Hukamichand Chordia, Founder Of ‘Suhana-Praveen Masalewale’ Died At The Age Of 92 

Pune, 3rd June 2022: Hukamichand Sukhlal Chordia (92), a veteran entrepreneur and founder of ‘Suhana-Praveen Masalewale’, passed away at old age on Friday (June 3). Behind him, Rajkumar, Dr. Praveen, Pradeep, and Dhanyakumar are a family of four sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren. His grandson was Vishal Chordia, former chairman of the State Khadi and Village Industries Commission.

Hukmichand was born on November 12, 1930, at Parner in Ahmednagar district. He also lived in Solapur district for some time after his marriage with Kamalbai. There he started the business of making and selling ‘Anand Masala’, a homemade spice. Later, while working in Hadapsar area in Pune, he started selling spices from house to house in the evening after his office shift.

While selling chilli seeds, Hukmichand came up with the idea of making masala/spices. So they started making ‘Garam Masala’ and also ‘Onion Garam Masala’ and selling it at home. He started his business in 1960 under the name ‘Pravin Masale’. After working hard for the first ten years, he expanded his business to the Hadapsar Industrial Estate in 1972.

In 1976, he made about 500 kg of pickles and brought Pravin’s products for sale in the market. Currently, the fourth generation is now expanding that business. Hukamichand was instrumental in setting up ten factories and sales outlets across India. Along with ‘Pravin’, the brands ‘Suhana’ and ‘Ambari’ are now famous internationally.

Hukamichand was characterized by extreme modernity in business and simplicity in personal life. Organic farming was his special interest. Moreover, the word ‘Hukmichand’ was considered as a standard word for ‘curry and chilli’ products in commercial markets. He has not been active in real business for almost 20 years. However, the selection of raw materials, suggesting ideas for modern machinery, he guided the industries of the Chordia family as well as their relatives.

‘Bhau’ had a large family and friends. He also had close ties with competitors in the spice industry. He has also helped many relatives to run a food products business. He was always at the forefront of helping hospitals, educational institutions, the needy in the community, and soldiers.

In 1983, he received the National Award of the Federation of Small Industries. He was honoured by Pune Municipal Corporation in 1984 and 1993. In 1991-92, the product ‘Pravin Pickles’ was honored with a National Award at the Mango Festival.

The book written by Madhubala Rajkumar Chordia, titled ‘Bikat Wat Yashachi’, depicts the life journey of Hukamichand Chordia, who was successful in the world but still far from fame. In 2012, the ‘Suhana-Pravin Masalewale’ industry completed 50 years. On this occasion, the Marathi film ‘Masala’ based on the lives of Hukmichand and Kamalbai became popular.