In the historic bylanes of Dongri, Mumbai, a remarkable family business is proving that tradition and innovation can flourish together. Khojati surma, established in 1847, represents not just 179 years of craftsmanship, but a beautiful testament to how ancient wisdom can find relevance in the modern world.

The story begins with an act of generosity that would echo through centuries. Shakir Banatwalla, the enthusiastic sixth-generation custodian of this legacy, shares a touching family tale: his great-great-great-grandmother Bai Rantanbai dedicated herself to feeding the poor daily. One day, an elderly man she fed gifted her formulations written on paper, promising they would sustain seven generations of her family.

That prophecy has manifested beautifully. What started as surma sold from their home has blossomed into a thriving enterprise shipping 80-90 lakh units annually across 16 countries. The brand's journey from local mosques and attar stores to international markets spanning Africa, Indonesia, and the Middle East showcases the universal appeal of quality and authenticity.

What makes Khojati's story particularly inspiring is their commitment to both tradition and safety. When concerns about lead content in surma emerged during the 1990s, rather than abandoning their craft, the family embraced modern standards. They invested in a meticulous two-week processing method, soaking their products in rose water and repeatedly treating them to ensure purity. Today, every batch undergoes rigorous lab testing, and all their surmas are FDA approved—a perfect marriage of heritage and contemporary health standards.

The product range itself reflects thoughtful innovation. Alongside traditional offerings, they've created specialized variants like 'moti surma' made with crushed Basra pearls and 'mamira surma' using Himalayan mamira root. They've also expanded into ointments, pain relief oils, massage products, eye drops, and skincare—all while maintaining the quality that built their reputation.

Banatwalla's father, a certified hakim with a Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery degree, ensures that medicinal authenticity remains at the heart of their formulations. This blend of traditional knowledge and formal qualification exemplifies how ancient practices can gain modern credibility.

The business has grown impressively since Shakir joined in 1995. With two manufacturing units in Wai and Nashik, and plans for facilities in Nigeria and North Africa, Khojati demonstrates that small family businesses can achieve remarkable global reach while staying rooted in their values. Their affordable pricing—ranging from Rs 40 to Rs 90—ensures accessibility remains a priority.

Perhaps most exciting is how they're embracing the future. Recognizing that younger generations have different preferences, Khojati is reimagining their presentation. "Maybe it's time to present surma in a way that excites a new generation," Banatwalla says with optimism. Plans for contemporary packaging and stylish surmadanis show a brand confidently evolving without losing its soul.

This isn't just a business success story—it's a celebration of how compassion, passed down through generations, can create lasting prosperity. From feeding the poor to employing workers across multiple facilities, the Banatwalla family continues honoring their ancestor's generosity while building something truly special for the future.