A message from Ba-Bauji (Dada-Dadi)

Video Coming Soon......

Family Tree (Click on the image below)

Who coined the term "Rajmandir"...The mystery deciphered

Well, I am sure that everyone who belongs to 2nd generation of Rajmandir knows the story behind the origin of the term "Rajmandir" but I am dead certain that there are few in the third generation who don't know about it and of course, 4th generation has no clue whatsoever...
The incident belongs to the era of late 70's (The era when Rajesh Khanna's charm was fading away, and a new phenomenon named "Mr. Bacchan" was rising on the horizon). The protagonist of this story went on a business trip to Jaipur with couple of his buddies. After a stressful day of work, they decided to unwind by visiting a nearby theatre (As there were no beer bar those days, Theatre was the only option....Just kidding) The protagonist liked the movie and fell in love with the architectural beauty of the theatre. The name of the theatre was ........................................."Rajmandir" (No prizes for guessing here). If you have not guessed the name of the protagonist so far, he is none other than Badepapa for all the kids i.e. Ashokji Shah. After that, all the businesses, residence (even email addresses) contained the word Rajmandir.

Disclaimer: The story is as told to the author by "Shir Bhogilalji Shah". All the characters are real and any resemblance to fictional / alien /dead person is pure coincidence. Taking this story lightly can cause serious injury to your health. Please do not try this at home LoL :-)

"Put a face to a name"

In this age of rat race, very few people are blessed with large joint families and I happen to be one of them. Here's what I am trying to do below..I would put a picture of each family member and would try to describe his/her traits as objectively as possible...Hope I am able to do justice to everyone here..

Bauji (Dada)

Let me begin by introducing the most important member of the family, our Bauji [I swear to God we used to call him Bauji even before DDLJ released :-)]

If Rajmandir can be considered a company, then he is the founder/CEO/Chairman of that company...He is the one who laid the foundation for the success of this family. The real "SutraDhar" of Rajmandir.....

For me, it's a folklore that there was a time when he used to be a teacher with the wages of 30 Rs. a month and had a large family to look after...We still love the stories he tells about his detestation for tuitions, his abhorrence for all the teachers who would ask for cooking oil and other grocery items from students and other interesting incidents....My favorite is the one where he had given his signed leave application to peon and gave instructions to him to submit that, if he would have been late for school for more than 10 minutes.....

Sometimes I wonder how it feels to go through so much hardship in your life and also witness the miraculous turn in fortunes in that same life...I feel like writing a book about him and the title would be " Rags to Riches - The story of a school teacher". He is well known for his integrity, his principles and dedication and he was awarded with "Best teacher of the State" for those attributes.... Here's the line which summarizes his life " Mat dekh apni hath ki lakeero ko, kismat to unki bhi hoti hai jinke hath nahi hote"

Baa..

Here's the picture of our beloved Baa...She almost got the part of the Baa in "Kyoki Saas bhi kabhi bahu thi".. Believe me, she has uncanny resemblance to that character

As you can see from the picture, she just learned how to play a guitar..and she has promised me that next time when I visit India, She will play "Ek Haseena Thi" for me..........Rajmandir loves you Baa

"The Picture"

Here's the picture of the whole Rajmandir Family...Photographer had a really tough time ensuring that everyone fit in the frame. God Bless Rajmandir family ("Najar na lage")

Bade papa & Badi mommy

Ashokji is the eldest son of Bhogilalji shah and this is where the saga begins..... (Man in white in pic)

Well, he is razor-sharp and shrewd....He succeeded wherever he went, be it Chani/Dungapur/Udaipur/Kuwait...He left his mark everywhere. His presence of mind is incomparable. Currently he is the president of Jain Society of Udaipur and has served as chairman of Lions club in the past...I think one phrase describes his personality perfectly "Hum jaha khade hote hai line wahi se shuru ho jati hai"

Badi Mommy (Jyotsana): Badi bahu of 2nd generation of Rajmandir and support system of Ashokji's family.

Rajesh and Vimla (Mom and Dad)

Hmmm...Folks, Do you know the meaning of the term "Conflict of Interest". If you do, then you understand my dilemma here...I will try to be as objective as possible.

