From a Ghatkopar chawl to the helm of Danube Group, Anis Sajan’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and a relentless love for cricket
From humble beginnings in a Mumbai chawl to becoming Vice Chairman of the UAE-based Danube Group, Anis Sajan has crafted an extraordinary success story rooted in hustle, hygiene, and a deep passion for cricket. Dubbed the ‘Shattaf Man of Dubai’ for transforming the sanitary fittings market and affectionately called ‘Mr Cricket UAE’ for his contributions to the sport, Anis’s life is a tale of purpose-driven progress, reported hindustantimes.com.
From Struggles to Salesmanship
Born and raised in Ghatkopar, Mumbai, Anis lost his father at age eight. His elder brother Rizwan stepped up as the family’s backbone. Anis began selling Diwali lights for ₹300 profit, sowing seeds for a career in sales. Later, a job at Eureka Forbes taught him grit: “Knocking doors and hearing ‘no’ built my confidence,” he says.
Despite an early stint in Kuwait that left him disillusioned, Rizwan urged Anis to give Dubai a try post-Gulf War. The turning point came when he identified the hygiene gap in sanitary fittings and introduced the shattaf (jet spray)—a must-have in every Middle Eastern and South Asian household. His innovation gave rise to the brand Milano, which now produces over 100,000 units monthly, becoming a core pillar of the Danube empire.
Anis Sajan turned a jet spray into a household necessity in the Gulf and turned his love for cricket into a powerful community-building tool
Rooted in Memory, Driven by Passion
Despite his success, Anis remains deeply connected to his roots. A visit to his old chawl, now a high-rise, brought back vivid memories. “The building has changed, but my childhood still lives in those narrow lanes,” he shares.
Mr Cricket UAE: More Than a Nickname
For Anis, cricket is not a hobby—it’s a heartbeat. Inspired by India’s 1983 World Cup victory, he now owns T10 League franchise Delhi Bulls, supports 30 players on salary in local UAE circuits, and introduced the Danube Test Series to promote the longer format. “Test cricket builds temperament, not just skill,” he says.
His home turns into a cricket carnival during India vs Pakistan matches, with flags, food, and festivities. “It’s our fourth festival after Diwali, Holi, and Eid,” he laughs. His commitment goes beyond fandom—Anis buys and distributes stadium tickets to blue-collar workers, making sure they can witness their cricketing heroes live.
Legacy in the Making
At 53, Anis is far from slowing down. Sons Azhar and Sahil have joined the Danube fold, bringing fresh vision. While Azhar has launched Casa Milano, Sahil is steering the flagship Milano brand. “My biggest win as a father is seeing my sons united and accountable,” Anis says.
Whether it’s transforming hygiene habits or championing Test cricket in a T20 world, Anis Sajan is in it for the long haul—like a true Test player.
