The Rise of Senior Entrepreneurs in India and Their Remarkable Success Stories

"Babumoshai, zindagi badi honi chahiye, lambi nahi", said Rajesh Khanna in Anand. But what if Local Samosa has found people who’ve had it both? In India, the entrepreneurial spirit knows no age limits. More and more senior citizens, particularly grandmothers and grandfathers, are proving that retirement doesn't mean slowing down. Instead, it’s becoming a second act—an opportunity to rediscover passions, share culinary traditions, and build profitable businesses. These individuals are showing that success can come at any stage in life, and that there’s no expiration date on chasing your dreams. So, on World Entrepreneurs’ Day, let’s explore the inspiring stories of Indian senior citizens, primarily grandmothers, whose entrepreneurial journeys in the food industry have not only become a source of income but also helped preserve and promote India's rich culinary heritage.

1. Harbhajan Kaur – The "Barfi Queen"

At 90, Harbhajan Kaur decided to follow her dream and turn her passion for traditional sweets into a business. Her brand, Harbhajan’s Made With Love, focuses on barfi, a classic Indian sweet. Starting small from her home, Kaur’s dedication to using authentic recipes and high-quality ingredients helped her build a loyal following. Today, her business thrives, attracting customers both locally and beyond, and she continues to run the business with enthusiasm at 94, proving that age is just a number when it comes to entrepreneurship.

2. Usha Gupta – Pickles with a Purpose

After the passing of her husband and a battle with COVID-19, Usha Gupta, affectionately known as Naani Ji, started Pickled With Love, a business dedicated to making traditional Indian pickles. Driven by a desire to support the underprivileged, Gupta began creating and selling pickles like khatta aam (sour mango pickle) and gulabi meetha achaar (sweet pickle). Her business has not only provided financial security but also enabled her to make a significant impact on the lives of over 65,000 homeless people across four cities. With her granddaughter’s support, Usha’s venture is expanding into more flavours and furthering her mission.

3. Maiyya Thapa – Boju's Kitchen, a Family Venture

Maiyya Thapa and her family proved that even the pandemic could be an opportunity for innovation. At 87, Maiyya, along with her daughter and granddaughter, launched Boju’s Kitchen in Gurugram, offering Northeastern cuisine with a focus on momos. What started with a modest Rs 2,000 investment grew into a popular eatery, drawing customers from all over for its tasty momos and other Asian dishes. Their success story is a reminder of the power of family and traditional recipes to create something enduring, even in the most challenging times.

4. Rajinder Kaur Chatha – Ammiji’s Chai Legacy

At 92, Rajinder Kaur Chatha started Ammiji’s, a brand built around her signature chai masala. Rajinder began experimenting with spices in her early married years, and by 2015, she had perfected a chai blend that became beloved by many. What started as a small-scale home operation has now grown into an online brand with an expanded range of products, including shikanji and Punjabi chicken pickle. Rajinder’s journey underscores the importance of personal passion, family support, and resilience, showing that it’s never too late to start a business and leave a legacy.

5. Urmila Asher – Gujju Ben Na Nasta

Urmila Asher, known as Gujju Ben, turned her love for Gujarati snacks into a thriving business. At 75, after her grandson lost his business, Urmila decided to start selling traditional Gujarati snacks such as khakhra, thepla, and dhokla. Her venture, Gujju Ben Na Nasta, had grown significantly, with an annual revenue of Rs 45 lakhs. Urmila’s passion for making authentic, homemade snacks has resonated with customers, and her story exemplifies how resilience and determination can turn a hobby into a successful business. Unfortunately, she passed away on April 7, 2025, at the age of 79 in Mumbai.

6. Nirmala Hegde – Home Food Venture

After years of cooking for her family and friends, Nirmala Hegde took the leap into entrepreneurship during the lockdown. At 64, she started a small home food venture, initially cooking for the security guards in her building. What started as a humble project quickly grew, with her appam and garlic chutney becoming bestsellers. Today, her home food venture is flourishing, proving that sometimes the best business ideas come from a passion for cooking and a willingness to share with others.

