Ravi Ghai is one of India’s most respected names in the world of hospitality and food. For over five decades, he has built a business empire that touches millions of lives — from luxury hotels to ice cream brands that children grow up loving. As the chairman of Graviss Hospitality Ltd., Ghai has turned a family legacy into a global group, known for quality, innovation, and a deep understanding of what people want.
Born in April 1943, Ravi grew up in a family that believed in hard work and service. His father, Iqbal Krishan Ghai, started Kwality Ice Cream during World War II, serving American soldiers in Delhi. That small business became a household name across India. Ravi learned early on how food and hospitality could bring joy to people. These lessons stayed with him as he studied abroad and later returned to India to lead the family business.
Early Life and Origins
Ravi was born in April 1943 in India, likely in Delhi, based on his family’s roots. His father, Iqbal Krishan Ghai, was a self-made entrepreneur who started Kwality Ice Cream during World War II. At the time, he ran a small eatery in Connaught Place, Delhi, making ice cream for American soldiers stationed in India. This humble beginning laid the foundation for a brand that would later become a national favorite.
Growing up in a business-oriented household, Ravi was surrounded by conversations about customer service, quality, and innovation. His father was known as the “Maharajah of Ice Cream,” and his work ethic left a strong impression on Ravi. From a young age, Ravi saw how food could bring comfort and happiness, and how a well-run business could earn respect and trust.
Ravi Ghai Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ravi Iqbal Ghai |
| Date of Birth | April 1943 |
| Age | 82 years |
| Place of Birth | India (likely Delhi, based on family origins) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Graduate, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration |
| Occupation | Chairman, Graviss Hospitality Ltd. |
| Years Active | 1967–present |
| Known For | Redevelopment of InterContinental Marine Drive, Baskin-Robbins India launch |
| Major Brands | Kwality Ice Cream, Baskin-Robbins, Brooklyn Creamery, Gaylord Restaurant |
| Spouse | Gita Ghai |
| Children | Gaurav Ghai (son), Gaurika, Ravina, Gayatri Ghai (daughters) |
| Grandchildren | Saaniya Chandok (entrepreneur, engaged to Arjun Tendulkar) |
| Net Worth | ₹800–1,000 crore (estimated) |
| Notable Assets | InterContinental Hotel, Brooklyn Creamery, stock holdings worth ₹21.4 crore |
| Business Group | Graviss Group |
| First Major Role | Took over family business in Mumbai in 1967 |
| Signature Projects | InterContinental Hotel, Dome Sky Bar, Baskin-Robbins SAARC expansion |
| Industry | Hospitality, Food & Beverage |
Family Legacy
Iqbal Krishan Ghai’s story is one of grit and vision. He didn’t come from wealth, but he built Kwality Ice Cream into a brand that became part of India’s cultural fabric. His ice creams — chocobars, mango duets, cassatas — were not just desserts, they were memories for generations of Indians. Ravi grew up watching his father work long hours, make tough decisions, and always put the customer first.
This legacy was more than just a business. It was a way of life. Ravi saw how his father treated employees with respect, how he handled setbacks with grace, and how he stayed true to his values. These lessons stayed with Ravi as he moved forward in his own career. He didn’t just inherit a company — he inherited a philosophy.
Education and Global Exposure
Ghai’s journey into the world of hospitality began with a bold decision — to study abroad. In the mid-1960s, he enrolled at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in the United States. Cornell was, and still is, one of the top schools in the world for hospitality management. For a young man from India, this was a big step. It showed his ambition and his desire to learn from the best.
At Cornell, Ravi studied hotel operations, food service, and business management. He learned how to run hotels, manage staff, and create guest experiences that people would remember. He also met students from different countries, which helped him understand global trends and customer expectations. This exposure gave him a broader view of the hospitality industry and helped him think beyond the Indian market.
Career Beginnings
In 1967, Ravi came back to India after finishing his studies in the U.S. He was just 24 years old, but he was already thinking like a seasoned businessman. His father welcomed him into the family business, which was based in Mumbai. The company had a strong name in ice cream and hospitality, but Ravi saw room for growth.
He started by learning every part of the business. He visited factories, met suppliers, and talked to customers. He didn’t sit in an office — he went out into the field. This helped him understand what was working and what needed to change. He also began hiring professionals to improve operations and bring in new ideas.
