MUMBAI: Ashfaque Chunawala is proof that courage, determination, hard work and financial discipline can turn your life around. From earning a modest monthly salary of Rs 1,500 in 2004 by stacking the shelves of a retail store to owning a fleet of 400 cabs with an annual turnover of Rs 36 crore, the 37-year-old Oshiwara resident is only hungry for more-he wants to expand his fleet to 500 soon.

Chunawala had to drop out after Class X to support his family and found a job in 2004 with a retail store as an attendant.

But his ambitions pushed him to try newer things. For close to 10 years, he kept switching to jobs in search of better opportunities and eventually became the manager of an apparel and skincare store. He still couldn't shake off the feeling, though, that he was meant to do more. But while his instincts egged him on to aim higher, he found himself drowning in financial debts.
His luck turned in 2013 after he came across an advertisement of a newly launched ride-hailing app that was quickly gaining popularity and offered flexible earning opportunities. He joined the platform as a part-time driver, secured a cheap and small car through the company's special programme, got behind its wheel, and never looked back.

Chunawala balanced both his jobs initially- driving for a few hours from 7am, then heading to the store and driving again for some time at night.
As his earnings grew-he made Rs 35,000 from the store and Rs 15,000 a month as a driver-he worked on building his savings.

His path to success was also laid by his sister, who helped him buy a second car. With the increased earnings from both the cars, he recognised the need to expand and applied for a bank of Rs 10 lakh to buy three more cars. After his loan got sanctioned, he hired more drivers.
Instead of being content with his already improved prospects, he kept a small sum from his earnings after paying his loan EMIs and invested the rest. He used the deposits, along with fresh bank loans, to buy more cars, eventually building a 400-strong fleet over time.

He told TOI that his fleet provides employment and stability to many families. "I also strive to empower drivers to pursue their dreams unhindered by financial constraints."
But it wasn't a smooth ride. He faced multiple setbacks-from employees deserting him and promoting toxicity at work to his toughest trial during the first lockdown triggered by Covid-19 that brought business to a screeching halt.

Chunawala, who will soon be felicitated by the ride-sharing app, Uber, with which he is still affiliated, as a top first-generation entrepreneur, said his drivers are put through an intensive training for 15-30 days, where they are sensitised about appropriate behaviour and expectations.