“Come, come, we will talk while I serve the lunch to my customers. Although I began by making just jowar rotis, now I sell both veg and non-veg meals at affordable prices. I set up my food court by 11:30 a.m. every day and the business is brisk nowadays as the IT offices and the local companies around have started to open up in a phased manner. Many of my customers come here to experience the homely kind of food. All our regulars, right from daily wagers to techies make a beeline to our place for lunch by afternoon.

I grew up in a small village in Mahabubnagar District. My husband works as a proclaim operator in Hyderabad while I run this food court.
Life moved forward, and over time we had two children.

When my daughter was born, I stayed at home for just 7 months and then started working again. I did the same when my son was born – my priorities were clear, I wanted to work and support my family even after marriage. Even when I was at home, I never sat still – I kept stitching clothes for my friends and then gradually started this food business full time.

I think, as a married woman, I’ve often underestimated myself and everything I’ve achieved so far. But not anymore – I take pride in the fact that I’m a businesswoman now. I was lucky to have a family who felt the same way – today all of us support each other to make our ends meet. Even my mother in law has always been supportive and encouraged me to take time off for our family whenever required.

Today, I feel blessed that I am an independent woman who knows how to balance work and home and I think that is what keeps me going.”