At 74, Suman Dhamane — fondly known across the internet as “Aapli Aaji” — has become an unlikely YouTube sensation, proving that passion and perseverance know no age. Hailing from a small village in Maharashtra, Dhamane’s simple yet heartwarming videos showcasing authentic Maharashtrian cooking have captivated millions worldwide.
Launched in March 2020, her channel began as a lockdown project, filmed by her grandson using a basic camera. What started as a humble attempt to preserve traditional recipes quickly grew into a digital movement celebrating homegrown flavours and rural wisdom.
From bharli vangi (stuffed brinjal) to pithla bhakri and homemade spice blends, Aapli Aaji’s recipes are steeped in tradition — and her warm, grandmotherly storytelling adds a personal touch that keeps viewers coming back.
With over a million subscribers and videos garnering millions of views, Dhamane reportedly earns ₹5–6 lakh per month through her channel. Beyond the numbers, her success story has become an inspiration for countless seniors, proving that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
“I never imagined people from around the world would watch me cook our village food,” Aaji says with a smile in one of her videos. “But it makes me happy that our traditions are being loved again.”
Aapli Aaji’s journey stands as a reminder that age is no barrier to innovation — and that sometimes, the most authentic stories come from the humblest kitchens.
