‘Mahashay’ Dharampal Gulati, the owner of Indian spices company Mahashian Di Hatti (MDH) passed away on Thursday at a New Delhi hospital. He was 97 at the time of his death.

According to sources, Gulati, who was awarded the country's third-highest civilian award Padma Bhushan last year, was under medical supervision at the Mata Chanan Devi Hospital of the national capital, where he breathed his last.

The popular entrepreneur, familiar to every Indian who watched him on the TV in his company’s advertisements over several years, was undergoing post-Covid treatment at the hospital and suffered a cardiac arrest, leading to his death.

Gulati, popularly known as Spice King, was born in Sialkot (now in Pakistan) on March 27, 1923. He moved to India after Partition and set up his business in Delhi. MDH was founded by his father Chunni Lal Gulati.

Tributes poured in on social media for the businessman, whose face became synonymous with the brand.

President Ram Nath Kovind condoled his death and tweeted, “Saddened by the demise of ‘Mahashiyan Di Hatti’ (MDH) President Shri Dharampal Gulati ji, who was honoured with Padma Bhushan. He was a well-known personality of the Indian industry. His social service activities are also commendable. My condolences to his family and fans.”

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called him an inspiring personality, saying, “He dedicated his life for the society. God bless his soul.”

“India’s most inspiring entrepreneur, MDH owner Dharm Pal Mahashay passed away this morning. I have never met such an inspiring and lively soul. May his soul rest in peace,” Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia tweeted.