Rajeshji is "Bhima" of 2nd generation of Rajmandir (Not physically, but if you consider the 5 brothers as Paandavs, then he is Bhima). A successful businessman (which applies to all the 5 brothers), past president of Chamber of Commerce/Rotary International, and a well known socialite...Recently moved to Udaipur and already creating waves there...."Main to akela hi chala tha Janib-E-Manjil magar, Log milte gaye, aur Kaarwan banta gaya"

Babu Uncle and Sansita Aunty

Babu Uncle (first from left in pic): The simplest of all the brothers but his simplicity is his best weapon. True follower of the Jain principle of "Live and Let Live" "Jiyo aur Jeene Do" He is the current owner of the "Rajmandir Garments", the first ever Outlet with the name Rajmandir associated with it.

Sansita Aunty: The "manjali bahu" of 2nd generation of Rajmandir and the backbone of Babu uncle's family

Dinesh Uncle and Kusum Aunty

Dinesh Uncle: Move away Rahul Bajaj, Dinesh uncle is here...For years he has successfully fulfill dual responsibility of a competent Banker and well versed Businessman...Compared to his brothers, he is little more religious.

Kusum Aunty: She is "Straight as an arrow" Very Genuine...and also religious like her husband

Ramesh Uncle and Raksha Aunty

If I have to vote the funniest and wittiest person in Rajmandir, my vote would go to Ramesh Uncle. For years he is successfully carrying the Brand "Rajmandir Electronics" and recently moved to Udaipur...Beware fellow electronics dealers of Udaipur, there is a new Sheriff in town.

Raksha Aunty: The Choti Bahu of 2nd generation of Rajmandir. Her dilemma is that when she calls "mota bhabhi", four ladies respond to her call :-)

Sureshji fufaji and Nayana Bhuaji

Fufaji: If Jimi has such a good sense of humor that is because she has inherited that from her father (our fufaji) Another successful Banker of our family. Recently moved to Udaipur

Bhuaji: The one and only Bhuaji of Rajmandir and that's why ofcourse Ladli of Parents and Brothers.

Amit Bhai and Shashi Bhabhi

The "Yudhisthar" of 3rd generation of Rajmandir (The eldest son of 3rd generation) Easy going guy and don't like to make a fuss about anything..He is all set to rule Canada…

Sashi Bhabhi: I have just one word to describe her personality "Bindas"

Bhadresh Bhai and Mona Bhabhi

Well he is junior to Amit Bhai but definitely not a Duryodhan in any sense. I don't want to say a lot here as I can be a little biased (because he is my elder brother). People would describe him as a young charismatic chap with loads of business acumen but for me he is "The ideal brother any one can ever hope for"... Protective, caring and Margdarshak in true sense..Kudos to you Bro.

After a successful 10 year stint in furniture industry, he is currently rocking the real estate world of Navi Mumbai…[Mumbai ka king kaun..Bhikhu Mahatre. Courtsey - Movie Satya]

Mona Bhabhi: From Mungana to Dungarpur, to Udaipur, to Mumbai..She has adjusted pretty well with the changing demand of time and situation..An effortless dancer.

Gaurav Bhai and Khushbu Bhabhi

That's Mr. Gaurav Shah (aka Godi). If we ever decide to organize "Mr. Rajmandir" competition, he will win hands down. ..I guess this picture speaks volumes.

He is also the master of 5,000 weird voices. ..also proficient in the art of consoling a crying baby.

Khushbu Bhabhi: She is a pretty jolly nature person and jells well with everyone.

Harshita Didi and Rajeshji

Ok..She is my elder sis and I am definitely going to be a little biased here and I don't care.
She is a respectful daughter, caring sister, wonderful wife, and a perfect mother in true sense. One thing which I really appreciate about her is her perseverance. She recently completed her MBA.

Rajeshji (Jiyaji): The "Bade Damaad" of 3rd generation of Rajmandir and the only family Doctor so far. (that reminds me that my "Headache is Paining" LoL). Don't argue with him about politics otherwise you can get into lot of trouble.

Sumit Bhai and Tina Bhabhi

Here's the pic of Sumit Bhai and Tina Bhabhi

I have to say few things about Sumit Bhai here...He is the most dynamic person of the new generation of Rajmandir..The "ideal guy". He has this uncanny ability of turning the impossible into possible and always achieves what he aims for..If he decides to be the President of USA, he will somehow manage that too (Don't ask me how). I can go on and on here but this is a blog not a biography so I have to stop here..Hats off to one of the shining star of Rajmandir.

