Praful Chandawarkar

Praful Chandawarkar is the Managing Director of Malaka Spice, a South East Asian restaurant he has built over 29 years, known for its bold flavours, comfort-driven dishes and warm hospitality.

Under his leadership, the Malaka Spice group has expanded into multiple dining formats, cloud kitchen brands, and a training academy for hospitality professionals. At its core is Cherish Farm, a sustainable farm-to-table initiative supplying organic produce while offering a serene escape from the city.

The group also runs One China, a Hong Kong-inspired brand with both cloud kitchen and dine- in formats across Pune, and Chiranjeev Gurukul, a leadership program rooted in the Yogasutra and Arthashastra.

Beyond hospitality, Praful is part of the Jets Cricket ecosystem, which includes Maharashtra Premier League teams and grassroots development initiatives. He is also the co-founder of the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation, supporting cancer detection and treatment since 2013.

Shrijith Ravindran

Shrijith Ravindran is the dynamic CEO of Malaka Spice and has been an integral part of the company for over 20 years. He began his journey as a steward while pursuing his diploma, and over the years, has risen through the ranks to become CEO, playing a pivotal role in shaping the brand’s growth and success.

Over the past two decades, Shrijith has been closely involved in every significant milestone at Malaka Spice. He led its expansion from a small setup to a well-known destination in Koregaon Park, Pune, and played a key role in launching the first franchise and taking the brand across the country.​

His strategic approach has contributed meaningfully to strengthening the company’s performance, earning him deep respect within the organisation. Beyond Malaka Spice, Shrijith has also grown into a successful franchisee owner of One China’s since 2020, and now runs two outlets in Pune. He is also the co-founder of Chiranjeev Gurukul - a Leadership Development Academy that is based on the principles of Eternal Indian Wisdom.

Known for his energy and passion, Shrijith has a strong love for sports, especially football, and enjoys travelling. In 2001, he was part of the team that earned a place in the Limca Book of Records for baking the largest pizza in India, a reflection of his enthusiasm and team spirit.

Ameeta Menon

Ameeta Menon is a leadership practitioner and educator with over 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Training, and Organizational Development. Her work today focuses on bringing Indian Knowledge Systems into contemporary leadership and education.

She currently spearheads Chiranjeev Gurukul, the learning and leadership development vertical of The House of Malaka Spice. Through this platform, Ameeta designs and facilitates programs rooted in Indic wisdom, drawing from sources such as Yog Shaastra, Arthashaastra, and other Bharatiya knowledge traditions to develop frameworks for leadership, decision-making, and personal mastery.

Over the years, she has designed and delivered programs for schools, educational institutions, corporates, and sports academies, helping participants integrate timeless principles with modern professional challenges.

A Life Transformation Coach and Integrated Holistic Practitioner, Ameeta also incorporates wellbeing practices such as meditation, breathwork, gratitude, and emotional healing techniques to support holistic growth and conscious leadership.

Pradeep Nair

Pradeep Nair has been a cornerstone of Malaka Spice for several years, bringing both experience and calm leadership to his role as F&B Controller. He ensures that everything runs seamlessly across food and beverage operations, with a sharp eye for detail and consistency.

Beyond operations, Pradeep also oversees the One China franchisees and Cherish Farm, playing a key role in expanding and strengthening the Malaka ecosystem.

Known for his warmth and approachable nature, he is someone the team naturally turns to for guidance. Many see him as an elder brother, always ready to listen, support and share his wisdom.

An early example of his entrepreneurial thinking was introducing fresh coconuts to the menu, a simple yet impactful idea that reflected Malaka Spice’s commitment to freshness and local sourcing.

His steady presence and strategic insight have contributed significantly to Malaka’s growth over the years, making him an integral part of the journey.

Chandrakant Phirke

Chandrakant Phirke, who previously served as the General Manager - Operations, has now taken on a new role leading the Consultancy Wing at Chiranjeev Restaurant and Foods Pvt. Ltd.

He has been associated with Malaka Spice for over 18 years, during which he has played an integral role in strengthening the organisation’s operational foundation.​

Over the years, Chandrakant has been instrumental in developing and implementing systems and processes that have enhanced efficiency and streamlined operations across the business.

His dedication and consistent performance have been widely recognized within the organisation. He has been nominated four times for the ‘Manager of the Year - Malaka Spice Group’ award and has won it twice, reflecting his commitment to excellence.

With strong expertise in project management, Chandrakant has significantly contributed to the growth and expansion of Malaka Spice. As he steps into this new role, we look forward to his continued leadership and valuable contributions to the organisation.

Dnyaneshwar Joshi

Dnyaneshwar Joshi is an essential member of our team at Malaka Spice, serving as our Purchase Manager. With over fifteen years of experience in this role, he plays a key part in driving efficient and thoughtful procurement across the organisation.

He oversees purchasing for all brands under the House of Malaka Spice, ensuring consistency in quality while maintaining strong cost controls across different concepts and initiatives.​

He was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the company for his outstanding contributions. Thanks to his expertise and careful management, we have been able to maintain high quality standards while keeping costs under control. We are grateful to have Dnyaneshwar as part of our team and look forward to his continued success with us.

Ilvika Chandawarkar

Ilvika Chandawarkar is a second-gen entrepreneur with a wide interest spanning hospitality, creative writing and art.

She has educational qualifications in Hospitality and Hotel Administration and has worked with some leading hospitality brands in the eight-year span of her career.

Her professional journey started with Taj as a management trainee, where she eventually moved on to become the manager for Shamiana at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower.

She successfully helmed the restaurant during the first wave of COVID before returning to Pune after completing a four-year stint at one of the country's best hotels.

Ilvika joined the Malaka Spice hospitality group in 2021. The group is composed of restaurants, home delivery businesses, a full-fledged learning wing for transformational leadership called Chiranjeev Gurukul, a beautiful farm called Cherish Farm which is the agricultural project of the group. Through the last five years, she has undertaken projects which range from starting new establishments to re-structuring the brands, bringing in new initiatives and menus through research.

During lockdown, she built an entire fantasy world, then accidentally populated it with 100 writers. If you like to read or write fantasy, you know whom to hit up!

In her free time, Ilvika likes to travel, cook and write.

Mr. Nikhil Singh Tomar

Mr. Nikhil Tomar is the dynamic Marketing and Communications Manager at Malaka Spice. Known for his keen creative instincts and deep understanding of brand storytelling, Nikhil brings passion and precision to everything he does. With a sharp eye for detail and a pulse on the ever-evolving food and lifestyle space, he has been instrumental in shaping the brand’s vibrant voice. Whether it's crafting compelling campaigns or connecting with the community, Nikhil's dedication, positivity, and love for his work shine through every initiative. Beyond the professional sphere, Nikhil is a committed health enthusiast who believes in balancing a demanding career with mindful living. From early morning workouts to clean eating habits, he leads by example. An avid traveler, he finds inspiration in the cultures, cuisines, and stories from around the world, constantly bringing back fresh ideas and perspectives to both life and work.

Mr. Madhu Bohra

Chef Madhu Bohra, our Executive Culinary Excellence Chef, has been an integral part of Malaka Spice since 2009. With over a decade of unwavering dedication, Chef Madhu is truly the backbone of our kitchen. His mastery of Southeast Asian flavours, relentless pursuit of quality, and commitment to innovation have played a key role in defining the soul of our food. Loved and respected by his team, he leads with humility, precision, and an ever-curious palate that continues to evolve with time.