The story of Haji Habib-ullah Baig and his creation mirrored that of a quintessential Bollywood blockbuster, of a character who makes it from rags to riches. The store became the calling of every guest of India who visited Pune. Eminent foreign dignitaries to the famous personalities, industrialists, cine artists, sportsperson frequented the Universe of Heritage. A decade after its foundation, it was now a household name.
The life defining moment came in 1957, when he got the opportunity to open up a store on Pune’s iconic MG Road. The store was named New Kashmir Stores, which was later rebranded to Heritage Handicraft Emporium on 1st April 2006. The renaming was done to reflect the efforts of bringing the Handicrafts from every corner of India under one roof.
In the early 1960’s, the Kirloskar Group, based out of Pune, one of India’s earliest Industrial groups, constructed Pune’s first Luxury Five Star property, Hotel Blue Diamond. New Kashmir Stores became the first and only Handicraft brand to start a store in the iconic property in the year 1971. The decade of 70’s coincided with the rise and meteoric rise of Rajneesh Osho. He set up his Ashram a few miles away from Blue Diamond. This in turn put Pune on the global map and Hotel Blue Diamond witnessed some of the most famous personalities staying there. Brand Heritage lived through these exciting times and once again played it’s small role, of a supporting artist on the Canvas of History.
