Changing the Retirement Story
Retirement is often associated with slowing down, but Prabhavati Bhagwati, affectionately known as “Nani,” challenges this perception. At 98 years old and residing in Ahmedabad, she has built a successful homemade Gujarati snacks business called “Nani’s Nashta,” redefining what it means to live actively in later years.
Early Life and Family
Born in 1927, Prabhavati married at 22 and shared 68 years with her husband until his passing in 2017. Following his death, her vibrant kitchen grew quiet, and with her children occupied by their lives, she faced an unexpected void and loss of purpose, realizing she no longer had anyone to cook for.
A Small Start Changed Everything
A turning point arrived during a tea gathering at her home, where she prepared khakndvi with her own hands. The dish garnered heartfelt praise, and guests encouraged her to make it again, even offering payment for her cooking.
Shortly afterward, a friend of her daughter requested khakndvi for a party and insisted on paying. Although initially hesitant to embark on a new venture at 91, this encouragement sparked new hope, leading to more orders and growing support.
By 2018, Prabhavati officially launched her business, “Nani’s Nashta.”
Running a Business from Home Kitchen
Without a formal shop, Nani operates from her home kitchen, serving flavors that evoke the warmth of home. Her menu features khakndvi as a signature item and includes traditional Gujarati snacks such as dhokla, thepla, and bhakhri. Popular street foods like vada pav, sev puri, and pav bhaji are also offered and enjoyed by many.
Today, she cooks for nearly 200 families, transforming her kitchen into a hub of affection and authentic taste.
Prabhavati’s journey demonstrates that passion and purpose can breathe new life at any age, reminding us that it is never too late to pursue what we love.
Passion Matters More Than Age
Nani’s story inspires nationally, illustrating that age is merely a number. While many choose retirement to rest, she embraced a new venture fueled by passion rather than planning a large-scale business. Cooking provided her renewed meaning and joy.
Her narrative, widely shared on social media, positions her as a symbol of courage and new beginnings, proving that enthusiasm and life’s opportunities endure.
Her experience teaches an enduring lesson: with desire and commitment, new endeavors can begin at any stage in life.
(images: instagram/sonalibhagwati)
