Aapli Aaji: Meet the Maharashtrian grandma earning lakhs on YouTube with traditional home-style cooking, watch

In a world dominated by tech-savvy influencers, one remarkable story stands out- that of Suman Dhamane, affectionately known as Aapli Aaji (meaning “our grandmother”), who turned her humble village kitchen into a digital empire. What began as a simple idea to share traditional Maharashtrian recipes blossomed into a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions across India and beyond.

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Roots in Tradition, Heart in Every Dish

Hailing from Sarola Kasar village near Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, Aapli Aaji had never used a smartphone or understood YouTube until her grandson, Yash Pathak, encouraged her to record one of her famous Pav Bhaji recipes.

With Yash handling filming and editing, they launched the Aapli Aaji YouTube channel in March 2020. Despite initial camera shyness and no formal education or internet knowledge, Suman’s authenticity resonated with viewers.

Her videos are simple, heartwarming, and rooted in gavran (village) cooking - using homemade spices and age-old techniques. This genuine style helped her connect deeply with audiences who yearn for traditional flavors and relatable content.

The Rise of a Digital Grandma

What happened next became a classic “Internet fairytale”:

Her channel amassed hundreds of thousands of subscribers in months, quickly crossing six-figure milestones.

Today, millions of monthly views flow in as food lovers tune in for authentic Maharashtrian recipes ranging from fritters and chutneys to festive sweets.

Aapli Aaji has even received YouTube Creator Awards and now reportedly earns a substantial monthly income from her digital presence.

Beyond YouTube: Legacy & Entrepreneurship

Success on YouTube sparked a brand expansion - she now sells traditional spice blends and masalas under the “Aapli Aaji” name, letting fans recreate her flavors at home.

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Yet what makes her journey truly inspiring isn’t just the numbers - it’s how a septuagenarian embraced digital storytelling, shattered age stereotypes, and spread cultural pride through food.

In an era where authenticity is prized over perfection, Aapli Aaji is proof that passion, consistency, and heritage can bridge generations and continents.