Russia-Ukraine War, 5 Tonnes Of Poha And A Beer Business: Indian Entrepreneur’s Brand Reaches 30 Countries | Exclusive | India News

Last Updated:October 22, 2026, 20:17 IST

Indian entrepreneur Chandramohan Nallur in Poland turned a failed poha deal during the Russia-Ukraine war into the international beer brand Malayali, now sold in 30 countries.

One of the most unusual aspects of Nallur’s story is that he does not drink alcohol himself, despite being in the beer business. Images/Facebook

The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted global trade and supply chains, but for one Indian entrepreneur living in Poland, the crisis became the unlikely starting point of a new business. Chandramohan Nallur, originally from Palakkad in Kerala, turned a failed deal involving five tonnes of poha into a beer brand that has now expanded to 30 countries. The surprising part? He does not drink alcohol himself.

In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Nallur shared how the Russia-Ukraine war led to an unexpected business opportunity. He also spoke about the Indian passport, his efforts to help Indians fleeing Ukraine during the war, and the growing trade partnership between India and Poland.

How Five Tonnes of Poha Led to a Beer Brand

Nallur moved to Poland in 2012 after his telecommunications company sent him there for a business launch. He later became associated with the Indo-Polish Chamber of Commerce and Industries, helping Indian businesses expand into Poland and Polish companies explore opportunities in India.

During this period, a businessman from Varanasi ordered five tonnes of poha for the African community in Poland. However, the deal collapsed just four days before the Russia-Ukraine war began, amid fluctuations in the dollar and the Polish currency.

With five tonnes of poha left without a buyer, Nallur and his team began exploring alternatives. That is when the idea of making beer from poha emerged. The experiment eventually led to the creation of the brand “Malayali”, which has since expanded to 30 countries.

What began as an attempt to salvage a failed business deal turned into an international venture.

He Doesn’t Drink Alcohol, But Runs a Beer Business

One of the most unusual aspects of Nallur’s story is that he does not drink alcohol himself, despite being in the beer business.

However, the global uncertainty that helped inspire his venture continues to affect business operations. According to Nallur, rising fuel prices and transportation costs have increased business expenses, with tensions in West Asia adding further pressure on logistics and supply chains.

‘The Indian Passport Is the Safest These Days’

Asked whether he would ever consider taking Polish citizenship, Nallur said he preferred to retain his Indian citizenship.

He said that in the current geopolitical environment, having an Indian passport was preferable to holding another country’s passport. He described the Indian passport as the safest in the present circumstances.

Helping Indians During Operation Ganga

Nallur’s role during the Russia-Ukraine war extended beyond business. As Indian students and citizens fled Ukraine and crossed into Poland, he volunteered to help those arriving at the border.

He recalled how families and students were panicking amid uncertainty, while mobile connectivity became a major problem when people crossed from one country into another.

Nallur contacted his former telecommunications company and requested around 5,000-6,000 SIM cards, which came with 20 GB of free internet data. This helped people stay connected with their families and others assisting them.

According to Nallur, around 300-400 volunteers worked at the border for seven days, providing assistance in different languages. He helped coordinate their efforts.

He said one of the biggest challenges was reassuring anxious parents while giving students the confidence to navigate an unpredictable situation. At the time, there was also uncertainty about how far the Russian military advance might go and whether the conflict could spill over into Poland.

Nallur praised the Indian government’s Operation Ganga, describing the evacuation effort as commendable. He also noted that citizens of other countries received assistance during the operation.

India-Poland Trade: Focus on Joint Ventures and Technology

Nallur believes the growing relationship between India and Poland offers significant opportunities for businesses in both countries.

He said cooperation should go beyond buying and selling goods, with greater emphasis on joint ventures, technology transfer and making use of talent in both countries.

According to him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland in 2024 helped create a more positive business environment and strengthen confidence among companies.

India and Poland have set a target of doubling bilateral trade by 2030. Nallur is optimistic that stronger business networks, closer engagement and greater trust between companies will help achieve that goal.

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How did a failed deal involving five tonnes of poha lead to a beer brand?

When a businessman’s order for five tonnes of poha collapsed just days before the Russia-Ukraine war due to currency fluctuations, entrepreneur Chandramohan Nallur and his team explored alternative uses and decided to brew beer from the poha, successfully launching the global brand “Malayali”.

What role did Chandramohan Nallur play during Operation Ganga at the Poland border?

Nallur volunteered to help Indians fleeing Ukraine by coordinating 300 to 400 volunteers and arranging thousands of SIM cards with free internet data to help stranded students and families reconnect with their relatives.

What is Chandramohan Nallur’s view on holding an Indian passport currently?

When asked if he would take Polish citizenship, Nallur stated he prefers keeping his Indian passport, describing it as the safest option in the current geopolitical environment.

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