7. Santoshini Mishra – Catering Queen

When Santoshini Mishra’s husband passed away, she found herself responsible for supporting her family. Leveraging her culinary skills, she started a catering service in Odisha, which quickly became popular for weddings and other events. Now, at 74, Santoshini runs a large catering business, employing over 100 people and serving a wide range of clients. Her business has become synonymous with quality food, and she is a well-known name in her region, demonstrating that adversity can fuel incredible success.

8. Laxmi Ammal & Kasthuri Sivaraman – Pico Farmstay

The story of Laxmi Ammal (89) and Kasthuri Sivaraman (71) is a powerful example of turning hardship into opportunity. After Laxmi’s husband passed away, the family farm lay barren for 37 years. Mother and daughter decided to transform it into a Pico Farmstay, an organic retreat in Rettanai Village, Tamil Nadu, offering guests both leisure and local cuisine made from the farm’s own produce. Their efforts have not only revived the land but also created a unique and successful business that continues to grow.

9. Ponnu Mami – The Aachar Specialist

Known for her delightful aachar (pickles), Ponnu Mami (85) from Palakkad, Kerala has built a small empire around her homemade pickles. From mango pickles to more unique varieties like magali kizhangu, Ponnu Mami’s pickles are a local delicacy. What began as a small business with just five half-kilogram packets a day now sees sales of up to 10 kg daily. Ponnu Mami’s success is rooted in her deep connection to tradition, as well as her dedication to producing quality products by hand.

10. Manju Devi Poddar – Kolkata’s Sweet Temptations

In Kolkata, Manju Devi Poddar, at 65, is known for her exquisite sweets like Mava ki Parwal and Nariyal Chakki. Encouraged by her granddaughter, Manju Devi launched Nani’s Special, a brand that delivers her delicious creations across India. The venture has been particularly successful during the festive season, with revenue touching lakhs. Manju Devi’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of family encouragement and the timeless appeal of traditional sweets.

11. Captain V K Mehra & Cuckoo – Teasta Tea Shop

When Captain V K Mehra (78) retired from the army, he turned his passion for tea into a business. Along with his wife Cuckoo, he started Teasta Tea Shop in Noida in 1995. What began as a small garage operation has now become a well-established local café, offering an extensive range of teas and homemade snacks. Captain Mehra’s commitment to quality and affordability has made Teasta Tea Shop a popular spot, proving that age and experience can be a powerful combination in business.

12. Asha Puri – Hand-Knitted Craft

At 75, Asha Puri started a business around her passion for knitting. With Love From Granny (WLFG), a brand founded in 2017, produces beautiful, hand-knitted products like sweaters, mufflers, and scarves. Initially sceptical that people would still appreciate hand-made crafts in a world dominated by mass production, Asha’s business now receives over 100 orders every month. Her story is an inspiring reminder that age is no barrier to entrepreneurial success, especially when you’re following your passion.

13. Kokila Parekh – Chai Masala Magic

Kokila Parekh, 79, created a unique chai masala blend that was adored by her family and friends. During the pandemic, she decided to share her secret with the world, starting Kokila and Tushar’s Chai Masala. Her masala quickly gained popularity across India, with hundreds of orders coming in every month. Kokila’s journey is a shining example of how one can turn a personal recipe into a business and make a significant impact, no matter the age.

The Age of Senior Entrepreneurs

These stories of entrepreneurial success among senior citizens are changing the way we view aging and retirement. Rather than being a time to slow down, for many, it’s become an opportunity to start fresh, rediscover passions, and leave a lasting impact. The businesses built by these seniors—ranging from pickles to sweets to homemade snacks—are not only financially successful but also preserve and promote rich cultural traditions.

These inspiring seniors are redefining what it means to retire, showing that it’s possible to find new purpose, new challenges, and new success at any stage of life. Their stories serve as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, start something new, and build something meaningful. It might even be the best chapter yet.