Mall Stories: In His Own Words

Mr. Sathak Ahmed Shaw

Director, Grand Square Mall

From Shining Pearls Abroad to Concrete at Home: A Journey of Legacy and Resilience

After spending two decades in the jewelry business in Japan and another decade in the United States, I returned to Chennai with my family to support my ailing father in his real estate venture. The transition from international trade to the Indian property market was not immediate. It took several years to grasp the nuances of real estate — from land regulations and approval processes to market cycles and customer expectations. My first hands-on experience came with overseeing ‘Paramount Pearl’ in Velachery. That project was soon followed by ‘Everglades’ and ‘Coral Springs’, all in and around Velachery. Each development deepened my understanding of design, construction, and the importance of delivering on promises in a trust-driven industry. My father, who had built a career spanning pearls, gems, diamonds, and eventually real estate, held a singular dream: to create a Mall 'par excellence' in the Chennai suburbs, inspired by the scale and elegance of Saket Mall in Delhi. With that vision, the idea was set in motion. But vision alone was not enough. Securing approvals proved to be a formidable challenge. During the process, certain individuals familiar with our establishment colluded with ill-intentioned parties to obstruct us from obtaining the Mall NOC from the Government. Multiple nefarious schemes were deployed to stall our progress. Yet, by the Grace of the Almighty, we persevered. After prolonged struggle, we finally secured the NOC. The next hurdle was the approval for PVR Cinemas — a key anchor for the mall. Technicalities and procedural delays stretched this process to nearly four years. Legally, and by God’s grace, we eventually received the clearance. That moment brought an immense sigh of relief after years of uncertainty. Operational challenges followed. Reduced footfalls and the onset of Covid-19 tested our resilience further. The pandemic disrupted retail, halted construction, and strained cash flows. But we held firm. The turning point came when D-Mart committed to the project. Their presence revived confidence, drew steady traffic, and stabilized the mall’s ecosystem. Today, with a motivated and dedicated team, the project is finally bearing fruit. What began as a son’s return to aid his father has grown into a legacy project — one built on decades of business experience, tested by adversity, and sustained by faith, legal diligence, and teamwork. This journey underscores a broader truth about 21st-century real estate in India: success demands more than capital and land. It requires navigating bureaucracy, withstanding opposition, adapting to global disruptions, and building alliances that anchor long-term value. The mall now stands not just as a commercial space, but as a testament to persistence and the dream of creating residual income for the next generation. TEAM WORK WORKS

Mall Stories: In His Own Words

Mr. Praful Nahata

Director, PS Srijan Group

Grand Square Mall has always felt like more than just a commercial space to me. It is a family. I am very happy to have collaborated with the late Mr. Hameed Shah of Paramount Builders (Precious Hana) who was a dear friend of mine and his children who are deeply committed to recognizing and encouraging excellence within the mall. I truly believe this will continue to grow year after year. Mr. Hameed’s dream was to build a mall to share with the community. While we felt residential developments were more profitable, eventually the dream turned into a reality and Grand Mall was born and it is a project we are so happy to be part of. I may not be present at the mall every day. In fact, many of you may not see me often on the floor. My role has largely been behind the scenes working on finance, planning, and building relationships with the many stakeholders who come together to make a project like this function smoothly. With over three decades of experience in finance and real estate, I have had the opportunity to work closely with government bodies, architects, planners, and partners across different regions. These relationships form the backbone of any large development, and Grand Square Mall is no different. But over the years, one thing has become increasingly clear to me that systems and structures are important, but people are what truly make a space succeed. Today, we are in a time of significant change. E-commerce has grown rapidly, and customers are finding it easier than ever to shop from the comfort of their homes. With advancements in technology and the rise of AI, the future of retail continues to evolve in ways we cannot fully predict. And yet, despite all of this, physical retail continues to exist and thrive. Because of the experience. I often think back to a personal memory from many years ago, when I was living in Jodhpur. My wife used to visit a particular store regularly to purchase sarees. One day, she returned without buying anything. When I asked her why, she said the salesperson who usually attended to her was not there. The shop was the same. The products were the same. But the experience was not. That stayed with me. It reminded me that what truly defines retail is not just what you sell, but how you connect with people. When I look at the retailers at Grand Square Mall today, I see that same principle in action. The effort, the patience, and the care that goes into every customer interaction is what makes the difference. If you are here, and if you are doing well, it is because of the extraordinary effort you are putting in every day. Beyond my work in real estate, I have always been deeply interested in human relationships. As a trainer, I have had the opportunity to conduct programs across India, focusing on how people connect, communicate, and grow together. Because at the end of the day, whether it is business or life that relationships are at the core of everything we build. And that is what I see here at Grand Square Mall. We are not just a place of business, but a place built on people.

