Surjit Gujral, one of Sydney’s most famous Indian restaurant owners, passed away in his sleep on 20 April 2022.
Surjit Gujral, one of the most famous restaurateurs and cricket enthusiasts, passed away on Wednesday. He was 67. Surjit Gujral established Surjit’s Indian Restaurant on Parramatta Road in Annandale, which went on to be an iconic eatery in Sydney.
Surjit Gujral was also known for his love for cricket, and many cricketers, including Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, Michael Clarke and Greg Chappell, regarded him as a friend.
His fellow cricket enthusiast Gurnam Says Surjit Gujral was one of the most loved figures in the cricketing fraternity.
“India playing or not, whenever there was a test match at SCG, uncleji (Surjit Gujral) was present at the Bradman’s bar. He loved the game and always encouraged youngsters. I shared some great moments with him. He will be deeply missed,” Gurnam Singh told NRI Affairs.
He was a supporter of the Sydney University Cricket Club. The Club has posted a message in his remembrance.
“Surjit and Surjit’s Restaurant was known internationally by the cricket communities in India and Pakistan. Surjit was a generous host, a benefactor, and passionate about the game. ” The Club posted, he was a man who will be greatly missed by this Club and the broader SUCC community,” the Club posted.
Surjit’s restaurant was no less than a cricket museum with old pictures of iconic cricketers on the wall. There is a special dinner plate signed by Sachin Tendulkar that Surjied held dear to him.
Surjit Gujral was one of three brothers who migrated from Chandigarh, Punjab, in late 1980. He worked with his elder brother Amar at his restaurant in Goulburn Street City.
After learning the tricks and treats of running a food business, Surjit opened his restaurant and went on to expand the chain. He owned restaurants in Strathfield and Neutral Bay before buying the freehold for Surjit’s Indian Restaurant at 215 Parramatta Road, Annandale.
Former Australian cricketer and commentator Kerry James O’Keeffe paid tribute to Surjit Gujral on Twitter.
“Sad news …Surjit Gujral has died…(pictured here with his son Rus )…Surjit was a great cricket man … supported game at all levels … his restaurant. Surjit’s at Annandale is legendary…cricket so much poorer for his passing…vale great man (sic),” tweeted O’Keeffe.
