Tributes have been paid to a pioneer of Asian weddings and events who helped to revolutionise the industry.

Tarla Somaiya, the founder of Payal Events passed away peacefully on Saturday 11 March 2017 at Saint Luke’s Medical Centre, Manila, Philippines.

Tarla was 69 years-old and lived with her devoted husband, Rajnikant Govindji Somaiya in Whitefield, near Manchester.

She was mother to Rajesh, Dipen and Sheetal Somaiya and grandmother to Rhea, Risha and Aviraj.

A statement from the company read, “Tarla was a loving wife, mother and grandmother to her husband, children and family.

“She dedicated her life to her family and work, and was loved greatly by anyone who crossed her path.

“Known as Mum by all of her Payal family and friends, she was highly regarded and a true inspiration to all that knew her.”

Tarla started off in business opening a corner shop in 1979.

The ‘Amazing Card shops’ and Post offices soon expanded to a mini chain of three post offices.

The company soon began supplying Manchester hotels with helium balloons and then secured contracts to supply wedding flowers.

By 1991 Payal Function Organisers was contracted to hotels in Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.

In 2005 Payal Catering and Events focussed on providing a range of services to small to large weddings across the country.

The family would appreciate any messages of respect to be sent to the following email address JSK@payal.co.uk