The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by Tukaram Mundhe, has suspended the licences of eight eateries as part of its festival-season food safety drive. Among the establishments facing action is the original Andheri West outlet of Suraj Lama Momos, one of Mumbai’s popular momo spots. The development has put the spotlight on its owner, Suraj Lama, whose journey from celebrity driver to momo entrepreneur has an interesting Bollywood connection.

Suraj Lama worked with Bollywood actors

Lama moved to Mumbai from Mirik in Darjeeling when he was 14 and took up several jobs before eventually becoming a professional driver. Over a career spanning 25 years, he worked with several members of the film industry, including actors Shahid Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha. He also drove for production houses, including Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions.