Ace of Blades

A Razor-Sharp Saga of a Family Business Empire, Obsession, and the Price of Greatness.

Rajinder Kumar Malhotra—the mastermind behind India’s iconic razor blade brands, Topaz in the ’70s and Supermax from the ’80s to 2023—was driven by one relentless obsession: the cutting edge of perfection.

Born into a powerful Punjabi family, RK’s journey was defined by contradictions—whiplash volatility, merciless edge, and a family pulled in different directions by ambition and greed. What began with humble Panama blades expanded into an empire that Gillette tried—unsuccessfully—to acquire for over a decade. Yet RK’s obsession with the perfect edge ultimately shaped everything he touched. But as his empire rose, so did the personal and professional sacrifices that would test him at every turn.

Ace of Blades is a raw, real account of RK’s life and leadership, narrated by his daughter, Reenita, and validated by interviews with family, colleagues, and associates. This is not just the story of one man, but a coming-of-age story on three levels: RK’s transformation, the rise of India’s FMCG industries through the lens of the blade industry, and the cultural revolution of every Indian man who shaved with his brands.