Bikaji founder death: Shivratan Agarwal, the Managing Director (MD) and Chairman of Bikaji Foods International, passed away on Thursday morning in Chennai, at the age of 74. He breathed his last at a private hospital in the city. Notably, he had been in the city for the past 10 days, owing to his wife’s heart bypass surgery.

Agarwal’s condition deteriorated suddenly

According to sources in his family, Agarwal experienced uneasiness at around 7:30 am on Thursday morning. His condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to a nearby private hospital. Despite swift medical intervention, he could not be saved. 

Following the bypass surgery of Agrawal’s wife, the doctor had advised her to rest, and the family had been staying at a hotel in Chennai. 

Snack industry giant’s rise from Bikaner’s roots to global recognition

Agarwal was a native of the Sardulganj area in Rajasthan’s Bikaner, and was widely regarded as a pioneer in India’s packaged snack industry. In 1993, he established the Bikaji brand, which gradually grew into one of the country’s leading food companies. 

His entrepreneurial journey, however, began way earlier. After a business split in 1986, he decided to distance himself from his family’s traditional association with Haldiram’s, and build a separate identity. He started a small-scale venture named Shivdeep Food Products in Bikaner, centred on the production of bhujia. 

Bikaji founder death: Agarwal studied only till Class 8

Despite receiving education only till  grade 8, Agarwal possessed remarkable foresight and creativity. When his business kicked off, he travelled extensively abroad to gain insights into modern production techniques. 

It is noteworthy that at a time when Bhujia was handmade exclusively, he rolled out a mechanised production of the same, thereby revolutionising the segment. Bikaji emerged as the first Indian brand to manufacture bhujia using machines, marking an improvement in both productivity and consistency in quality. 

‘Bikaji’ name was inspired by Bikaner’s founder

Agarwal provided a global platform to the Indian flavours, and named his brand ‘Bikaji’,’ inspired by Bikaner city’s founder Rao Bika. The name was chosen for its cultural resonance and easy recall, helping establish a strong brand identity. Today, Bikaji stands as a reputed international name, which maintains strict adherence to global quality standards in both manufacturing and packaging. 

Agrawal’s demise marks the end of an era for India’s snack industry, leaving behind a legacy defined by innovation, entrepreneurial vision and resilience. 

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