Rajat’s journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of an entrepreneur. His story, a rollercoaster of soaring highs and crushing lows, offers a powerful lesson in perseverance.
From 2014 to early 2020, Rajat was riding the wave of success with Burgerwalas, his QSR chain that had captured the taste buds of students across India’s premier university campuses. Outlets in IIM Ahmedabad, IIT Gandhinagar, and LPU Jalandhar were a testament to his vision and hard work. He was on top of the world.
However, the entrepreneurial path is rarely linear. Rajat faced significant setbacks, with losses exceeding ₹7 crore from ventures like HPL T20 (2019) and Bharat Sundari (2018). Yet, his spirit remained unbroken. He and his team continued to build, fueled by the belief that their momentum was unstoppable.
Then came March 2020, and the world changed. The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unforeseen and devastating blow. For Rajat, the lockdown wasn’t a temporary disruption; it stretched for two long years as his university-based outlets remained shuttered. The impact went beyond mere business losses. Overnight, the perception of Rajat shifted dramatically. The sincere, hardworking entrepreneur was suddenly labeled a “fraudster,” “scammer,” and “defaulter.” He faced a barrage of 22 legal cases across five states. WhatsApp groups became forums for those plotting against him. Adding insult to injury, property owners allegedly exploited his vulnerability, confiscating valuable equipment for relatively small rent dues. Even trusted friends and supporters turned away as he struggled to meet his obligations. The pressure mounted, with family urging him to abandon his entrepreneurial dreams and return to his former career as a pilot. Rajat had seemingly lost everything – his business, his reputation, and his support system.
But within this darkness, a flicker of defiance remained. In 2022, faced with the stark choice of quitting or fighting, Rajat chose the latter. He went back to basics, exploring opportunities in L2 alcohol retail. A chance encounter with a school senior proved to be a turning point, leading him to a beer brand founder and subsequently to the owner of one of India’s oldest distilleries and breweries. In an unexpected turn of events, this connection led to a leased bottling plant and a crucial contract manufacturing agreement. Rajat was back in business, albeit in a completely new arena.
The journey to recovery was arduous. From a staggering ₹-23 crore, the next three years (2023-2025) were filled with relentless effort, sleepless nights, and the burning desire to prove his detractors wrong. Today, Rajat proudly has his own whiskey label. In February 2025, he signed an agreement to further scale his production, including a future acquisition of a bottling plant.
But Rajat’s ambition didn’t stop there. In 2025, he ventured into real estate with Silvakaran Realty, launching a farmhouse community in Goa and a significant 1.6 million sq. ft. luxury project in Gurugram. Yet, the allure of the QSR industry, where his entrepreneurial journey began as a canteen contractor in 2008-09, remained strong.
Now, in 2025-26, Rajat is orchestrating the comeback of Burgerwalas. This isn’t just about serving food; it’s about serving a powerful message: no failure is final.
This journey of trial, error, and unwavering tenacity has culminated in a new venture: Komedy of Errors, a café born from the “beautiful mess” of past experiences. It’s a tribute to every mistake that paved the way for a lesson learned, a place where the flavors are “forged in experience and humor.”
Rajat’s story is a powerful reminder that when faced with adversity, the choice lies within us: to succumb or to rise. He chose to rise, not just to rebuild, but to create a new beginning. His journey is an inspiration to every entrepreneur who has faced setbacks, proving that with resilience, determination, and a willingness to learn from every “burned burger” and “spilled shake,” the most compelling brand stories are often born from the most unexpected “komedies of errors.”
