Arpita Khan Sharma has always been surrounded by the magic of cinema, but she never let it define her. Growing up in a family where films were a way of life, she chose to carve out her own space, driven by her love for food and hospitality. Rather than stepping into Bollywood like her brothers, she turned her passion into a career by launching Mercii, a luxury European dining destination in Mumbai.
Food has always played a central role in her life. She recalls childhood memories of sitting around the table with her family, bonding over home-cooked meals. She believes that food brings people together, creating lasting memories and deepening relationships. That belief became the foundation for her restaurant. Arpita wanted to create a space that offered an exceptional dining experience while making guests feel at home.
Opening Mercii was not just about business for her—it was personal. She spent years exploring different cuisines, understanding hospitality, and refining her vision. She wanted her restaurant to reflect sophistication but also warmth. Every detail, from the menu to the ambiance, was curated with precision. She worked closely with chefs to ensure that every dish had a story, blending European flavors with a sense of familiarity.
Balancing her career with motherhood has been a challenge, but she has embraced it with grace. She shares that her children have been her biggest motivation, pushing her to follow her dreams while setting an example for them. She believes that women should never feel restricted by societal expectations. Pursuing one’s passion, she says, makes one a better mother, partner, and individual.
Her bond with her brothers remains strong, but she shares a special connection with Arbaaz Khan. Their sense of humor is alike, and they often find themselves laughing over the smallest things. While Salman Khan has always been a guiding force, Arbaaz is the one she shares lighthearted moments with.
Arpita’s journey proves that success isn’t about living in someone else’s shadow. She believes in creating her own identity, making choices that fulfill her, and finding joy in her work. She has built a space where food, family, and passion come together, and that is what truly defines her.
Arpita Khan Sharma’s love for hospitality isn’t just about business—it’s about creating experiences. She has always enjoyed hosting family gatherings, from grand Iftar celebrations to intimate get-togethers. Food, she says, has been the common thread tying everyone together, and she wanted Mercii to embody that same warmth. Her goal was to make dining feel like a personal experience, where guests could enjoy not just the flavors but also the emotions that come with every meal.
The journey to launching Mercii was not without its challenges. Despite her family name, she wanted to establish herself on her own terms. She worked tirelessly to perfect the restaurant’s concept, spending time in kitchens, learning from chefs, and understanding the intricacies of fine dining. She rejected shortcuts, ensuring that every detail—from sourcing ingredients to plating dishes—met the highest standards. She wanted Mercii to stand out, not because of her name but because of the experience it offers.
Arpita also emphasizes that food has played a crucial role in her family’s traditions. She recalls childhood memories of home-cooked meals prepared by her mother and shared moments at the dining table that brought everyone together despite their busy schedules. She hopes to pass on the same values to her children, teaching them that food is more than sustenance—it is about love, culture, and connection.
Motherhood has been a defining experience for her. While she acknowledges that balancing family and business is not easy, she believes in prioritizing both with equal dedication. She wants her children to see her as a woman who follows her dreams while being present for them. She hopes to instill in them the importance of independence, perseverance, and passion, values she has learned from her own parents.
Her family remains her biggest support system, encouraging her to push boundaries and challenge herself. While Salman Khan is a protective elder brother and Sohail is the emotional one, Arbaaz shares her love for humor and spontaneity. Their bond is unshaken, but she has always been determined to create an identity separate from the Khan legacy.
As she continues her journey in the world of hospitality, Arpita remains focused on her vision. She hopes to expand Mercii while maintaining its personal touch. She dreams of making it more than just a restaurant, but a space where food, culture, and warmth come together. For her, success is not about fame but about building something meaningful—one dish, one meal, and one experience at a time.
