When Arjun Tendulkar and Saaniya Chandhok tied the knot on March 5, the wedding naturally grabbed attention. While the ceremony itself remained a private affair, curiosity around Saaniya’s family quickly grew.
One name that often comes up in these conversations is Ravi Ghai – a Mumbai-based businessman who has spent decades building businesses in the hospitality and food sectors. Many also recognize him as the man who brought the global ice cream brand Baskin-Robbins to India and he’s often referred to as the ice cream baron of India.
Here’s a closer look at the businessman and the legacy linked to his name.
Ravi Ghai and the Graviss Group
Ravi Ghai heads the Graviss Group, a Mumbai-based company involved in hotels, restaurants and food brands.
Over the years, the group has carved out a steady presence in the hospitality industry. Its work stretches across India and even the SAARC region, making it a recognized name in the food and hotel business.
Ravi Ghai has been closely involved in shaping and expanding the group for many years.
Education and early days in business
Ravi Ghai studied hospitality management at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.
After finishing his studies, he returned to Mumbai in 1967 and joined the family business, according to a report by the Economic Times.
His father had already started the well-known ice cream brand Kwality Ice Cream, which was popular with many Indian families at the time.
Bringing Baskin-Robbins to India
One of Ravi Ghai’s most talked-about business decisions came in 1993, when he introduced Baskin-Robbins to India and the SAARC region.
For many Indians, this was their first real introduction to international-style ice cream flavours. The move helped expand the organized ice cream market and added a global brand to the country’s dessert scene.
His role in Mumbai’s hotel industry
Apart from food brands, Ravi Ghai has also been active in the hotel sector.
He owns the InterContinental Marine Drive, located along Mumbai’s iconic Marine Drive.
Today, it is considered one of the notable hospitality projects linked to the Graviss Group.
Ravi Ghai’s family and Saaniya Chandhok
Ravi Ghai is the grandfather of Saaniya Chandhok.
Her parents, Sunny Chandhok and Gaurika Ghai Chandhok, are also connected to the family’s business network.
Saaniya grew up in Mumbai and completed her schooling in the city before moving to London for higher studies.
Who is Gita Ghai?
Ravi Ghai’s wife is Gita Ghai. According to online sources, the two got married on July 10, 1967.
Over the years, both of them have been associated with the Graviss Group, which has interests in hotels, food services and ice cream brands across India and the SAARC region. Unlike her husband, Gita Ghai has largely stayed away from public attention.
A long journey in hospitality and food
Ravi Ghai’s career in the hospitality and food industry spans several decades.
Through the Graviss Group, he has remained connected to restaurants, hotels and well-known ice cream brands. From continuing the legacy of Kwality Ice Cream to introducing Baskin-Robbins in India, his work has played a role in shaping parts of the organized food and hospitality sector in the country.
