With the passing of Shapoor Khodad Irani on 15 June 2026, Pune has lost the man behind its most iconic burger. Long before international burger chains landed in India, there was Burger King on East Street—the place where the smell of sizzling patties and toasted buns welcomed you into Camp. For generations of Punekars, “Let’s go for a burger” meant only one thing: Apru Burger King.

Founded in the 1990s by Shapoor and his wife Anahita, Burger King wasn’t just a restaurant; it was everyone’s go-to place. Its giant Jumbo Chicken Burgers, dripping with its legendary homemade mayonnaise, drew endless queues of students, families, and office-goers who happily waited for a table. Shapoor never believed in overcharging; he often said the blessings of happy customers were worth more than higher profits. Quietly generous, he also helped students, families, entrepreneurs, and employees whenever he could.

Shapoor’s grit was evident in his 13-year legal battle to retain the Burger King name when the American chain entered India—a battle he won. But his greatest victory was winning the hearts (and stomachs) of Pune. His burgers became part of family traditions, college memories, first dates, and countless reunions. Thank you, Shapoor Irani, for serving Pune not just unforgettable burgers, but a lifetime of memories. You’ll always be Pune’s original Burger King.

— Freny C. Daruwalla