Grammy-winning singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan has transformed his two-decade culinary dream into reality with Malgudi, an innovative South Indian vegetarian resto-cafe that's rapidly expanding across Mumbai and beyond.
From Musical Dreams to Culinary Reality
Shankar Mahadevan, the celebrated Padma Shri awardee, partnered with his friend K S Ramakrishnan to launch Malgudi in Borivali during August this year. The brand has witnessed remarkable growth, with Chembur opening last week and Lower Parel scheduled to launch next week.
"I have been manifesting it for over 20 years," Mahadevan revealed during the Chembur inauguration. The musical maestro emphasized that while artists constantly dream of new projects, it takes practical partners like Ramakrishnan to bring these visions to life.
The Birth of a Culinary Partnership
The collaboration began when Ramakrishnan, CEO and MD of Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging and founder of Eatopia Holdings, recognized Mahadevan's exceptional culinary instincts. "I enjoyed his hospitality so much that I would land up at his home whenever I was in Mumbai," Ramakrishnan recalled.
The partnership solidified when Mahadevan expressed interest in joining Ramakrishnan's ventures. Mahadevan eventually invested in Eatopia Holdings and seven of its brands. When the opportunity to acquire and reimagine Malgudi emerged, Ramakrishnan knew Mahadevan was the perfect person to nurture the brand.
Filling the South Indian Dining Void
Mahadevan identified a significant gap in the South Indian dining experience. "When you go out to eat South Indian food, it is usually just an eating activity. It lacks experience," he explained. He envisioned a space where people could celebrate occasions while enjoying authentic South Indian comfort food.
Malgudi's design reflects this vision with its bright indigo-blue facade, Chettinad-inspired tilework, and open kitchen. The space features floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains, terracotta-topped tables, deep teal seating, and orange-and-cream patterned chairs creating a warm, authentic South Indian atmosphere.
Culinary Excellence and Signature Dishes
The all-vegetarian menu features standout dishes including the airy thatte idli with ghee podi and the Mulbagal Legacy Dosa, based on a 100-year-old recipe. The restaurant's signature sambar replicates exactly what guests would enjoy at Mahadevan's home, featuring a distinctive tempering of hing, mustard, curry leaves, and boriya chilli.
Corporate chef Sovon Saha spent months traveling across southern India to master the cuisine. Mahadevan personally accompanied him, even visiting ITC Chennai to learn their ice-grinding technique for perfect idli batter.
The Filter Kaapi Barista program showcases Chikmagalur beans served in traditional brass tumblers, while innovative creations like Filter Kaapi with Ghee and Jaggery demonstrate the brand's creative approach to tradition.
Expansion Strategy and Global Vision
Despite Borivali being an unconventional choice for a celebrity-backed flagship restaurant, the response has been overwhelming with weekend waitlists becoming common. The founders plan to "carpet bomb Greater Bombay" with research indicating potential for approximately 20 Malgudi outlets in the region.
International expansion is already underway with two outlets operational in Dubai, two more planned, and an Abu Dhabi branch in development. The vision extends beyond Mumbai to include Delhi and Ahmedabad.
"Our vision is to make Malgudi the global benchmark for modern South Indian dining culture," declared Ramakrishnan. "We are combining scale with soul, and authenticity with innovation."
Mahadevan concluded by challenging conventional perceptions: "The perception that South Indian food belongs only in South Indian neighbourhoods is completely wrong. Non-South Indians seek it even more, because for us, it is also what we get at home."
