On August 13, 2025, Mumbai-based businessman Ravi Ghai made headlines. His granddaughter, Saaniya Chandok, got engaged to Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. This news brought Ravi Ghai, a big name in India’s hospitality and food industry, into the spotlight. He is the chairman of the Graviss Group. His life is a story of hard work, success, and some challenges. This article tells you about Ravi Ghai’s life in simple words. It covers his early years, education, business, family, and more. Let’s dive into his journey.
Early Life And Family Roots
Ravi Ghai was born into a family with a business background. His father, Iqbal Krishan Ghai, was a famous businessman. Iqbal started a small eatery in Connaught Place, New Delhi, during World War II. He made homemade ice cream for American soldiers. This small start led to the creation of Kwality Ice Cream, a brand that became very popular in India. Ravi grew up watching his father build this business. He learned the value of hard work early on. His family’s love for food and hospitality shaped his future.
Ravi was a bright child. He loved learning and dreamed of making his family proud. His father’s success inspired him. He wanted to take the family business to new heights. Ravi’s early life was simple but full of ambition. He knew he wanted to work in the hospitality world. This dream led him to study abroad.
Education At Cornell University
Ravi Ghai went to Cornell University in the United States. He studied at the School of Hotel Administration, a top school for hospitality. He graduated in 1966. His time at Cornell was important. He learned how to run hotels and food businesses. He also learned about global trends in hospitality. This knowledge helped him later in life. After finishing his studies, Ravi returned to Mumbai in 1967. He was ready to join the family business.
Ravi Ghai Age, Wiki, Biography, Net Worth, Wife, Daughter, Family
Business
Ravi Ghai took over his father’s business. He became the leader of the Graviss Group. The group was already known for Kwality Ice Cream. Ravi wanted to make it bigger. He worked hard to grow the business. One of his biggest achievements was turning the Natraj Hotel into the InterContinental Hotel on Marine Drive, Mumbai. This hotel became a symbol of luxury. It attracted rich guests and tourists. Ravi’s vision made it a success.
In 1993, Ravi brought Baskin-Robbins to India. This was a big deal. Baskin-Robbins is a famous American ice cream brand. Ravi introduced it to India and other SAARC countries. People loved the new flavors. He also started The Brooklyn Creamery, a brand for health-conscious customers. These businesses made the Graviss Group very successful. In 2023-24, the group earned Rs 624 crore, a 20% increase from the previous year. Ravi’s net worth is said to be between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 crore. His hard work paid off.
Business Ventures
Ravi Ghai did not stop at hotels and ice cream. He expanded the Graviss Group into real estate and other areas. He is a director in companies like Kwality Real Estates Private Limited and Graviss Hospitality Limited. These companies deal with buying, selling, and renting properties. Ravi also worked with international brands. He brought global standards to India. His businesses include restaurants like Gaylord, which is famous in Mumbai. Ravi’s ability to mix Indian and global ideas made him stand out.
Family And Personal Life
Ravi Ghai is a family man. He has children, including a son named Gaurav Ghai. His granddaughter, Saaniya Chandok, recently got engaged to Arjun Tendulkar. This engagement on August 13, 2025, was a private event. Only close family and friends attended. The news connected two famous families—the Tendulkars, known for cricket, and the Ghais, known for business. Ravi is proud of his family’s legacy. However, his personal life has not always been easy.
Family Dispute
Ravi Ghai faced a big challenge in his family. In 2020, while he was fighting cancer, he gifted 49% of his company shares to his son, Gaurav. Ravi was very sick and trusted Gaurav to run the business. But things went wrong. Ravi says Gaurav took control of the Graviss Group without his permission. He claims Gaurav forged his signature and changed the company’s board members. Ravi also says his monthly allowance of Rs 12.5 lakh stopped in early 2025. He felt betrayed.
Ravi filed a complaint with the Marine Drive police in Mumbai on May 30, 2025. He accused Gaurav of fraud and forgery. The police called it a family dispute. They did not file a criminal case. Instead, they suggested arbitration, a way to solve problems outside court. The issue is still ongoing. Ravi says he was humiliated. He regrets giving away his shares. This dispute has made headlines and added a sad chapter to Ravi’s life.
Achievements And Legacy
Ravi Ghai’s work has left a big mark. He turned his father’s small ice cream business into a huge empire. The Graviss Group is now a leader in hospitality and food. The InterContinental Hotel is a landmark in Mumbai. Baskin-Robbins and The Brooklyn Creamery are loved by many. Ravi’s businesses employ thousands of people. His net worth shows his success, but his real legacy is his vision. He brought international brands to India. He also made Indian brands famous.
Ravi is also known for his global thinking. His education at Cornell helped him understand world-class hospitality. He used this knowledge to improve his businesses. He worked with big companies like the InterContinental Hotels Group, valued at $18.43 billion in 2025. Ravi’s story inspires young businesspeople. He shows that hard work and smart ideas can lead to success.
Connection With The Tendulkar Family
The engagement of Saaniya Chandok and Arjun Tendulkar brought Ravi Ghai’s name back into the news. The event on August 13, 2025, was a happy moment. It showed how two different worlds—cricket and business—came together. Ravi’s family is proud of this connection. The engagement was private, but it created a lot of buzz. People are curious about Ravi Ghai and his achievements.
Looking Ahead
Ravi Ghai’s story is not over. He is still active in his businesses, even after stepping down as chairman of Graviss Hospitality Limited. He holds shares worth over Rs 21.4 crore as of March 31, 2025. He also serves as a director in other companies, like Kirloskar Electric. Despite family and health challenges, Ravi remains a respected figure. His work in hospitality and food continues to inspire.
Conclusion
Ravi Ghai is a man of vision and hard work. He built a business empire from his father’s small ice cream shop. His journey from Mumbai to Cornell and back shows his dedication. The Graviss Group, InterContinental Hotel, Baskin-Robbins, and The Brooklyn Creamery are proofs of his success. But his life also has struggles, like his health issues and family dispute. The engagement of his granddaughter to Arjun Tendulkar added a new chapter to his story. Ravi Ghai’s life teaches us that success comes with challenges, but courage keeps you going. His legacy will live on in India’s hospitality world.