New Delhi: Pakistan’s blue-eyed tea seller Arshad Khan is more than just a social media sensation. He’s got street smarts and business acumen. Along with his businessman partner Kazim Hasan, he won 1 crore Pakistani rupees (about Rs 30 lakh) on Shark Tank Pakistan for his tea brand, Café Chaiwala & Co.
His success on Shark Tank and his rags-to-riches story has his legion of fans in India, Pakistan and the rest of the world celebrating his ‘humility’ and ‘simplicity’.
“The only person who stayed as humble as the first day, never misused his fame and never had any scandal, he deserves respect,” said one user on a YouTube news story.
While serving tea at a small stall in 2016, a photographer noticed Khan’s light blue eyes and striking good looks, and posted it on social media. It went viral, and suddenly an unknown chaiwalla became a celebrity. He even took up a few modelling contracts, but had the foresight to capitalise on his popularity—beyond his looks.
He opened cafes first in his hometown in Islamabad, followed by another in London.
“If I had launched just one café in Islamabad, that would have fed my family. But by building a brand, I can employ and feed more families – and that is my greatest happiness,” Khan told ThePrint.
But his Islamabad cafe was short-lived. A few months after he opened it in March 2020, he had to shut it down as Covid swept through Pakistan. Now, he has another shot at building a tea empire. And fans are impressed.
“He is one of the few who cash their fame wisely. A simple guy who decided to stay simple and start his own business on an international level rather than mess up his career,” said another fan on social media.
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Building brand Pakistan
While Khan is pragmatic, he is enjoying the strange turn his life has taken.
“I had enjoyed the attention then [2016], and I am also enjoying it now,” said Khan. “What is giving me satisfaction is that without Shark Tank, we would not have done in five years what we can do in a year.”
His Shark Tank appearance brought him back into the spotlight, but his business acumen did not go unnoticed.
“Arshad Khan “Chai Wala” got a Rs. 1 crore deal on Shark Tank Pakistan after pitching his tea brand to investors. His success serves as a testament to hard work & luck in transforming a simple business idea into a profitable venture,” a user posted on X.
In a way, Khan has become an ambassador of sorts for Pakistan.
“The attention is now on the brand, not just one person,” said his partner Hasan.
Café Chaiwala will benefit three groups – Pakistan’s international image as the brand goes global, patrons and employees of the café, and finally, the business partners.
“Everyone is congratulating us and our excitement is increasing day by day. We are grateful for what Allah has given us,” Khan added.