Ratanshi Kheraj Sarees : Yards of happiness
Nikhil Ballal
Though the news of 5G being launched next year has taken the internet by storm, this family business that is running into its fifth generation, is already enjoying the success of 5G. Ratanshi Kheraj Sarees Pvt. Ltd. started almost 130 years back by Ratanshi Kheraj himself in Mumbai is one of the oldest and greatest family businesses in the city. For more than a century, this brand is known for its impeccable handmade and authentic Indian Banarasi Silk Sarees which boast of elegant form of artwork coupled with timeless pure silk.
“It all started atleast 130 years back when my great, great grandfather Ratanshi Kheraj started the saree business. Initially it was a side business, since, we as a family, were landlords and dealt with the ancillary activities. However, things changed after 1960. There was a financial crisis and my grandfather, who was then, actively managing the land activities, decided to bring forward the saree business, which was on the back burner till then,” says Bhavesh Reshamwala, the fifth generation scion of Ratanshi Kheraj.
Once the saree business took off there was no looking back. They were the pioneers in print and embroidery sarees, specializing in hand-woven Banarsi sarees. The first shop was started at Masjid Bandar, which was later moved to Opera House in 2008. The second shop was opened in 2004 at Bandra and the latest showroom was inaugurated in Thane in 2019. This well-known establishment is a one-stop destination that caters to clients not only across Mumbai but also outside the city. “We had many people coming from Thane to our shops in Mumbai, so we decided to start one for them in the city. Now we have people not only from the city but also from Pune and Nashik visiting our shop here. With regards to our Bandra shop, since it is strategically located, we have customers coming from Dadar to Vasai-Virar and since it is closer to the airport, we have many travelers visiting us,” avers Bhavesh.
With such a long history associated with the brand, there is no doubt that it has certain unique selling propositions. Bhavesh states, “The moment customers enter our store, they feel good. Also from our product standpoint, we believe that a saree is not just a piece of textile but it is a beautiful piece of art. Hence, we strive to promote the art and not just the product. We offer hand-woven sarees, which ensures that our every saree is different. Moreover, we make use of natural fibres only.”
The fact that Ratanshi Kheraj Sarees has been offering a unique blend of designs to its customers over generations speaks volumes of its dominance that it has enjoyed in the industry. At present, the business is actively managed by Bhavesh and his two brothers. The wives have also joined in. “Things have always been smooth in the business as well as in the family. We work together with a common goal. We have seen our earlier generations working with harmony and we, the next generation are simply following their footsteps,” concludes Bhavesh.