Mall Stories

Mr. Shafiq Shah

Director, Precious Hana Holdings

A native of Keelakarai, Mr. Shafiq Shah currently spearheads a number of organizations and serves on the Board of Precious Hana Holdings. He also oversees operations at Grand Square Mall and Paramount Builders, while leading Sales and Business Development at Old Kent Estate & Spa. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics and brings over 35 years of experience across hospitality, real estate, retail, and international trade, with a focus on strategic growth, brand positioning, and building long-term value. Alongside his corporate roles, he carries forward a strong family legacy in the jewellery, diamond, and colored gemstone trade. Mentored by renowned experts across Hong Kong, Bangkok, Japan, and India, he continues to guide young professionals in sourcing, grading, valuation, and understanding global market dynamics. Driven by a long-term vision, relationship building, and a commitment to excellence, Mr. Shafiq remains actively engaged in advancing both the luxury hospitality sector and the global gems and jewellery industry. Philanthropic & Community Engagement Mr. Shafiq Shah is actively involved in several NGO initiatives focused on uplifting underprivileged communities through educational support, medical assistance, and livelihood development. Guided by values of compassion, dignity, and service, he is committed to helping individuals rise out of poverty and build sustainable futures. “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” — Prophet Muhammad “And whatever you spend in good, it will be repaid to you in full.” — Quran 2:272

Mall Stories: The Vision of the Director

Mr. Zarook Shah

Director, Grand Square Mall

Some journeys begin with a plan. Others begin with a dream passed down. For Mr. Zarook Shah, Director of Grand Square Mall, the story began in 1994, when his late father, Mr. Hameed Shah, acquired a five-acre property in Velachery with a vision to create something meaningful for the community. Nearly two decades later, that vision took shape. In 2013, in partnership with PS Srijan Realty, Grand Square Mall was built to become the first mall in Velachery, at a time when the area was only just beginning to emerge as a commercial hub. But the early years were not without challenges. With the announcement of Phoenix Market City nearby, many brands that had initially committed to the mall chose to relocate, leaving behind significant hurdles in occupancy and growth. What followed was a period that demanded resilience, patience, and unwavering belief. And that belief held. Supported by a group of loyal brands, many of which today rank among the highest-performing outlets in Chennai, the mall gradually found its footing. Strategic decisions, including bringing in anchor tenants at that time like Nalli and Shoppers Stop, were made with long-term vision and persistence. At the same time, a dedicated mall management team, led by Mr. Sudhakar, stood as a constant pillar, navigating every phase of growth alongside the leadership. For Mr. Zarook, however, this journey was never limited to building a mall. A graduate of the University of Madras with a degree in Engineering, he began his career in Tokyo, where he managed the Japanese operations of his family’s global gemstone business. There, he developed a deep understanding of international markets, design, and consumer experience. With a natural inclination toward creativity, he went on to establish himself in the world of jewellery design. Through his company, Precious Gems Japan, he created exclusive diamond collections for Disney Stores across Japan, with pieces sold in over 100 locations. His work also extended to Monte Carlo, where he was part of the creative team behind the luxury brand Scintilla Monaco. In 2003, he introduced Biblioteca Preciosa, “Precious Library”, Tokyo, a concept that blended retail with knowledge, allowing customers to experience the history and culture of jewellery through books. This philosophy of combining commerce with culture continues to define his work today. At Grand Square Mall, that vision is reflected in every layer. From launching the flagship Moore Market Bookstore & Café within the mall, to shaping its identity as a space rooted in community, learning, and edutainment, Mr. Zarook has remained deeply involved in its evolution. His newest Moore Market store, located in Chennai’s commercial hub, has been featured in Vogue India, a recognition of its distinctive design and immersive retail experience, and a reflection of his continued pursuit of creating spaces that inspire curiosity and connection. Even today, he remains actively involved in the day-to-day functioning of the mall - guiding marketing, branding, and team development. His leadership goes beyond operations; it is about building people, nurturing ideas, and creating environments where both businesses and communities can grow. What began as his father’s dream has evolved into something far greater. A space that balances business with purpose. A mall that is not just visited, but experienced.

