Goodbye, the ultimate hotelier

I woke up to the sad news that Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi (popularly known as Biki) had passed away aged 94.

- SHOBHAA DE

He had stepped down as executive chairman of the group that runs 32 hotels, with a presence in seven countries, after an astonishing career that had successfully redefined the very meaning of hospitality in India. The word ‘prithvi’ in his name is significant—Oberoi was known as the ultimate hotelier across the world, respected by peers and admired by those in the trade who wanted to be more like the diminutive legend, impeccably dressed at all times in well-cut Savile Row style suits, perfectly set off with elegant ties and pocket squares. Dashing and dynamic, alert and forward–thinking, he was a true bon vivant who recognised the best life had to offer—and was always striving to make that available to his guests at any of the Oberoi Hotels across continents.