Tina Bhabhi: She is Choti Bahu of Ashokji..Very spontaneous. Pursuing her masters degree [and aiming for her PhD :-) ]

Here's the poem I wrote for Sumit Bhai for the music night of his wedding

"Chota sa pariwar hai ek, Rajmandir kehlata hai,
Rajmandir naam ka Janak, Ashok ji shah ko mana jata hai...
Ashok ji ne is jeevan main, bahut hi kamaya naam,
Jee tod kar mehnat ki, kya Subah aur kya Shaam....
Sone-Chandi ke beech main, unhone ek Hira bhi kamaya,
Us hire ki chamak se, London bhi hai jagmagaya...
Harna Jisne sikha hi nahi, Jo janta hai sirf jeet,
Wo hai koi aur nahi, Woh hai "Dulhe raja Sumit"
................................................................ - Bhavesh

Bhavesh

That's me...Well, I will let someone else write my testimonial...(Coming soon)

Sweety & Vilas

Sweety: As her name suggests, she is sweet sweet Sweety. Couple of inches more and she could have easily landed up in the modeling industry. She is competing for "Women entrepreneur of the year" award.

Vilas: Testimonial Coming Soon

Jimi & Himanshu

Jimi: The laughter queen of the family…Inherited the wit and sense of humor from her dad (In picture, first from the right)

Himanshu: Testimonial Coming Soon

Deepa(di)

That's Jadi, first one from the left (oppps…that's the pet name we gave her when she was a kid)...The dancing diva of the family...She brought the house dance with her fusion dance in Sumit bhai's wedding..Having the time of her life in Pune

Adarsh

Innocence at it's best..I think he truly believes in Jain principle of "Live and Let live"

Late Bhavik

For me, it's a bit difficult to write this testimonial…Bhavik is no longer with us, but he has left behind so many fond memories…. Memories which we cherish a lot……I remember the good old times when we used to tease him a lot while playing cricket…I remember the time when Sumit Bhaiya used to bully him while playing cards and his sweet expression when he would bluff in the game (Open)... I remember playing Dumb Charades with him and his unique/funny way of explaining the movies which would trigger a burst of laughter. Everyone in Rajmandir does miss him a lot but he is still alive in our memories.

Vicky

Here's the most eligible bachelor of Rajmandir Family. A cool guy....Interested girls, please submit your profiles to "TheBachelor_Vicky@gmail.com "

Seju..

I guess she's the most emotional girl of the family..A lot of time you won't even notice that she is in the same room. A really shy but cute and lovely girl…We have to find a prince charming for her.

Swati..

One of the sweetest girl of the Rajmandir family..surpassingly social…Connects well with everyone…She is also the official calendar of Rajmandir, ask her about anyone's Birthday or Anniversary and she knows it all.

There was a time when we used to tease her with the name "Da---- Ba"..I hope Swati still remembers that name :-)

Little Kalu..

If there is anyone who is Mr. Circket after Mike Hussey that has to be Vaibhav (aka our little Kalu). He is really mad (and made) for cricket..He is sharp, razor-sharp..We all have high expectations from him. The last kid of the third generation of Rajamndir

Krish with Dad (Bhadresh)

And here is the beginning of the 4th generation..

"I love Daddy-Krish"

Krishhhh

Here's one of the nice pic of Krish I have. I am sure he is going to be a "Krish Kanhaiya" once he grows up. Bachna E (Mumbai/Mungana) Ki Haseeno

Dr. Rhythm...

And here is Rhytham, Harshita didi's son...Competing for the cutest baby award

Watch this video when you are alone :-)

...Rhythm may object to this video. Hope he doesn't sue me for this.

Ek Mota Hathi...

"Ek mota hathi, jhoom ke chala, matdi (makdi) ke jaal main jake pacha (fasa), Thoda sa dala (dara), usne dusre hathi ko ichaale (Ishare) se bulaya, Dono ne milkar jaal ko gilaya(giraya)"

This is Rhytham's favorite poem..I just love it when he recites this with million dollar expressions on his face.

Tanay (Mr. Smarty)

Hold your breath..Here's the superstar of the next generation of Rajmandir family..Actually he already looks like a movie star. Wo kehte hain na "Poot ke paon palne main" ...Even Gaurav Bhai is jealous of his looks :-)

Welcome to the Blog

Hello visitor,

I am Bhavesh Shah and I welcome you to this blog on behalf of Rajmandir Family. There was a time when Rajmandir Family belonged to a small village called "Chani" but now it's tranches are spread across many countries/continents. So I thought that a blog would be a cool way to ensure that Rajmandir Family can keep in touch with each other. I am starting this blog and hope that Krishhh, Rhythm, Tanay and future generations keep this blog alive....God Bless Rajmandir family

Bhavesh