AN ESTIMATED 5,000 people turned out today to pay their respects following the death of Shabir Hussain, the founder of the hugely successful Akbar's restaurant group.
On Wednesday morning, it was announced Mr Hussain, chairman and CEO of Akbar's, had sadly passed away at the age of 56.
The chain began in 1995 with just a small 28-seat restaurant in the heart of Bradford.
There are now 10 Akbar’s restaurants across the North, Scotland, and the Midlands.
Mr Hussain's funeral is taking place this afternoon at the Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam Bradford Central Mosque.
Many of those who attended the funeral paid heartfelt tributes and told the T&A of their respect for Mr Hussain.
Family friend Faraz Rashid, who worked with him in Keighley, said: “He was a really nice and humble person. In his restaurants, he’d go out of his way to see how you were.”
Shakeeb Irfan said: “I grew up with him in the same village in Pakistan. I knew him all my life. He was a genuine nice guy – very kind and humble."
He described his death as “very shocking.”
Saleem Khan and Ghulam Mustafa attended the funeral together and described him as very humble with a great personality. They spoke of how he “always looked after people” and was “like a celebrity.”
One mourner, who gave his name as Kaz, said: “He will be a big loss to this town. He’s a pioneer and a success story. He’s a true soul.”
Another Bradford man at the funeral, who did not wish to be named, said: “He learned the business from the ground up and went all the way to the top to become a pioneer businessman. He knew how to run a ship. He was not afraid to roll his sleaves up to do what was needed. That’s what he was all about.”
Mohammed Yaseen, who knew him from the age of seven, said: “Everyone knows him in a different way. He was so highly ranked in the Asian community. It’s very upsetting for his family.
"He was known all over the UK – wherever he had a restaurant – Bradford, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow. His next move was to open a restaurant in London but he never got the chance.”
Before the funeral, 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."
Naz Shah, Labour MP for Bradford West, said Mr Hussain exported the best of Bradford's curry scene throughout the country.
“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.”
"Shabir’s contribution to Bradford spans decades, a self-made man who always supported, uplifted and provided for his community.”
Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: “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.”
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