Who Is Saaniya Chandhok Father? The recent engagement of Saaniya Chandhok to Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has sparked curiosity about her family background. Saaniya, a low-profile yet accomplished woman, hails from one of Mumbai’s most prominent business families. Her father, Gaurav Ghai, is a key figure in this narrative, tied to a business empire that spans hospitality and food industries. Let’s explore who Gaurav Ghai is, his role in the family business, and the legacy that shapes Saaniya’s world.
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The Ghai Family: A Business Powerhouse
Saaniya Chandhok’s family is synonymous with success in India’s hospitality and food sectors. Her father, Gaurav Ghai, is the son of Ravi Ghai, a renowned businessman and chairman of the Graviss Group. The Ghai family has built a formidable empire, with stakes in luxury hotels and popular food brands. Their business acumen has made them a household name in Mumbai’s elite circles.
- Graviss Group Legacy: Founded by Iqbal Krishan “IK” Ghai, the group started with the iconic Kwality Ice Cream brand.
- Hospitality Ventures: The family owns the prestigious InterContinental hotel in Mumbai, a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
- Food Industry Presence: They manage Baskin Robbins’ India operations and own Brooklyn Creamery, a health-focused ice cream brand.
Despite their wealth, the family has faced internal challenges, including a reported feud between Ravi Ghai and his son, Gaurav, which adds a layer of complexity to their public image.
Gaurav Ghai: The Man Behind the Name
Gaurav Ghai, Saaniya’s father, is a lesser-known figure compared to his father, Ravi Ghai, but his role in the family business is significant. While specific details about his personal contributions are scarce due to the family’s private nature, Gaurav is part of the Graviss Group’s leadership. His involvement has helped sustain the family’s influence in India’s competitive hospitality and food markets.
- Business Involvement: Gaurav is linked to the Graviss Group’s operations, which reported ₹624 crore in revenue for FY23-24, a 20% increase from the previous year.
- Low Public Profile: Like his daughter, Gaurav prefers to stay out of the limelight, focusing on business rather than media attention.
The reported tensions with his father, Ravi Ghai, suggest a complex dynamic, but Gaurav remains a key player in maintaining the family’s legacy.
The Graviss Group: A Financial Snapshot
The Graviss Group is the cornerstone of the Ghai family’s wealth, and Gaurav Ghai’s role ties directly to its success. The group’s diverse portfolio includes hospitality and food ventures, with a strong market presence both in India and abroad. While exact figures for Gaurav’s personal net worth are not public, the family’s business empire offers a glimpse into their financial stature.
- Revenue Growth: Graviss Food Solutions Private Limited, a key entity, reported ₹624 crore in revenue for FY23-24.
- Global Reach: The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), under which the family operates, is valued at $18.43 billion as of August 2025.
- Modest Ventures: Saaniya’s own business, Mr. Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP, started with an authorized capital of ₹0.10 million, showing the family’s support for entrepreneurial ventures.
This financial backbone underscores the Ghai family’s influence, with Gaurav playing a pivotal role in its continuity.
Saaniya’s Connection to the Family Legacy
Saaniya Chandhok, while part of this wealthy lineage, has carved her own path. A graduate of the London School of Economics, she is the founder of Mr. Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP, a Mumbai-based pet care business launched in 2022. Her entrepreneurial spirit mirrors her father’s business-oriented mindset, though she operates on a smaller scale. Saaniya’s Veterinary Technician diploma from the Worldwide Veterinary Service in 2024 further highlights her passion for animals, setting her apart from the family’s traditional ventures.
A Union of Cricket and Business Royalty
The engagement of Saaniya to Arjun Tendulkar, announced on August 13, 2025, in a private Mumbai ceremony, marks a union of two influential families. While Arjun carries the Tendulkar legacy in cricket, Saaniya represents the Ghai family’s business prowess. Gaurav Ghai, as her father, stands at the intersection of this alliance, bridging a world of sports and commerce. The private nature of the engagement, attended only by close family and friends, reflects the families’ preference for discretion despite their public profiles.
In conclusion, Gaurav Ghai may not be a household name like his father, Ravi Ghai, or his future son-in-law, Arjun Tendulkar, but his role in the Graviss Group and the Ghai family’s legacy is undeniable. Saaniya’s engagement has brought renewed attention to her father and their business empire, showcasing a blend of tradition and modern entrepreneurship. As this story unfolds, fans and followers eagerly await the next chapter in this high-profile union.