Some people join Marzi for networking, while others come for the events. For Anil Francis, it began with a Christmas gathering in December 2025 and slowly became something much deeper, a sense of family and belonging.

Growing Up in Fort Cochin

Born and raised in the historic coastal lanes of Fort Cochin, Kerala, Anil grew up in a comfortable household alongside his two brothers, including his twin brother, Sunil. Their father worked as a ship captain, giving the family a stable and well-travelled upbringing. Life in Cochin was carefree, filled with childhood mischief and strong family values.

Engineering Dreams and Early Entrepreneurship

Wanting discipline and better opportunities for their sons, Anil’s parents sent the twins to Bangalore to pursue engineering. Anil studied electrical engineering while his twin, Sunil,  chose electronics. Even during college, Anil displayed an entrepreneurial streak. Along with a few friends, he quietly started a small instant water heater manufacturing business without informing their families.

The venture showed promise, but tragedy struck when one of the partners passed away in a road accident, forcing the business to shut down.

Friendship, Loss and Survival

Loss became a recurring chapter in Anil’s life. A close friend later died in another bike accident during his early career days at Godfrey Phillips India. Soon after, Anil himself survived a major accident during a bike rally, suffering fractures that kept him hospitalized for nearly a month.

His friends stood by him throughout the recovery, handling everything quietly without alarming his parents. That experience strengthened his belief in the value of true friendships.

Building a Family and Career in Bangalore

At the age of 31, Anil married Margaret, who was working in admin vertical. Interestingly, both Anil and his twin brother got married on the very same day. Four years later, they welcomed their son, who is now studying at St. John’s Medical College in Bangalore.

Professionally, Anil built a successful career in facility management before venturing into the food court business. Encouraged by his growth, he invested in building a massive cloud kitchen facility in Bangalore, nearly 30,000 square feet in size and envisioned as one of the city’s largest.

The COVID-19 Setback

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Years of effort, investments, and the responsibility of around 160 employees collapsed almost overnight.

Despite the enormous setback, Anil refused to surrender to hopelessness. His belief in resilience kept him moving forward. According to him, once emotions overpower a person completely, recovery becomes difficult. That mindset helped him rebuild emotionally even after losing much of what he had created. He is now involved in many Associations.

A Mother’s Loss and Life Lessons

One of the deepest emotional turning points in his life was the loss of his mother nearly 15 years ago following a cardiac arrest. The grief changed him profoundly, yet he continued to move ahead with faith and determination.

He also carries a powerful message about the perils of excess drinking. His childhood friend Liston, whom Anil had helped settle in Bangalore and later Dubai, passed away a year and a half ago due to complications from heavy drinking, leaving behind a daughter with an uncertain future. On his deathbed, Liston told Anil: “You have not one son, you have one more daughter.” Anil still tears up recounting it. The lesson he wants others to take: enjoy life, but never at the cost of your family’s future.

A New Chapter with Marzi

Today, Anil enjoys music, dancing when his old knee injury allows it, and spending meaningful time with people who genuinely care. Since joining the Bangalore chapter of Marzi, he has found companionship, warmth, and community once again.

Anil Francis’ story is ultimately about resilience, about surviving setbacks, valuing friendships, embracing family, and continuing to rise no matter how many times life changes course.