Abha Singhal: From Modelling to a Rs 50 Crore Khichdi Express Success Story
Abha Singhal‘s remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur with her venture, Khichdi Express, is a testament to determination and innovation. Despite a tumultuous childhood marked by her parents’ divorce and financial hardships, Abha’s academic excellence earned her a partial scholarship for an MBA in London.
During her time abroad, she discovered her passion for khichdi, an easy-to-cook and nutritious Indian dish with versatile potential. However, her return to India led to a stint in the modeling world, where she featured in advertisements for prominent brands. Despite her success in modeling, Abha yearned for a more sustainable career.
In 2019, inspired by her love for khichdi, she founded “Khichdi Express” in Hyderabad, starting with a modest investment of Rs 3 lakh and a small team. Abha Singhal’s vision extended beyond khichdi, as her outlets also offered pakodas and other local delicacies. Leveraging online platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, the brand reached a wider audience.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Khichdi Express emerged as a beacon of hope by providing free meals to those in need. In just four years, Abha transformed her startup into a Rs 50 crore business, with plans for further expansion. Her ultimate goal is to turn Khichdi Express into a global brand, comparable to giants like McDonald’s and KFC. Abha Singhal’s inspiring journey showcases the power of resilience and innovative thinking in the world of entrepreneurship.
Re-reported from the article originally published in The Yourstory