Shabbir Hussain Kanorwala along with his younger brother Ali Asgar Kanorwala transformed his family’s humble grocery business into Roots, a successful supermarket chain spread across the city. He has also pedalled over 15,000 km on his cycle and completed marathons, all while managing four thriving stores and launching a fitness-inspired wellness brand, FYT.

Shabbir Hussain Kanorwala, one of the two names behind one of Udaipur’s most trusted retail supermarket chains—Roots: The Legacy of Trust—is a compelling example of generational entrepreneurship fused with passion for fitness and resilience. With four successful stores across Udaipur—Hathipol, Shobhagpura, Navratan, and Hiran Magri—Shabbir and Ali manage not just a business, but a growing legacy that reflects both heritage and hustle.

Shabbir Hussain’s entry into business wasn’t accidental. His family originally ran a humble retail grocery shop under the name ‘Upkar’ in Hathipol. Over the years, the family business expanded into production of spices and pickles. As the second and third generation came into play, the business organically diversified, and Shabbir, along with his cousin Ali, found themselves stewarding the retail wing.

After completing his studies, Shabbir Hussain decided to take on a new challenge. In 2013, he and his cousin launched ‘The Upkar Store’ at Panchwati, which received tremendous love from Udaipur locals. With that encouragement, they soon opened another branch in Shobhagpura. Eventually, in 2019, the Panchwati store separated under a family separation, giving birth to a new identity—Roots. Since then, Roots has grown into a beloved retail supermarket chain rooted in trust, quality, and service.

Despite the entrepreneurial workload, Shabbir Hussain is deeply committed to staying fit—an aspect he credits to his childhood routine at the Hathipol shop, which involved intense physical work. His love for fitness began in the 11th standard when his elder brother, Kaid Joher, introduced him to the gym. This early spark turned into a lifestyle choice. Even as work transitioned from physical labor to more seated, managerial tasks, he continued to adapt his fitness journey.

When the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 halted daily movement, Shabbir didn’t stay idle. He began cycling to commute to work, integrating fitness into necessity. What started as a practical need turned into passion. Cycling 10–15 kms daily, he eventually logged more than 15,000 km over the years. “If I start a ride, I don’t know where I’ll end up,” he laughs, illustrating his free-spirited approach to both fitness and life.

In 2023, another milestone arrived: Shabbir started running. It began with alternate day runs of 4 to 5 kms around Udaipur’s Fateh Sagar Lake. Gradually, he pushed himself to 8 km, and when he completed a full loop of Fateh Sagar (8.5 km), he realized he was ready for more. He then participated in the Hindustan Zinc Marathon in September 2024, finishing 10 km in under an hour. The following week, he ran again at the Secure Meters- Decathlon Run with the same vigor.

Inspired by these achievements, Shabbir Hussain is now training for his first half marathon, scheduled again this September, 2025. He’s already doing double loops of Fateh Sagar to build endurance. Alongside running and cycling, he continues regular gym sessions and is even working on achieving visible abs—a feat he humorously notes is extremely tough for a foodie like him.

Born at home in Udaipur under the Leo sun sign, Shabbir describes himself as a “raja type” since childhood—spirited, driven, and full of ambition. Though academics weren’t his natural interest, he firmly believes in perseverance. Despite struggling with mathematics, he completed his MBA in Finance, worked at a bank in Dubai, and eventually returned to join the family business. His career arc stands as a testament to grit, learning, and adaptability.

Cyclist and Runner Shabbir Hussain proudly names his two role models: his father, late Abbas Ali Kanorwala, and his father-in-law, Abbas Ali Magarwala—both men who embodied resilience and values that continue to guide him. A film that greatly motivates him is MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, which he describes as the epitome of rising without privilege—a sentiment that echoes in his personal philosophy.

His long-time WhatsApp status—“Quitters never win, and winners never quit”—is more than a quote; it’s his daily fuel. A song that inspires him is “Parwah Nahi” from the film MS Dhoni, with lyrics like “Patthar ke hain raste, parwah nahi”, which reflect his tenacious attitude.

Roots Chain Owner Shabbir Hussain Kanorwala also hints at an exciting new venture—a health and wellness brand named FYT (For Your Tummy). With the message “Always Stay Fit” emblazoned on his T-shirt, he emphasizes that staying active isn’t just about running or lifting weights—it’s about moving, sweating, and staying charged.

To all health enthusiasts and dreamers, his message is clear and grounded:

“Push yourself. Never give up. You don’t have to be a marathoner—just make fitness a part of your life.”

From a simple Hathipol shop to a chain of supermarkets, from casual running to half- marathons, from a retail legacy to redefining health for working professionals, Shabbir Hussain Kanorwala is writing his story in kilometers, courage, and community.