The 'Maharajah of Ice Cream': How Ravi Ghai connects Arjun Tendulkar to a sweet legacy

NEW DELHI: Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, has reportedly become engaged to Saaniya Chandok, granddaughter of prominent Mumbai businessman Ravi Ghai, in a ceremony held on Wednesday. However, neither the Tendulkar family nor the Ghai family has issued an official confirmation.Ravi Ghai, Saaniya’s grandfather, is the chairman of the Graviss Group, a major player in Mumbai’s hospitality and food-and-beverage industry. Both Arjun and Saaniya are from Mumbai.A graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, Ghai took over the family business in 1967, a year after completing his studies. His son, Gaurav Ghai, currently heads the Graviss Group.Ravi Ghai was instrumental in expanding his father Iqbal Krishen “IK” Ghai’s ice cream business into a global enterprise. The family boasts a 70-year legacy in the industry.The Ghai family’s story began with IK Ghai, known as the “Maharajah of Ice Cream,” who started with a small eatery in Connaught Place, New Delhi, serving homemade ice cream to American troops during World War II.“Kwality Ice Cream, a brand that practically weaned India’s fledgling nation on chocobars, mango duets and cassatas,” was created by IK Ghai shortly after launching his first venture, according to the Graviss Group website.