Not many shops find mention on any map on the Internet. But Pandey Paan Bhandar, North Avenue, the shop which has been catering to some of the most famous personalities sure seems to be have a pride of place, catering as it has been to some of the most famous Indian and international personalities since 1940s.
On Monday too, the paan, which would be enjoyed by the guests at the Presidential banquet given in honour of the visiting US President Barack Obama, will be coming from Pandey Paan Bhandar.
“It is our third generation that is now involved in selling and supplying paan,” informs Hari Shankar, son of Devi Prasad, who runs the Pandey Paan Bhandar. Devi Prasad’s father, S.N. Pandey, usually takes care of the Connaught Place branch, where the shop was first opened in 1943. “The North Avenue branch was opened in 1970,” said Hari Shankar, who is a legally qualified advocate. “But I have quit that to seriously pursue the profession. Paan lagata hoon (I prepare paan). This is my profession now,” said Mr Shankar. He added that supplying to the Presidential house is something they are used to as they are now the official suppliers.
In fact, it is not only Hari Shankar, but also his company secretary brother who has quit his profession. “You can say that all the three generations of my family are involved in this business,” said Mr Shankar.
The long list of celebrities who have stopped by or ordered paan from the Pandey Paan Bhandar range from India’s first President Rajendra Prasad to the former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to his daughter Indira Gandhi.
The secret to the longevity: “Sticking to the original formula, if there were any. Chuna kum, kattha jyaada,” That is the formula Devi Prasad inherited from his father and has now passed on to his sons.