Dolly Chaiwala opens franchise, expands across India from viral street stall in Nagpur; netizens reacts, ‘Education is scam in India'
Dolly Chaiwala, also known as Sunil Patil, has transformed from a humble tea seller in Nagpur to an internet sensation and now, an ambitious entrepreneur ready to launch his own chai franchise across India.
Best known for his quirky tea-serving style, colourful fashion, and a viral collaboration with Bill Gates in 2024, Dolly's journey represents the grit and imagination of grassroots India. Within just two days of announcing his franchise plan, he received over 1,600 applications, proving that his brand of 'desi and legendary' chai is more than just a local favourite — it's a movement.
Dolly Chaiwala announces new franchise opportunities
On social media, Dolly announced the launch of his pan-India franchise model, calling it 'India's first viral street brand.'
In his post, he invited 'real people with real passion' to join the movement and help scale his vision — from chai carts to flagship cafés. 'Limited cities. Unlimited chai. Applications open now,' his announcement read.
Within 48 hours, 1,609 franchise applications poured in
, showcasing the excitement around Dolly's story and his powerful brand of chai entrepreneurship.
Dolly Chaiwala three-tier franchise model unveiled
Dolly's Instagram story included an application form outlining three franchise formats:
Chai Cart Stall: Rs 4.5 lakh – Rs 6 lakh
Store Model: Rs 20 lakh – Rs 22 lakh
Flagship Café: Rs 39 lakh – Rs 43 lakh
Each model offers aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to carry forward the 'Dolly Ki Tapri' legacy in cities across India.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
Dolly Chaiwala's journey from Nagpur tea cart to global recognition
Dolly Chaiwala began selling tea from a street cart in Nagpur to support his family. With no access to formal education, he built his career the hard way — serving tea for over 20 years, rain or shine. His dedication and charisma slowly caught attention, but it was his stylish flair, smooth pouring skills, and social media presence that turned his cart into a cultural phenomenon.
In 2024, Dolly went viral globally when he appeared in a video serving tea to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates.
The collaboration, shared widely across Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), boosted Dolly's reach beyond India and into the international spotlight. This unexpected meeting helped solidify his place as India's most iconic chaiwala, turning his passion into a growing business brand.
Mixed reactions on social media over
Dolly Chaiwala new franchise opening
Despite his rising fame, Dolly has faced trolling for his lack of education and street vendor background. In a heartfelt post, he addressed his critics:
'I didn't get the chance to go to school like many others.
But I never gave up. Today, I feel lucky — but more than that, I feel proud.' He emphasised that the franchise is not just a business, but a symbol of hope for those who start with nothing but a dream.
'If even one boy or girl with no money, no degree, and no connections sees my story and believes — then every insult is worth it.'
The franchise announcement sparked wide reactions. While many applauded Dolly for breaking barriers, others raised questions about the commercialization of viral fame. One viral comment read, 'Education is a scam in India,' receiving over 8,500 likes, reflecting a deeper conversation about grassroots success vs. traditional paths.
Also Read |
Saina Nehwal announces separation from husband - Who is Parupalli Kashyap, his net worth and all you need to know
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
36 minutes ago
- NDTV
"One Of The Craziest Moments Of My Life": Akhil Patel On Serving Chai To PM Modi And Starmer
Indian-origin tea entrepreneur Akhil Patel had a day to remember at Chequers, the official country residence of the UK Prime Minister, on July 24. Mr Patel served a steaming cup of masala chai to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer. Photographs shared by PM Modi on X (formerly Twitter) captured both leaders waiting for their tea at Patel's stall. Dressed in a traditional kurta and Nehru jacket, Mr Patel was captured pouring masala chai from a kettle into paper cups. 'Chai Pe Charcha' with PM Keir Starmer at stronger India-UK ties! @Keir_Starmer — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 24, 2025 Now, in an Instagram clip, the founder of Amala Chai gave his followers 'a quick recap of a surreal day'. 'I just got on Modi's Instagram!' he began, clearly astonished. Detailing the invitation, Mr Patel said he was asked to serve tea at Chequers 'to celebrate the UK-India free trade deal.' 'As one of the few selected brands there, little did I know I'd be serving chai to huge UK and Indian ministers and Modi and Starmer,' he said. Among those who visited his stall were UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Health Secretary Wes Streeting. 'They were loving it, coming back for multiple cups,' said Patel, adding that even India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar sampled his tea. Recalling the high point of the day, Patel said, 'Then the big boys started coming my way, walking by the side of me and standing right in front of me, asking for a cup of chai.' He was referring to PM Modi and Keir Starmer. 'I served the chai, and then I dropped the line, 'from one chaiwala to another',' he added. 'Possibly one of the craziest moments of my life, I just served chai to Modi and Starmer, and Starmer loved it,' he added. His Instagram caption read, 'A quick recap of a surreal day. Yesterday, I was invited by @10downingstreet to serve chai at Chequers — to @narendramodi, @keirstarmer, and Indian & UK ministers. Can we just take a moment to realise how mad that is? There I was, in the UK Prime Minister's house, serving masala chai — and not one person wanted coffee. From one chaiwala to another, that was a special day. Right… I'm getting off the internet now to make a cup of chai.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Amala Chai | Masala Chai (@amala_chai) In 2019, inspired by his grandma's recipe, he founded Amala Chai. Described as "Chai That Feels Like Home," the brand's masala chai begins at the source, with single-origin tea and spices from family farms in Assam and Kerala. Since its launch six years ago, Patel's Amala Chai has grown and now serves customers at five locations across London.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Aditya Infotech launches Rs 1,300 crore IPO
