Our Founders

Late Rtn. L. Shanthilal Parekh

A dedicated Rotarian who worked tirelessly for the eradication of polio, Mr. Shantilal Parekh hailed from Coonoor in the Nilgiris. A graduate from Madras Law College, he initially spent time in the family business in Ooty and Coonoor. Over time, the bigger Parekh family has branched into several retail ventures of their own including Tulsi Mall, Kriyaan, Variety Hall, Lakshmi Silks, Vivaah Silks, and Tulsi Silks, which are spread across Tamil Nadu.

In 1971, Mr. Shantilal founded Variety Hall Agencies, starting with Godrej Furniture—a brand synonymous with quality and trust. Over the decades, he passionately served the families of the Nilgiris with zeal and sincerity, becoming a cherished figure in the community. In 1991, he ventured into 916 KDM Gold Jewellery, urging families to invest in gold, even in small amounts. He also introduced antique furniture into the business, which garnered a distinguished clientele, including Mr. Aamir Khan, Mr. Javed Akhtar & Family, Mr. Ravi Shastri, Mr. Shankar Mahadevan, Mr. Hariharan, Mr. Pradeep Kar, Mr. Dadiseth, Mr. Mariwala, and many more.

As the founder and leader of Team Tulsi, Mr. Shantilal laid the foundation for a business legacy that has been carried forward by his nephew, Mr. Kamal, and his sons, Uttam and Sushil.

Mr. Uttam Parekh : Founder- Tulsi Home Store

Uttam, Mr. Shantilal’s son, is an MBA graduate from the University of Iowa, Iowa City. Inspired by retail chains such as Walmart, Best Buy, and Macy’s, he dreamed of building a homegrown retail chain from Coonoor. Along with his father, cousin Kamal, he developed Tulsi Mall, Coonoor, in 2003.

The vision to expand further led to the creation of Tulsi Retail in 2008. By 2014, they managed over 70,000 sq. ft. of retail space in Salem, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. Despite the challenges that led to the closure of some stores, their determination culminated in the opening of a 27,000 sq. ft. flagship store on their own land in Coimbatore in 2019. Now known as Tulsi Home Store, this location represents their commitment to offering top-quality furniture and value-for-money solutions.

A visionary leader, Uttam excels in space planning and product research, delving into the design, functionality, and craftsmanship of each piece of furniture. He believes courteous, knowledgeable staff and exceptional after-sales service are the keys to retail success. Despite past challenges, he remains steadfast in his mission to provide the best for Tulsi’s customers.

Mrs. Vandana Parekh: Founder- Tulsi Home Store

Vandana, Uttam’s wife and partner, is a commerce graduate from Marathwada University, Aurangabad. A true people’s person, she intuitively understands customer tastes and preferences, helping them make informed choices. She ensures that the store is welcoming, the staff is cheerful, and the website remains user-friendly. Vandana is also meticulous about product quality and environmental consciousness—a value reflected in her attention to energy efficiency within the store.

Together, Uttam and Vandana have managed retail spaces exceeding 100,000 sq. ft., serving customers across Coonoor, Salem, Tiruppur, and Coimbatore. They travel extensively to attend exhibitions, visit manufacturers, and work with smaller producers to improve quality standards. Their efforts have resulted in a well-curated merchandise mix, highly appreciated for its designs ranging from the classical to contemporary all with value-driven pricing.

Their children, Aditi and Tanay, along with extended family members, actively contribute to the business, ensuring only the best reaches every Tulsi Home Store customer.