Startup Originals Team
Shivratan Agarwal, the visionary entrepreneur who built Bikaji Foods International into a ₹17,158 crore snack empire, has passed away in Chennai at the age of 74 after reportedly suffering a heart attack. His life story remains one of India’s most inspiring entrepreneurial journeys.
From leaving school after Class 8 to creating a globally recognised food brand, Agarwal proved that determination, business instinct, and perseverance can often matter more than formal education.
From Bikaner Roots to Business Vision
Born in Bikaner, Rajasthan, Shivratan Agarwal grew up in a family deeply connected to the famous bhujia tradition. He was the grandson of Gangabhisan “Haldiram” Bhujiawala, one of the most respected names in India’s snack industry.
While he inherited knowledge of the craft, he chose not to remain limited by family boundaries. At a time when the family business operated through territorial divisions, Agarwal believed growth should have no limits.
This mindset pushed him to create his own path instead of simply following tradition.
Starting from Scratch in 1986
In 1986, he launched Shivdeep Products, beginning his entrepreneurial journey independently. The market at the time largely believed that bhujia was a traditional product that could not be produced efficiently at scale.
Agarwal challenged that belief through innovation and process improvements. He introduced systems that made large-scale production possible while maintaining quality and consistency.
This move transformed bhujia from a regional snack into a scalable packaged food business.
The Rise of Bikaji
The next major turning point came with the creation of Bikaji, a brand inspired by Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner.
What started as a local brand soon began expanding internationally:
- Exports to the UAE began in 1994
- Expansion into Australia followed in 1996
- The company went public in 1995, strengthening its growth journey
Bikaji built its reputation on quality, trust, and authentic taste, helping it compete nationally and globally.
Expansion into a Global Snack Empire
The business entered a new phase when his son, Deepak Agarwal, joined in 2004 and helped scale operations further.
Key milestones included:
- Private investment in 2014 to support expansion
- A modern manufacturing facility launched in 2016
- Amitabh Bachchan becoming brand ambassador in 2019
- Successful IPO in 2022
By then, Bikaji had expanded its presence to more than 35 countries and emerged as one of India’s leading snack brands.
A Legacy Beyond Wealth
Shivratan Agarwal’s journey from a Class 8 dropout to building a ₹17,158 crore listed company is a reminder that entrepreneurial success often comes from vision and execution rather than academic credentials alone.
He created jobs, built a respected Indian brand, and helped take traditional Indian snacks to global markets.
The Bigger Picture
His story reflects the rise of India’s homegrown consumer brands that have successfully blended heritage with modern business systems. Entrepreneurs like Agarwal turned regional products into national and international success stories.
For many aspiring founders, his life sends a clear message: humble beginnings do not define your limits.
Conclusion
Shivratan Agarwal’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Indian business. From Bikaner’s traditional snack roots to building Bikaji into a global powerhouse, his impact will continue to be felt for generations.
He may be gone, but the empire he built and the inspiration he leaves behind will endure.
