The phrase “left IAS dream but built a ₹150 crore empire” best fits the story of Anubhav Dubey, co-founder of Chai Sutta Bar. Anubhav was once a UPSC aspirant preparing for the IAS exams in Delhi, but he realized his true calling was in business, not government service. In 2016, with just ₹3 lakh and the support of his childhood friend Anand Nayak, he started Chai Sutta Bar in Indore. The brand quickly resonated with Indian youth, and today it boasts over 400 outlets in 195 cities across India and has expanded internationally to countries like Dubai, the UK, Canada, and Oman. The company’s annual turnover is now a staggering ₹150 crore.
This story is a powerful example of how leaving behind the pursuit of a traditional “dream job” like the IAS can lead to extraordinary entrepreneurial success. Anubhav’s journey stands out as a testament to innovation, perseverance, and the willingness to redefine success on one’s own terms.