Graviss Hospitality Ltd.
When Ravi returned to Mumbai in 1967, he didn’t just want to run his father’s business — he wanted to grow it. Over the next few decades, he built Graviss Hospitality Ltd. into a major name in India’s hotel and food industry. The company became known for its mix of luxury and comfort, offering high-end experiences while keeping Indian values at the core.
Graviss Hospitality started with hotels and ice cream but soon expanded into restaurants, banquets, and international food brands. Ravi believed that Indian consumers were ready for global experiences, and he worked hard to bring those to life. He focused on quality, service, and design — making sure every customer felt special.
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Financial Growth and Market Presence
Under Ravi’s leadership, Graviss Hospitality grew steadily. In FY23–24, Graviss Food Solutions Private Limited reported ₹624 crore in revenue — a 20% increase from the previous year. This growth came from smart investments, strong branding, and a focus on customer needs.
The company now operates across different segments — from luxury hotels like the InterContinental Marine Drive to mass-market food brands like Kwality Ice Cream and Brooklyn Creamery. It also holds licenses for international brands like Baskin-Robbins, which it introduced to India in the 1990s.
Graviss Group’s estimated net worth is between ₹800–1,000 crore. It has an authorized capital of ₹2.23 crore and a paid-up capital of ₹90,100. These numbers show the strength of the business, but they also reflect Ravi’s long-term thinking. He didn’t chase quick wins — he built something that could last.
Kwality Ice Cream
Kwality Ice Cream is one of India’s oldest and most loved dessert brands. It was started by Ravi Ghai’s father, Iqbal Krishan Ghai, during World War II. He made ice cream for American soldiers in Delhi, and soon, his small shop became a hit. Over time, Kwality grew into a household name, known for its chocobars, mango duets, and cassatas.
Ravi grew up watching his father build the brand. He saw how ice cream could bring joy to people of all ages. When he took over the business in 1967, he wanted to keep that joy alive — but also make the brand modern. He introduced better packaging, cleaner production methods, and new flavors to match changing tastes.
Baskin-Robbins in India
In 1993, Ravi made a bold move that changed India’s dessert scene forever. He brought Baskin-Robbins, the famous American ice cream brand, to India and the SAARC region. At the time, most Indians were used to local ice cream flavors. Baskin-Robbins introduced something new — international flavors, creamy textures, and a fun brand experience.
As food habits changed, Ravi saw a new opportunity. People were becoming more health-conscious. They wanted desserts that were tasty but also low in sugar, fat, and calories. To meet this need, Ravi launched The Brooklyn Creamery — a brand focused on guilt-free indulgence.
InterContinental Marine Drive
One of Ghai’s biggest achievements was the transformation of the Natraj Hotel into the InterContinental Marine Drive. Located on Mumbai’s iconic seafront, this hotel is now a symbol of luxury and style. Ravi saw potential in the old property and decided to redevelop it into a boutique hotel that would attract global travelers.
He partnered with the InterContinental Hotels Group, a global brand known for high standards. The new hotel opened with modern rooms, fine dining, and a rooftop bar called Dome — now one of Mumbai’s most popular sky lounges. The hotel quickly became a favorite among celebrities, business travelers, and tourists.
Arjun Tendulkar’s Engagement to Saaniya Chandok
On August 13, 2025, Ghai’s granddaughter, Saaniya Chandok, got engaged to Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. The private ceremony was attended by close friends and family.
This engagement brought together two iconic Mumbai families — one known for cricket, the other for hospitality. Saaniya is a veterinary technician and entrepreneur, running Mr. Paws Pet Spa & Store LLP. Arjun is a rising cricket star, playing for Goa and Mumbai Indians.
The event was low-key but widely covered in the media. It highlighted Ravi Ghai’s influence not just in business, but in society.
Wife & Kids
Ravi is married to Gita Ghai. The couple has four children — Gaurav, Gaurika, Ravina, and Gayatri. The family has been involved in the business, with Gaurav Ghai taking on leadership roles in recent years.
Despite recent family disputes, Ravi’s legacy remains strong. He built a business that supports multiple generations and continues to influence India’s hospitality sector.
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