Shivratan Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of Bikaji Foods International, passed away in Chennai on Thursday morning at the age of 74 due to a heart attack. According to family sources reported by ABP Live Business, Agarwal complained of uneasiness at around 7:30 AM on Thursday and was rushed to a private hospital, where he breathed his last. His wife had recently undergone a heart bypass surgery and had been advised to rest, prompting the family to remain in Chennai for her recovery. As per the latest reports, Agarwal had been in Chennai for approximately 10 days while his wife recovered from her surgery. A resident of Bikaner's Sardulganj area, Agarwal arrived in Chennai with his family around 10 days ago for his wife's surgery and was staying at a hotel with his family at the time of his death.
Agarwal founded the Bikaji brand in Bikaner in 1993, beginning with a small-scale venture that would eventually grow into one of India's leading food companies. In its early days, the business operated under the name Shivdeep Food Products, named after his son. After a business split, Agarwal chose to move away from his family's traditional association with Haldiram's and start independently. He relocated to Bikaner and began producing bhujia under Shivdeep Food Products, laying the foundation for what would later become Bikaji.
Agarwal chose the name 'Bikaji' to honor Rao Bika, the founder of Bikaner, after whom the city itself is named. The name was chosen seeking a distinctive identity for his brand and aiming to take Indian flavours to a wider audience. Despite having studied only up to Class 8, Agarwal built his business through vision and innovation. In the early years, he travelled abroad to study production techniques and modernise his operations. At a time when bhujia was largely produced by hand, Bikaji became the first Indian brand to produce bhujia using machines, significantly enhancing productivity and consistency. Over the years, Bikaji expanded its operations with increasing automation across production and packaging.
Bikaji Foods International marked a major milestone in 2022 when it was listed on the stock market, reflecting the company's growth journey from a local enterprise to a national and international player. According to a regulatory filing made by the company to stock exchanges on April 23, 2026, Agarwal served as the Chairman and Whole-Time Director and played a crucial role in building Bikaji into a leading name in traditional snacks and sweets, expanding its reach across India and global markets. The leadership team and employees of Bikaji expressed deep condolences and said they remain committed to carrying forward his vision and entrepreneurial legacy. As per corporate governance norms, the company confirmed that following his passing, Agarwal will no longer be part of the promoter and promoter group. Bikaji Foods stocks have surged 10 percent for the second straight day following the news of Agarwal's passing, reflecting investor confidence in the company's leadership continuity.
Former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot expressed his condolences on his X account, describing the news as "deeply saddening." He wrote, "The passing of Mr. Agarwal, who brought Bikaner's Bhujia to national and international fame through the Bikaji brand, is an irreparable loss. May God grant peace to the departed soul and grant his family strength in this grief." The family had been in Chennai for her recovery period following her medical procedure, with Agarwal staying at a hotel with his family at the time of his death. This tragic incident highlights the challenges families face when managing health emergencies while maintaining family obligations.
