Manish Aggarwal's Journey From Chandni Chowk to Global Recognition

Born in the bustling lanes of Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Manish Aggarwal grew up in a close-knit joint family where life revolved around business. Childhood for him wasn’t just about play; it was about listening to family business discussions, visiting factories and stores, and learning from his father—a man whose commitment to quality and hard work left a lasting impression on him.

Early in his career, Aggarwal immersed himself in every aspect of the business, from production to packaging. Reflecting on those formative years, he says, “This hands-on experience taught me humility and reinforced that each person’s role is vital to our success.” These experiences laid the foundation for his leadership philosophy.

When he took on the legacy of Bikano, Bikanervala, the family business was not just a responsibility but a passion. What began as a hobby soon turned into a mission to take the company to a global stage.

Today, as the director of Bikano, Bikanervala, Aggarwal spends his mornings reviewing strategies and dedicates his afternoons to working with teams and meeting stakeholders. His leadership style is rooted in respect, resilience and a clear focus on goals.

He believes in connecting personally with his team, listening to their ideas and ensuring they feel valued. Walking around the office and connecting with everyone reinforces the shared mission, he says. He aims to create an environment where every employee feels supported to do their best work.

Amid all the hassle at work, he prioritises personal time. Instead of micromanaging each day, he sets weekly goals that allow him to manage both personal and work commitments.

Regular walks and occasional jogs help him clear his mind, and weekends spent with family keep him grounded. He cherishes every moment of parenthood, finding joy in guiding and nurturing his son and daughter. “Spending time with my wife and children is incredibly grounding, and I cherish those moments to step away from work and connect on a personal level,” he says.

His leisure activities also include catching up with friends and listening to motivational speakers, which help him recharge and stay inspired.

Aggarwal finds fulfilment in books. He reads about personal development, and business and motivational subjects. He believes in the “power of continuous learning”, and books form a big part of that, he says. If he were to write a book, it would be about the journey of traditional Indian foods to global consumers and the lessons learned along the way about heritage and innovation.

He enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures. Work has taken him to the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and West Asia. Within India, he likes exploring regional foods and traditions, which often inspires his work at Bikano, Bikanervala. He revels in the diversity of culinary experiences and the vibrant atmosphere of local markets.

Looking back, he wishes he had embraced professional risks earlier in his career. “Each challenge has enriched my experience, but in hindsight, I might have embraced certain pivotal moments even sooner,” he reflects. Expanding Bikano, Bikanervala globally was a significant risk, but one that taught him adaptability, innovation and gave him confidence to push boundaries.

He approaches each day as an opportunity to make a positive impact. And that’s what gives him satisfaction and happiness. “Fulfilment for me is about making a meaningful impact. Happiness comes from knowing that I am contributing positively—whether through my work with Bikano, Bikanervala or in personal relationships with my family and friends,” he adds.