The story of a famous Pani Puri seller in the city of Visakhapatnam

Doling out delicious Pani Puri and chaats, Rambabu of Visakhapatnam is known for his WhatsApp usage to keep in touch with his customers.

Day-to-day

“My day starts at 6 AM and by 11:30 AM I leave my house to go and set up the stall at Asilmetta. I’m there till 7:30 PM. Pani Puri, masala puri, chaat, and samosa are available at my stall and I make these items all by myself. In fact, right from buying the ingredients, I do everything myself as I cannot afford help.”

The beginning

“I started my stall about 10 years ago. I make small puris that are easy to eat and fill them with mashed potato and chaat for added flavour. Most of my customers are students from Narayana, Ascent and Timpany school. They are friendly and I keep them informed when I am not going to turn up on what’s app. I really can’t thank them enough for their support.“

Family time

“I stay in a rented house near Rama Talkies in the city. I am married and have a year old daughter. My wife and my mother stay at home and I am the only earning hand in my house. We are somehow managing with my earnings as of now.”

Work-life

“My stall is located almost on the road, and that has led to some problems in the past. I was asked to leave this place due to traffic jams. When that happens, I close down for a couple of days and then start my business again. I have to invest around Rs.1000 every day and usually earn a profit of Rs.500 to Rs.600 every day. The peak hours of my work are in the noon from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM and again from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. I follow the working days of schools and colleges as they are my main customers and take an off on Sundays and festivals. That allows me to spend enough time with family.”

The life of vendors like him is a struggle and we wish this cheerful Pani Puri seller all the best.