Rafique Malik expanded his father Malik Tejani’s single-store footwear business into Metro Brands, a major Indian chain. The inherited operating platform is central to the origin of his wealth even though he contributed decades of management and expansion. [1]
From his father’s store to Metro Brands
Metro Brands identifies Malik Tejani, Rafique Malik’s father, as the founder of its predecessor footwear retail operation. According to the company history, Tejani began as a salesman, borrowed to purchase a shop, and later built a Colaba storefront. [1][4]
Rafique Malik joined the family enterprise in 1977 and subsequently became its longtime chairman. His tenure demonstrates sustained executive involvement, but the firm and its customer relationships preceded his leadership. [2][1]
The distinction matters for assessing the origin of his fortune: Malik did not launch the first Metro shoe store independently. He took responsibility for a pre-existing family retail platform and helped turn it into a much larger business. [4][1]
Scale, public listing and family stewardship
Under Malik’s leadership, Metro Brands expanded beyond its original store into the Metro, Mochi and Walkway banners and partnerships with other footwear brands. The company’s own disclosures credit him with building its nationwide retail footprint. [3][4]
Metro Brands listed its shares in 2021, providing a public-market valuation for the family’s stake. Farah Malik Bhanji, one of Malik’s daughters, serves as managing director, underscoring the family continuity of the business. [4][2]
Sources for background
Sources reviewed Oct 25, 2026.
- Leadership Team and Founder · Metro Brands
- Board of Directors 2025–26 · Metro Brands
- Mr. Rafique Malik · Metro Brands
- Rafique Malik · Forbes
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