60 seconds with long term supporter Sanjay Anand, MBE
We asked Sanjay Anand, founder of renowned Madhu’s restaurant in Southall, about his working life and his eight-year relationship with the British Asian Trust. Madhu’s venues serve Indian food following his father’s family recipes. This Autumn offers the opportunity to dine and donate, as Madhu’s are generously supporting British Asian Trust with a £1-on-the-bill fundraiser from October to December.
What is a typical working day like for you as the Chairman of Madhu’s?
A typical day starts at 11am, with office meetings followed by client meetings. From 6pm onwards, I personally visit all the hotels and venues that host the events for the day and this can go on until midnight, depending on the number of events on a given day.
And it’s that dedication that’s helped turn Madhu’s into a leading player in the industry! What’s been the biggest highlight of your career to date? And what about the challenges?
The biggest highlight of my career was the MBE awarded to me in 2007, in recognition of my services to the hospitality industry. And, of course, the greatest challenge I face today in hospitality is recruiting and retaining key staff - especially chefs trained in ethnic cuisine.
How do you stay passionate about what you do?
I guess I lead a balanced life and spend time with family and friends. I’m keen on sports, so I also try to stay active and fit. Over all the years, since I started Madhu’s at the age of 17, it has stayed central to my life. That’s in large part because Madhu’s Southall is so supported by the community (even more so since the fire ten years ago). And I feel that through the food and the people I’m keeping in touch with Kenya and my Asian roots. I am very pleased that my son Arjun has taken on some of the responsibilities of the business and am happy that Mahdu’s will continue to flourish through the efforts of the next generation.
Philanthropy and giving back are a big part of your life – what approach to philanthropy have you adopted and how much has this been influenced by your professional life?
I support the idea that charity begins at home, and I ensure that people close to me and around me are always cared for and comfortable. I’m always happy to give something back to the community, and the recent ‘£1 on the bill’ initiative reflects my views on sharing with the less fortunate people in our society.
When it comes to giving back in the wider world, what issues are you particularly passionate about supporting?
Madhu’s restaurants are honoured to support the British Asian Trust’s endeavours in South Asia -improving education and livelihoods. I’m glad you are highlighting the constant need to battle against child trafficking and break barriers around mental health issues.
Can you tell us what prompted you to join British Asian Trust’s Founders Circle?
I strongly believe in the British Asian Trust and in its cause. And I was aware of the work done by the Founders Circle members, as many of them are friends or personally known to me.
May 2018