguin UK

About this ebook

How a family-run business from humble Bikaner transformed Haldiram into a global, much-loved brand In the early twentieth century, a young man, Ganga Bhishan Agarwal, aka Haldiram, gained a reputation for making the best bhujia in town. Fast-forward a century and the Haldiram’s empire has revenue much greater than that of McDonald’s and Domino’s combined. In Bhujia Barons, Pavitra Kumar tells the riveting story of the Agarwal family in its entirety—a feat never managed before. It begins in dusty, benign Bikaner and traces the rise and rise of this home-grown label, now one of the most-recognized Indian brands in the world. The Haldiram’s story is not an average business story—it’s chock-full of family drama, with court cases, jealousy-fuelled regional expansion, a decades-old trademark battle, and a closely guarded family secret of the famous bhujia. Fast-paced and captivating, this book provides a delicious look into family business dynamics and the Indian way of doing business.

Ratings and reviews

Few months ago, I was wondering if there's anything written about Haldiram's business. And I always used to wonder why Haldiram packaging had Nagpur written on it. Because in my mind, Haldiram was from Delhi or Bikaner. This book brings out a good amount of research. And doesn't shy away from asking uncomfortable questions to the family members. But it lacks a smooth flowing narrative and depth of analysis. We never get to know how Haldiram Kolkata was left behind a measly third, lagging Bikaner etc.

FDA has ban haldiram and I ban and hate this book

AÀA BOSS NETWORK

About the author

Pavitra Kumar was born in Deolali, Maharashtra, in 1985. An army officer’s daughter, she travelled across India from a young age and developed a keen appreciation of people and places. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism from Delhi University in 2003 before a short stint with CNN-IBN in Delhi. In 2006, Pavitra went to London to pursue a career in marketing and worked for digital marketing agencies in management roles, spending much of her time liaising with the press and writing professional articles representing her firm. At the same time, her love for writing pushed her to freelance with the-nri.com. She completed her MBA from the Carlson Institute of Management in May 2016, and continues to pursue her love for business and passion for writing. Pavitra lives in Lakeville, Minnesota, with her husband, Dr Aditya Raghunathan, and mini goldendoodle, Lily. Trekking, swimming, reading and coffee keep her going when she isn’t writing.