Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi (1929-2023) was an Indian business magnate and hotelier known for redefining the hotel industry in India. |
His parents relocated to Muree (a hill station in Pakistan) from their native place Bhaun to save their infant daughter from the plague. |
Growing up, he lived in cities like Shimla, Bhaun, Lahore, and Delhi. |
Prithvi Raj pursued a degree in hotel management after leaving chartered accountancy and law courses in London. |
In 1955, he joined The Oberoi Group and later expanded the business with his father and brother. |
He opened a new brand, Trident, with a five-star hotel in Chennai in 1988. |
Prithvi Raj built iconic properties like The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur and properties in Udaipur, Agra, Ranthambhore, and Shimla. |
He became Chairman of EIH Limited in 2002 and played a crucial role in the Oberoi Group's development. |
Prithvi Raj served as Director of Jet Airways and later resigned from EIH Limited in 2022. |
He led the management of luxury hotels and served on various company boards until his passing in 2023. |
Prithvi Raj enjoyed rearing horses and smoking Cuban cigars in his spare time. |
His approach to hotel business involved minimal acquisitions with a focus on building new hotels. |
During the 2008 Mumbai attacks, he oversaw rescue operations at the Oberoi Hotel. |
Prithvi Raj aimed for excellence, not grandeur, in his business philosophy. |
In interviews, he shared his definition of luxury and his journey in the hospitality industry. |
He was regarded as a pioneer of luxury hospitality in India by Hotels Magazine in 2010. |
After his passing, his funeral was held at Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm. |