Chennai: For many Chennaites, the story of home comfort begins with a visit to Ratna Fan House in T Nagar. From the whirring sound of a ceiling fan that cooled us in the summers of childhood to the reliable appliances that have become a part of everyday life, this brand has quietly woven itself into the city’s memories. Starting as a humble shop decades ago, it has over the years become a symbol of trust and belonging—a place where generations have found not only products but also comfort, care, and a sense of belonging. Vijay Krishnamurthy, Managing Director of Ratna Fan House, says, “In 1957, my grandfather, Sambasivam Iyer, started Ratna Electricals, and my father, Krishnamurthy, took it forward. Ratnam was my uncle’s name, which proved to be a lucky charm for all of us.” Ratna Electricals evolved into Ratna Fan House in 1967. The idea of the fan business was started for the people of Chennai, as it is needed year-round. “We wanted it to be a great way for people to find all the leading brands under one roof,” he adds.
As the brand has grown over the years, its customers have been with it every step of the way. One of the strengths that has set Ratna Fan House apart from dozens of competitors, and has attracted customers for generations, is its customer service. Vijay’s uncle, Subramanyam, has been the backbone of the brand throughout this remarkable journey. “He played a key role in shaping customer relationships. And our employees have been at the forefront of providing them with information for the betterment of the brand. Teamwork always leads to success,” he explains. A key factor that has made Ratna Fan House timeless is how it adapts to changing times. “In 2010, we witnessed the air-conditioning revolution. We had the opportunity to collaborate with top brands like Daikin and LG, discuss new strategies, and showcase products to our customers. Notably, the kitchen AC was first introduced at Ratna Fan House.” Sharing insights about striking the perfect balance between cherishing family heritage and embracing modern innovations, Vijay says, “We are customer-centric. All our employees and management work to provide unforgettable customer service. And, brands also make sure to introduce new products at Ratna Fan House, as they consider it a good sign. Furthermore, our employees strive to obtain complete information about the products in the showroom, whether old or new, and are knowledgeable enough to explain their pros and cons to customers and make better recommendations.” This intense focus on its customers makes it difficult for brands to enter Ratna Fan House, as it places special emphasis on providing consumers with only the best quality products. “We make sure to visit the factory to see how the products are made,” says Vijay. Interestingly, India’s first cassette AC was manufactured at Ratna Fan House. Furthermore, they also have a large collection of solar panels, water heaters, water purifiers, dishwashers, chimneys, and many other products and brands. Customers will have the opportunity to test and analyze these models before making their final purchase decision.
CHENNAI: Ratna Fan House, founded on trust, driven by innovation
