Acquisition Overview

Sajid Qureshi, the founder of Inbox Pictures and a veteran who has moved more than 2,500 films across satellite, OTT and theatrical windows, has entered the hospitality sector by acquiring Mowbray Heritage Resort in Ooty. The acquisition was executed through his company Fodxpert NextGen Pvt Ltd, marking the group’s first hospitality property.

Property Details and Restoration Plan

Mowbray Heritage Resort sits on a 1.4‑acre estate that currently operates as a hotel with 14 rooms and an on‑site restaurant. The resort is being stripped to its core and rebuilt as a luxury heritage boutique. In addition to restoring the existing 14 rooms, approximately 25 additional rooms are planned on adjoining land, all designed to match the original 1850s aesthetic while providing modern luxury amenities. The complete renovation aims to preserve the historic feel of the property while delivering contemporary standards, and the resort is slated to reopen soon.

Historical Significance

The property is listed as house No. 2 in Ootacamund’s official 1858 house register, originally owned by Mrs. Havelock. The register, reproduced in Sir Frederick Price’s Ootacamund: A History (published by the Government of Madras in 1908), shows Mowbray standing next to Fern Hill, later incorporated into the Maharaja of Mysore’s palace. The name “Mowbray” persisted in official records through 1905, giving it a continuous naming history of nearly 170 years—an uncommon distinction among Nilgiri properties.

Related Business Ventures

Qureshi’s broader business ecosystem includes Fodxpert Ally, which places advertising on digital screens inside restaurants; Buzzzooka, which runs entertainment media and digital portals; and B3 Hospitality, which operates restaurants. The acquisition of Mowbray represents a strategic extension from providing short‑term entertainment experiences to offering overnight hospitality experiences.

Executive Comment

Sajid Qureshi stated, “For me, Mowbray isn’t just a property. It’s a piece of Ooty’s living history, recorded in the official government register of 1858. We’re restoring it completely: bringing back the charm of that era, with every luxury of today.”

Timeline

The renovation is ongoing, and the resort is expected to reopen in the near future, though a specific date was not disclosed.