- Tuesday, February 25, 2025
His sons said said his passing is a significant loss for The Oberoi Group and the hospitality industry in India and overseas.
By: Shubham Ghosh
PRITHVI Raj Singh or PRS Oberoi, chairman emeritus of the Oberoi Group, one of India’s largest hospitality chains, on Tuesday (14) passed away, a spokesperson of the company confirmed. He was 94.
“It is with profound grief and sorrow that we wish to inform you of the peaceful passing of our beloved leader, Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi, Chairman Emeritus earlier today. His passing is a significant loss for The Oberoi Group and the hospitality industry in India and overseas,” Vikram and Arjun Oberoi, sons of the veteran hotelier who changed the face of hotel business in India, said in a statement.
“Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi was a visionary leader whose unwavering dedication and passion for excellence shaped The Oberoi Group and our hotels, to be recognised amongst the best globally. His legacy extends far beyond our organisation, influencing the hospitality landscape in India and across the globe,” it added.
Condolences poured in from various quarters over the death of the legendary business leader.
Saddened by the demise of Padma Vibhushan PRS Oberoi, Chairman of the Oberoi group, and the hospitality tycoon of India.
He was trained in Darjeeling and his achievements have been inextricably linked to West Bengal. We shall all feel the irreparable loss.
Condolences to the…
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) November 14, 2023
PRS Biki Oberoi was one of the world’s greatest hoteliers,the man who transformed Indian hospitality & showed us how Indian hotels could take on the rest of the world
We shall not see his like again. He will be much missed but never forgotten pic.twitter.com/OXp10h2pAv— vir sanghvi (@virsanghvi) November 14, 2023
The iconic corporate leader PRS Oberoi who spearheaded one of India finest hotel chains has passed away.. redefined hospitality and built a great brand. RIP Om Shanti. ?? pic.twitter.com/n0n7eVKowN
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) November 14, 2023
Oberoi’s cremation will take place at Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust at Oberoi Farm in Kapashera in Delhi at 4 pm local time on Tuesday.
Born in Dehi on February 3, 1929, Prithvi Raj Singh or PRS Oberoi, who was popularly known as ‘Biki’, was the executive chairman of EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group. He had also served as the chairman of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited. He was the son of Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi, founder of the Oberoi Group. He took over as the chairman of EIH Limited in 2002 after the passing of his father and remained the chief executive officer of EIH Limited till 2013.
Oberoi had done his education in India, UK and Switzerland. Besides leading luxury hotel management in many countries, he had played a key role in the development of Oberoi hotels and resorts, according to EIH Limited website. The ‘Oberoi’ brand came to be identified with luxury hotels subsequently.
In 2008, Oberoi was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, for his exceptional service to the nation.
In 2012, Oberoi received a lifetime achievement award at ILTM held in Cannes, France.
Last year, he was recognized by the International Hospitality Institute as one of the 100 most powerful people in global hospitality.
Oberoi stepped down as chairman and director of EIH Limited in May last year.