Aditya Infotech launches Rs 1,300 crore IPO MUMBAI: Aditya Infotech, the company behind CP Plus CCTV cameras, has begun testing investor interest for its Rs 1,300 crore initial public offering (IPO) amid growing investor participation in Indian equity issuances. Aditya Infotech, in which Dixon Technologies holds a minority stake, will accept bids from July 29 to July 31, according to IPO launch details shared by the company. Aditya Infotech will sell each share at a price range of Rs 640 to Rs 675. At the upper end of the price band, the company is valued at Rs 7,912 crore. Founder Aditya Khemka and his family own about 93% of the company, which was established in 1994, just after India opened its economy in 1991. Dixon holds roughly 7% in Aditya Infotech, with vice chairman and MD Atul Behari Lall sitting on its board. The IPO comprises a fresh issue of Rs 500 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of Rs 800 crore by the Khemkas. Shares are expected to list on August 5. After the IPO, the founding family's stake in the company will drop to around 77%. India's IPO market has experienced significant growth in recent years on the back of a robust secondary market, positioning the nation among the top five IPO markets globally. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Shop Sale Libas Undo Aditya Infotech intends to use the IPO proceeds to pay off Rs 375 crore of debts. Its borrowings exceed Rs 400 crore. Its profit zoomed 205% to Rs 351 crore in FY25 and revenue grew about 12% to Rs 3,112 crore during the same period. The company has a 21% market share of India's video surveillance industry, which was valued at Rs 10,620 crore in FY25 and is projected to double by FY30. Aditya Infotech, world's third largest manufacturer of surveillance products, boasts a production capacity of over 15 million units in Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh and employs about 3,200 people. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Govt signs MoUs worth Rs5k cr to develop 2,357MW green power
Patna: In a major push for clean energy, the state energy department on Saturday signed four memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with prominent power companies engaged in renewable energy and pumped storage to develop 2,357MW of green power, involving an estimated investment of Rs 5,337 crore. The MoUs were formalised during the launch of two ambitious policies — the Bihar Policy for Promotion of New & Renewable Energy Sources 2025 and the Bihar Policy for Promotion of Pumped Storage Project 2025 — at an event held at Gyan Bhawan. These policies are aimed at fostering green energy development and attracting major investment into the sector. The renewable energy policy is expected to unlock massive opportunities in solar, wind, biomass and newer technologies like green hydrogen and pumped storage systems. Energy minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav formally launched the two policies in the presence of industries minister Nitish Mishra, additional chief secretary of the industries department Mihir Kumar Singh, energy secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and the managing director of Bihar State Power Generation Company Ltd (BSPGCL) Mahendra Kumar. Several industry leaders and public sector representatives were also present. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo Among the MoUs signed, the BSPGCL partnered with L&T to establish a 116MW/241 MWh battery energy storage project at Kajra in Lakhisarai with an investment outlay of Rs 837 crore. It also signed an MoU with NTPC Green to develop a 1,000MW battery energy storage system (BESS) with an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore. Separately, the Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency (BREDA) inked an MoU with Avaada Group to develop 1,000 MW of ground-mounted and floating solar projects, subject to feasibility. BREDA also joined hands with SECI Ltd to set up floating solar and other renewable energy projects, cumulatively valued at Rs 3,000 crore. Addressing a gathering of representatives from leading renewable energy firms, PSUs and industry stakeholders, energy minister Yadav urged investors to look towards Bihar's growing potential. "We want to tap solar energy, a non-conventional source, for Bihar's development. For this, we have introduced a new policy. The policy is aimed at protecting our future generations. We need investment in the renewable energy sector for the country's development and the creation of employment opportunities," Yadav said. He added, "We must reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of global warming and safeguard human lives." Urging industry not to be swayed by isolated incidents of crime, Yadav said, "Come and invest in Bihar. If required, we are open to amending the policy in future. Don't judge the state by a few incidents. Bihar has made significant progress."
