From Rs 1,500 Salary to Rs 36 Crore Entrepreneur: How a 10th dropout built a 400-car fleet company

Ashfaque Chunawala, a 37-year-old resident of Oshiwara, has defied odds and risen from humble beginnings to become a successful entrepreneur. Starting in 2004 with a modest salary of Rs 1,500 as a retail store attendant, Chunawala's journey reflects a testament to perseverance and ambition.

Having dropped out of school after Class X to support his family, Chunawala navigated through various jobs over nearly a decade, eventually becoming a manager at an apparel and skincare store. Despite these strides, he felt compelled to seek greater opportunities, driven by a lingering sense of unfulfilled potential and mounting financial pressures.

His fortunes took a turn in 2013 when he discovered a burgeoning ride-hailing app offering flexible earning prospects. Joining as a part-time driver, Chunawala seized the opportunity, obtaining a car through the company's initiative and embarking on a dual career path. Balancing his store responsibilities with driving, he steadily grew his income, earning Rs 35,000 from the store and an additional Rs 15,000 monthly as a driver.


Support from his sister enabled Chunawala to expand his operations by purchasing a second car. With prudent financial management, he secured a bank loan of Rs 10 lakh to acquire three more vehicles, thus initiating the growth of his fleet. Despite facing challenges such as employee turnover and operational disruptions during the Covid-19 lockdown, Chunawala persevered, steadily expanding his fleet to 400 cars through reinvestment and strategic borrowing.

Reflecting on his journey, Chunawala emphasized his commitment to creating employment opportunities and stability for many families. "I also strive to empower drivers to pursue their dreams unhindered by financial constraints," he shared with TOI.

Chunawala's dedication and resilience have earned him recognition from Uber, the ride-sharing app with which he remains associated, as a leading first-generation entrepreneur. His drivers undergo rigorous training, spanning 15-30 days, aimed at fostering professionalism and aligning with company expectations.

Looking ahead, Chunawala aims to further expand his fleet to 500 cars, underscoring his relentless pursuit of growth and opportunity in the competitive ride-hailing industry.

In summary, Ashfaque Chunawala's journey exemplifies how determination and strategic vision can transform adversity into achievement, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations with courage and resolve.