Mall Stories: In His Own Words

Prashant Chopra

Director, PS Srijan Group

For me, building spaces has always been about more than development. It is about creating something that is meaningful, sustainable, and built to last. As part of PS Group Realty, I have had the opportunity to lead and shape our South India operations over the years. My focus has been on ensuring that every project we undertake is grounded in strong fundamentals from planning and execution to marketing and long-term management. Grand Square Mall has been an important part of this journey. From the early stages of development in Chennai, my role has been to help build a structure that is both strategically sound and operationally consistent. I believe that success in real estate comes from balancing vision with execution, not just creating a space, but ensuring it continues to grow and evolve over time. In an industry that is constantly changing, adaptability and clarity are key. Whether it is understanding market shifts, strengthening partnerships, or refining customer experience, the focus has always been on steady, thoughtful progress. I have also always believed in the importance of continuous learning. Being an avid reader, I find that some of the best insights come from studying the experiences and ideas of others, and applying those learnings in a practical, grounded way. At PS Group, our larger vision is to build spaces that contribute meaningfully to the cities we are a part of. These should be spaces that people can trust, connect with, and grow alongside. Grand Square Mall reflects that intent. It stands as a result of strong partnerships, shared commitment, and a collective effort to create something that goes beyond just a physical structure. And that, to me, is what truly defines a successful space.

Mall Stories: The Journey of Our General Manager

Mr. Sudhakar Margalingam

General Manager, Grand Square Mall

Every landmark has a story. Ours at Grand Square Mall begins in 2013, when the mall first opened its doors, becoming one of the earliest developments in the area and quietly laying the foundation for what would soon grow into a thriving commercial hub. That same year marked the beginning of a journey that continues to shape the mall even today. In 2013, our Director, Mr. Zarook Shah, entrusted the responsibility of managing the mall to a young and capable professional, Mr. Sudhakar Margalingam. When Mr. Zarook asked if he would take charge, he simply said yes. It was a moment that would go on to define over a decade of dedication and leadership. “Unnala panna mudiyuma da?” asked Mr. Zarook in Tamil - “Can you do it?”. To which Mr. Sudhakar replied “Yennala mudiyum.” - “I can do it.” From that day to now, in 2026, Mr. Sudhakar has remained at the heart of the mall’s operations, growing alongside it. With the continued support of the Precious Hana family, he has led with consistency, care, and a deep sense of responsibility toward both our retailer partners, customers, and mall operations. Before stepping into this role, he spent six years in property management, gaining hands-on experience in overseeing developments from the construction phase to full-scale operations. This foundation became instrumental in navigating the complexities of running a mall. He often credits his mentors for shaping his approach. Under the guidance of Mr. Jayvel Raja, he learned the fundamentals of mall management, from taking care of our retail partners to understanding customer expectations and the intricate balance required to run a successful retail environment. From Mr. Praful, the director of PS Srijan group of companies, he learned something even more enduring: that respect and calmness are at the core of every solution. “Problems are not solved through conflict, but through patience, clarity, and mutual respect. Every problem has a solution and the goal is to find it, not to create more issues.” These principles would prove invaluable in the years that followed. The early days were not without challenges. As a new mall in a developing area, attracting tenants and large brands was not easy. During the mall’s formative years, the announcement that a much larger mall was to be built, Phoenix Market City, brought with it many challenges. Many initial brands who had signed with Grand Square Mall chose to move there, creating hurdles in occupancy and growth. Licensing delays, including for key attractions like the cinema, added to the complexity. Yet, through persistence and steady leadership, the mall found its footing. More importantly, it found its purpose. Over time, the mall evolved into more than just a retail space. During difficult periods, especially during times of natural disasters such as floods, it became a place of support for the surrounding community. It opened its doors and support not just to shoppers, but to people in need, reinforcing its role as a space built for people, not just business. Today, the mall stands as both a commercial center and a community landmark that is shaped by years of hard work, resilience, and a leadership philosophy rooted in empathy and solutions. And at the center of it all is a journey that began with a simple “yes” and continues to this day.