THE GREAT and good have been paying tribute after the death of a pioneering Bradford restaurateur known as the 'King of Curry' who founded a nationwide chain.
On Wednesday morning, it was announced Shabir Hussain, chairman and CEO of Akbar's, had passed away at the age of 56.
Tributes have been flooding in, with Mr Hussain's death described as "a huge loss to his family and the world of business not just in Bradford but across the UK as his brand reached many cities".
When will Shabir Hussain's funeral take place?
Mr Hussain's funeral will take place at 4.45pm tomorrow (Thursday, October 17) at the Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam Bradford Central Mosque.
His burial is to happen at Scholemoor Cemetery (6pm), Muslim bereavement service Janaza Announcements has confirmed.
'He was the heart and soul of every gathering'
Zulfiqar Karim, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, said: "Known as the King of Curry, Bash was more than a successful restaurateur - he was the heart and soul of every gathering, a man whose warmth, generosity, and hospitality were unmatched.
"His infectious smile and comforting hugs made everyone feel welcome, and his friendship was a treasure beyond words.
"Bradford has lost not only a pioneer of the curry world but also a beloved brother whose presence will be sorely missed.
"Eid and every occasion will feel incomplete without him. Bash’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, and his spirit will continue to inspire us to come together as he always did.
"Rest in peace, dear brother. Your memory will never fade."
Restaurants and Bradford Council leader pay tribute
Fellow Indian restaurants across the Bradford district have been paying tribute.
Faisal Hussain, owner of Shimla Spice, worked with the Akbar's founder when Bradford was selected as the 'Curry Capital of Britain'.
He said: "Our restaurants contributed to winning that.
"He was an amazing guy. We worked well together.
"We were really good friends - sharing ideas and willing to help.
"It is a big hole in the hospitality industry to lose such a big name like him."
Faisal Hussain added: "He was not just a good restaurateur but an amazing person who would go that extra mile to help you.
"When we worked together it was for Bradford.
"Our restaurants are probably three miles apart and we never saw any other restaurant as competition.
"He was one of the pioneers of the restaurant industry.
"His main vision was to put Bradford on the map."
Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “I’m really sorry to hear this.
"Shabir was a key part of Bradford’s Curry Capital bid for several years and was a great contributor making sure we won that competition nationally several years running.
"He was always proud of his Bradford roots and will be missed. My condolences to his family.”
Bobby and Minal Patel, of Indian restaurant Prashad, which began life in Bradford and is now based in Drighlington, were keen to thank Mr Hussain for his help during their rise in the industry.
They said: "It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to an industry leader and friend.
"Shabir, chairman and CEO of Akbar's, was always there for Prashad.
"He helped us when we needed it the most.
"He had the golden touch and inspired an industry to push forward and grow, helping many restaurants along the way."
They said they were in "awe of his drive and vision".
"We pray for his soul to have eternal peace. Om Shanti," the tribute added.
MPs pay tribute
Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said Mr Hussain exported the best of Bradford's curry scene throughout the country.
She said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder and CEO of the Akbar's group in Bradford.
“A huge loss to his family and the world of business not just in Bradford but across the UK as his brand reached many cities.
“His entrepreneurial triumph was exporting the best of Bradford’s curry scene throughout the country.”
“Someone who we will all miss dearly. My prayers and thoughts are with his family, friends, and all the staff and colleagues at his restaurants.”
Fellow Labour MP Imran Hussain (Bradford East) added: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Shabir Hussain, Chairman and CEO of Akbar's Restaurant Group and a friend of many years.
"Shabir’s contribution to Bradford spans decades, a self-made man who always supported, uplifted and provided for his community.
"He worked incredibly hard to build up a successful pioneering business, and received many deserved accolades and awards for his entrepreneurship.
"It is a magnificent loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and employees.
"While he will be greatly missed by us all, his legacy will remain in Bradford, and beyond.”
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