The iconic Chitale Bandhu just turned 75, and Pune showed up in full force to celebrate. This milestone initiated in grand style with Krutadnyata Sohala, an event that honored it’s legacy, partners and beloved customers. Held at Pandit farms in Karve Nagar, the celebration by graced by cricket legend and brand ambassador of Chitale Bandhu, Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar, making it an unforgettable occasion.
Guests were welcomed through a grand 75 arch, where they were greeted by the electrifying beats of dhol-taasha. Walking through the journey walls, the invitees transported across decades, witnessing the evolution of Chitale Bandhu from a small, sweet shop to an internationally recognized brand.
What’s a Chitale Celebration without sweets and the iconic Bakarwadi, right? The Mithai mela was the heart of the celebration, showcasing 75 varieties of sweets, such as the mouthwatering gujab jamun, pedha, barfi and puranpoli. To make things more special, there was dedicated stall for chai and Bakarwadi, where guests indulged in Pune’s favorite and iconic snack combo.
The celebration officially commenced with the introduction of the event by actor, Sankarshan Karhade, followed by the arrival of Sachin Tendulkar and a special address by the Chitale family. The Chitale family members including Shrikrishna Chitale, Kedar Chitale, Indraneel Chitale took the stage expressing gratitude to the customers and sharing the insights into brand’s incredible journey. The energy remained high with a cultural performance featuring celebrated artists, Flautist Amar Oak, Vocalist Anand Bhate and Poet Vaibhav Joshi. They took this opportunity to pay tributes to their gurus, Bhimsen Joshi, Lata Mangeshkar, Zakir Hussain and Hariprasad Chaurasia through a special performance.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for. An exclusive interview with Sachin Tendulkar, conducted by Journalist, Sunandan Lele. Reflecting on his connection to Pune, Sachin Tendulkar shared, “My Sister’s husband is here. My sister lives in Pune after she got married, so somewhere or the other believe I’m also a Punekar.” Reflecting on his cricket journey, he emphasized the importance of dedication and discipline in achieving success. He even highlighted the significant support of family, coaches, teammates, ground mates and the audience for his career. He even expressed his gratitude for their unwavering encouragement.
The event ended with a lavish lunch, allowing the guests to savor the very flavors that made Chitale Bandhu a household name. The event was indeed a fitting tribute to 75 years of homely tradition, taste and trust.
