Dharampal Gulati with his family members during the 100th anniversary of MDH
OBITUARY: Dharampal Gulati
By Sumit Osmand Shaw*
When I heard the news in the morning that the man who added flavour in our food for generations is no more, I was shocked. It was difficult to believe that Dharampal Gulati, the ‘Masala King’ of India, had died, becoming Covid-19’s one more victim.What more 2020 is going to bring to us!
Although my association with the ‘Masala King’ was as a filmmaker, for me it was much beyond this professional relationship. Being a foodie, food is life to me like many other mortals…And no India food was complete without Dharampal Gulati’s spices. His masala brand – MDH – has been there for generations. I vividly remember that when MDH completed its 100 years last year, he had organised celebratory events for three day at three venues — Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Imperial Hotel, and a lavish Banquet Hall in Gurugram.
I and my team had done the filming of these events. During the shoot, there was a lot of close interaction with Gulati. He was fondly called ‘Mahashay Ji‘ by many, and ‘Dada ji‘ by many others. His brand MDH actually was an acronym of his company Mahashian Di Hatti Private Limited.
Even at such an age — he was 96 then, his zeal was electrifying. I found him to be full of life – a royal personality. The way he dressed up, the way he interacted with the people, was amazing.
But what touched me the most was his humbleness. When the MDH presented the recognition awards to the people, he met most of them personally to congratulate them. He never looked tired even at that age.
As we all know, his journey had started with a small store in Karol Bagh and with his hard work he established his own brand of Indian Spices ‘MDH’ not only in India but also spread it to the entire world. He is certainly a role model for the public.
Indeed I was highly impressed with him not only as a professional but as an individual as well. For me he was one of the most inspiring entrepreneur of the country. I must say that every entrepreneur should be looking like him.
As a film maker I will always cherish the moments spent with him on his shoot.
A grand salute to the Masala King.
*The writer is an acclaimed filmmaker
It was shocking to about his death with Corona. May God give peace to the departed soul. I pray to God to produce more such self made personalities.Thanks Sumit to share your personal experience with such a noble personality.