A video featuring Simran Gupta, known as the ‘Model Chai Wali,’ has taken social media by storm, amassing over 11 million views within just four days. Shared by the popular food blogging channel The Hungry Panjabi, the clip showcases Gupta, a beauty pageant winner turned entrepreneur, skillfully preparing chai at her tea stall.
The Rise of Tea Entrepreneurs
Gupta joins a growing list of small entrepreneurs who have transformed tea-selling into a trendy business venture. Among her well-known contemporaries are Dolly Chaiwala from Nagpur and Prafull Billore, famously known as MBA Chai Wala.
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From Miss Gorakhpur to Chai Entrepreneur
Gupta, who won the Miss Gorakhpur title in 2018, initially ventured into modeling. In a previous interview with The Better India, she shared, “After becoming Miss Gorakhpur, my morale increased a lot. I moved to Delhi and began receiving modeling offers and worked in several ads. However, the Covid-19 pandemic halted my career, forcing me to return to my hometown, Gorakhpur.”
As the sole breadwinner in her family, Gupta turned to entrepreneurship to support her loved ones. She drew inspiration from successful tea sellers like MBA Chai Wala and Patna graduate Priyanka Gupta, leading her to open her own tea shop in Lucknow.
Viral Video and Mixed Reactions
While the video of Gupta making masala chai at her Model Chai Wali tea shop has garnered immense popularity, it has also sparked a debate online. In the video, she is seen dressed in a pink top and trousers, casually flipping her hair while preparing tea for customers.
The post has generated over 10,000 comments on Instagram, with many praising her entrepreneurial spirit. However, some viewers voiced concerns over hygiene practices. “I have a problem with that hair open and hands without gloves… she is constantly touching her hair and then food!” one commenter noted. Another added, “Chai ke saath baal free (hair free with tea).” Others politely requested that she keep her hair tied while preparing food in the future.
Simran Gupta’s journey from beauty pageant winner to a successful tea stall owner highlights the innovative spirit of young entrepreneurs in India. While her viral video has drawn attention to her brand, it also underscores the importance of maintaining hygiene standards in food preparation. As Gupta continues to make her mark in the tea business, her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
