Historical Origins & Architectural Context

Founded by Raghunathrao (Baburao) Data, who named his signature spiced flattened-rice snack after the Laxminarayan Talkies where he sold paper cones to cinema-goers. Historic flagship showroom at 374 Bhavani Peth in central Pune, where the aroma of fresh-roasted curry leaves and spices greets visitors blocks away.

Walk down Bhavani Peth in Pune at any hour of the day and your senses are immediately drawn to the fragrant sizzle of curry leaves, sesame seeds, asafoetida, and crisp flattened rice at No. 374—the historic home of Baburao Data’s Laxminarayan Chiwda since the 1930s.

“लक्ष्मीनारायण थिएटरबाहेरील हातगाडीवरून सुरू झालेला आणि आज नऊ दशके रसिकांच्या मनावर राज्य करणारा—लक्ष्मीनारायण चिवडा!”

— Data Family Heritage Archives • Bhavani Peth, Pune

Cultural Significance & Enduring Legacy

During the 1961 Panshet Dam flood and World War II rationing, Baburao Data distributed free Chiwda sacks to displaced families—cementing an emotional bond with Pune that spans four generations.

Produces tons of Poha Chiwda, Potato Chiwda, Badam-Pista Rich Chiwda, and Lite roasted variants daily from its automated Pune plant. Celebrated for its paper-thin crispy fried/roasted Poha, golden cashews, raisins, dry coconut slivers, and an unmistakable sweet-tangy-spicy dry masala coat.