Page 10 - HBiz_December_2023

Cover Story

The Indian hospitality sector has suffered

a significant loss with the demise of two Saluting
dynamic, self-motivated, and visionary
leaders who not only transformed the
landscape of the Indian hospitality industry the Legacy
within the country but also on the global

stage. The contributions of PRS Oberoi
and Subrata Roy to the industry will endure Tribute to Visionary
for generations, leaving behind a historical

legacy in the meticulous design of hotels Icons, PRS Oberoi
and the pursuit of service excellence.
Hospitality Biz extends its heartfelt and Subrata Roy
tribute to these legendary figures.

Carrying forward his father’s legacy, PRS Oberoi adeptly
steered the hospitality chain through various challenges, fortifying
its status as the epitome of opulence. Under his guidance, the
Oberoi Empire, originating in 1934, burgeoned into a dominant
force within the realm of Indian hospitality.
ithin the short window of November 14th, the Born on February 3, 1929, in New Delhi, PRS Oberoi served
nation mourned the passing of two prominent as the company’s Chairman from 1988 until May 2022, when he
entrepreneurs, both leaving indelible legacies stepped down due to deteriorating health. His decision marked the
Won the hospitality industry. Prithvi Raj Singh end of an era for The Oberoi Group, concluding two generations
Oberoi, also known as ‘Biki’ Oberoi, is widely revered as a stalwart of Oberoi family leadership.
in the Indian hotel industry. His steadfast dedication has played Under PRS Oberoi’s guidance, The Oberoi Group evolved from
a pivotal role in significantly enhancing the global standing of its inaugural hotel, ‘The Trident Chennai,’ in 1988, to become
Indian hospitality. Concurrently, Subrata Roy, the driving force one of India’s most reputable hotel companies. His contributions
behind the Sahara Empire, encountered challenges in his later were recognised with the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-
years, despite an impactful start to his career. highest civilian honor, in 2008, and the ‘Corporate Hotelier
PRS Oberoi, heir to the legacy of Rai Bahadur MS of the World’ award by HOTELS magazine in 2010.
Oberoi, the visionary behind The Oberoi Group, In reflecting on his lifetime achievements, PRS
significantly propelled the renowned hotel chain’s Oberoi’s influence on luxury hotel design and
growth to encompass 32 establishments during his role in globalising The Oberoi Group have
his esteemed tenure. He was instrumental in not left an indelible mark on the industry. The
just expanding The Oberoi Group, but also in legacy of this pioneering hospitality icon
shaping the Trident chain of hotels, cementing will be remembered for years to come.
his stature as a luminary in the industry. In the 1970s and 1980s, ‘Biki’ Oberoi
became renowned for his unwavering
focus on detail and dedication to providing
unparalleled comfort. Famously recognised for
personally carrying towels and even arranging for
chefs in cities where the Oberoi Group didn’t yet have
hotels, Oberoi’s extensive travels granted him a keen
understanding of world class-hotels.
One of the stories about his pursuit of perfection goes
like this- he would wear an oversized ring on his index
finger to gauge the exact gap between the door and its
handle. This meticulous examination aimed to ensure
that only those handles were in place that could prevent
guests wearing elaborate rings from leaving scratches on
the doors of the Oberoi chain of luxury hotels.
Paying tribute, Manav Thadani, Founder Chairman,
Hotelivate, said, “PRS Oberoi’s remarkable legacy is that
he was a visionary well before his time. Oberoi Hotels &

10 Hospitality Biz | DecemBer 2023 | www.HospitalityBizinDia.com