“A True Superwoman”: Mumbai Mom Sells Vada Pav In 5 Languages After Years Of Struggles

Outside the gates of Mumbai’s BMC Hospital, there’s a modest vada pav stall that has, over 11 years, turned into something more than a food counter; it’s more like a symbol of hardwork and resistance. The stall belongs to the mother of Mumbai resident Dhanmeher, who recently shared her awe-inspiring story on LinkedIn. 

Viral Post: This Mother Entrepreneur Serves Vada Pav In 5 Languages

The post shared by Ishika Dhanmeher about her mother, the vada pav seller, went viral, because it struck a chord with the laymen who could immediately see their own mothers in the story of this business woman. 

When her mother started the vada pav business, nothing came easy. The stall was broken more than once and even the items were stolen. Hospital staff tried to stop her from selling and some neighbours whispered doubts, dismissing the idea because “a woman can’t do this alone.” 

But her mother didn’t walk away, nor did she plead for sympathy in her vada pav venture. Instead, she stood her ground, proved her food was clean, and everything was made at home by her own hands. And slowly, one customer at a time, she won them over.

Part of her magic lies in her ability to connect. With no formal schooling, she can converse in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, and a dash of English. It’s her way of making sure no one at her stall ever feels like an outsider at her vada pav stall.

“She’s sharp. She never stops smiling. And she loves what she does,” wrote Dhanmeher. “She treats everyone with kindness. She listens, she talks, and she understands people in the language they are most comfortable with. Every time I visit her stall, I see people excited just to talk to her, like they’re meeting an old friend.”

Also Read: Vada Pav Minus Pav? This Vada Pav Wrap Recipe Has All The Flavours Of The Popular Street Food

The Internet Responds With Love

The internet didn’t just read the story; but outpoured it with love. “A proud daughter of a remarkable woman entrepreneur, truly inspiring!” commented one user. “A true Superwoman raising another,” added another. 

Someone praised her relationship-building skills and her mastery of not one, not two, but five Indian languages, calling it “crucial not just for business but for growth.”

Others wrote with equal warmth, with some remembering their own mothers while talking about this vada pav queen. “Hard work never disappoints. Proved that a degree doesn’t matter, your personality and kindness do. More power to your mother,” one user said, while another shared, “Reminds me of my mom! Thanks for sharing.”

Also Read: 6 Underrated Street Food To Try In Mumbai

For all its virality, this story is about a truth often forgotten: success isn’t always framed in certificates. Sometimes it’s served hot on a paper plate, seasoned with hard work, and delivered with a smile that never fades. And if you happen to be outside BMC Hospital, you might find that smile of a mother waiting for you, alongside a perfectly spiced vada pav and a conversation in whichever language feels most like home.

Cover Image Courtesy: ishikadhanmeher/X