In the first video about Vadas prepared by Dixit, she cooked the dish with skill and fervor. Her tale of surviving in addition to flavoursome Mumbai combo struck a chord with audiences, resulting in a subsequent rise in customers wanting to have a taste of what she was cooking. In no time at all, Sainik Vihar roadsides were filled with long lines of individuals waiting for Vada Pavs from her cart—a sure sign that people increasingly liked them.
The Rise to Fame
Chandrika Gera Dixit’s journey to becoming a viral sensation started with a poignant and relatable story. She used to work at Haldiram’s, which is a famous Indian snacks and sweets company. But her child fell sick of dengue fever, and this took an unexpected turn in her life. Dixit had to leave her job because she had to take care of her son. Moreover, her husband struggled with the erratic hours of his job that was for Rapido – a bike-taxi aggregator.
Her passion for cooking prompted Dixit towards commencing a food cart venture. Nonetheless, despite all odds, she opened up her own vada pav stall in the Sainik Vihar neighbourhood. Food vlogger Amit Jindal uploaded then posted online a video clip that featured Chandrika making and vending vada pavs; this was when things turned around for the budding entrepreneur.
Viral Moment
The first video showed Dixit making and selling vada pavs with much precision. Her determination to succeed in life, mingled with the venerable Mumbai delicacy, found a deep relationship in the hearts of viewers, consequently swarming them with more customers who wanted to try her food. The streets of Sainik Vihar were thronged by people waiting for hours just to have a taste of Dixit’s vada pavs which demonstrated how famous she had become.
Another viral video that came later showed her driving into her food cart in a luxury Ford Mustang, which enhanced her fame even further. This twist took many by surprise and therefore added another layer of fascination to the story. The film went viral on all social media platforms; it initiated discussions that advertised her cart more.
On her real Instagram account, she posted this same video about the mustang captioned “selling vada pav in mustang car”. With this cheerful yet daring comment, she talked of not just how well things are going for herself but also about its uniqueness as far as luxury is concerned.
The response Dixit’s story got from the public was definitely heartwarming. Many Delhites appreciated her zeal and entrepreneurial quality, praising her for establishing a business out of a personal dilemma. The videos got her not only customers but also motivated many budding entrepreneurs to follow their dreams despite hurdles.
The orders for vada pavs in her stall have only kept increasing since then, proving the growing popularity of this Mumbai specialty in Delhi. Dixit’s rags to riches story has also showed the need of social media in promoting small businesses and how a simple heartfelt story can connect with masses.
Her story also highlights the importance of digital platforms in democratizing success and giving small business owners the reach and visibility which was earlier unreachable. Dixit’s videos have not only gotten her business but also spotlighted the colourful and vivacious street food culture of India.
Chandrika Gera Dixit, the ‘Vada Pav Girl’ of Delhi has become a ray of hope and motivation for all the aspiring entrepreneurs. From being a corporate to running a successful food cart, helped by her viral fame, Dixit has indeed proved her mettle with hard work and passion.
Now Dixit’s other brother arrives to pick her up from work. She runs a successful business now with many employees. People come from far to taste her vada pavs. More Delhiites should start coming to taste her vada pavs.