“This masala was a mix of cardamom, cinnamon and other spices. They only entered the tea business for survival, but are today the reason why the word ‘Amruttulya’ is synonymous with tea, as well as for its evolution into a renowned brand over the years.īut it was a special homemade tea masala that added a different taste altogether. The family instead has their roots about 950 km away, in Rajasthan. Interestingly, the Nartekar family never belonged to Pune and did not always carry this last name. But everyone preferred our tea,” he says proudly. “They’d visit during breaks or order as per their convenience.

He explains that the reason this humble tea shop attracted such glamorous clientele is that it’s located right opposite Melody Makers, a recording studio frequented by celebrities during filmmaking. Melod Makers studio near Aadya Amruttulya. Sometimes to refresh their senses after a tiring day, other times to gather for casual discussions,” Chandrashekhar (58) tells The Better India. “Over the years, Mohammed Rafi, Asha Bhosale, Lata Mangeshkar, Johny Lever, Dada Kondake, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sharad Pawar, late Balasaheb Thackeray, and so many more have visited us and enjoyed our tea. It wasn’t just Shammi Kapoor that fell in love with the wholesome cup of tea served in this tiny store – the who’s who of Bollywood, alongside politicians and freedom fighters have come to love this 97-year-old shop.

Dada kondke with bala saheb thackeray