The Rise and Fall of the Dosa King

Words by Anjana Boppana

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This oil painting was done by Edwin Lord Weeks in the 1880s. He undertook his first voyage to India in 1885, where he proved to be a dedicated observer of Indian culture and architecture. The painting showcases a pair of nautch girls, who were traditional Indian dancers and entertainers. Its known for its use of warm golds, vibrant reds, and shimmering silvers. (Available now)

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When Our Honour Matters More Than Our Daughters: The Brief Life of Jassi Sidhu

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The Rise and Fall of the Dosa King

Pitchai Rajagopal

In the bustling streets of South India, amidst the aroma of spices and sizzling griddles, one remarkable figure captured the attention of all who passed by: Pitchai Rajagopal, affectionately known as the Dosa King, a title bestowed upon him by his countless admirers. Renowned as the owner of one of the largest South Indian vegetarian restaurant chains in the world, Rajagopal was the visionary behind the globally acclaimed franchise, “Saravana Bhavan,” with branches spanning across Dubai, New Zealand, Canada, Sweden, France, Britain, the US, and notably in his homeland of India. However, behind the veil of admiration lay a tale far more complex and sinister.