Raymond Group Patriarch Dr. Vijaypat Singhania: The curtains have fallen on an era of Indian industrial history. Dr. Vijaypat Singhania, the man who turned a modest woollen mill into the global fashion behemoth Raymond Group, passed away in Mumbai on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the age of 87.
His son, Gautam Singhania, shared the news with “profound grief,” describing his father as a visionary leader and a philanthropist whose legacy would inspire generations. As the nation bids farewell to the “Complete Man,” we look back at a life that was as flamboyant as it was tumultuous—a journey that reached the fringes of space and the heights of the corporate world, yet faced the silent corridors of personal struggle.
1. The Architect of the Raymond Empire: Companies and Ownership
Raymond Group Patriarch Dr. Vijaypat Singhania Passes Away at 87: The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of India’s ‘Complete Man’
Vijaypat Singhania did not just inherit a business; he reinvented it. Taking over as Chairman in 1980, he expanded the group’s portfolio far beyond traditional textiles.
The Core Businesses Under His Leadership:
Raymond Ltd: The flagship company that became synonymous with premium suiting. He introduced iconic brands like Park Avenue (1986) and Parx (1999).
JK Files (India) Ltd: Under his tenure, this subsidiary became the largest manufacturer of steel files in the world.
Raymond Apparel Ltd: Focusing on ready-to-wear garments, bringing high fashion to the Indian middle class.
KamaSutra (JK Ansell): In 1991, he made a bold move by launching India’s premium condom brand, which quickly became the second-largest in the country.
Diverse Verticals: He steered the group into Indigo Denim, Polyester Filament Yarn, Cold-rolled Steel, and even Cement before the group restructured in the late 90s.
Raymond Aviation: Founded in 1996, reflecting his personal passion for the skies by providing air charter services.
2. The Net Worth: From Billions to a Rented Apartment
The story of Vijaypat Singhania’s wealth is one of the most discussed “riches-to-rags” narratives in Indian corporate history.
The Peak: At his height, Singhania controlled a business empire worth over ₹12,000 crore.
The Transfer (2015): In a move he later called his “biggest mistake,” he gifted his entire 37.17% stake in Raymond Ltd—worth approximately ₹1,000 crore at the time—to his son Gautam.
The Legal Battle: Following the transfer, a bitter feud erupted. Singhania claimed he was denied his rightful residence in the 36-storey JK House in South Mumbai and was stripped of his title as “Chairman Emeritus.”
Final Years: Reports suggested that the man who once lived in unmatched luxury spent several years living in a rented apartment on Malabar Hill, relying on limited savings, before a family reconciliation occurred in 2024.
3. Life Story: The High-Flier Who Touched the Edge of Space
Born on October 4, 1938, into the prominent Singhania family, Vijaypat was never “just” a businessman. He was a polymath—an educator, a sheriff, and, most notably, a world-class aviator.
The Aviator’s Records
Vijaypat Singhania held over 5,000 hours of flying experience. His achievements in the cockpit were legendary:
1988: He flew solo from London to Delhi in a microlight aircraft, covering 5,000 miles in 23 days.
1994: Won the Gold Medal in an around-the-world air race.
2005 (The Space Record): At age 67, he set a world record for the highest altitude in a hot air balloon, reaching 69,852 feet—literally touching the fringes of space.
Public Service and Honors
Sheriff of Mumbai: He served in this prestigious honorary position in 2006.
Honorary Air Commodore: The Indian Air Force honored him with this rank for his contributions to aviation.
Padma Bhushan: In 2006, the Government of India awarded him the nation’s third-highest civilian honor.
4. The Final Chapter: Conflict and Reconciliation
The “Complete Man” tagline, which he helped create, was tested by a decade of public family discord. The feud with Gautam Singhania became a cautionary tale for India’s business dynasties regarding succession and estate planning.
However, in March 2024, the world saw a glimmer of hope when Gautam posted a photo with his father, seeking his blessings. This reconciliation allowed the patriarch to spend his final years in a more peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the legacy he spent four decades building.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Will Live On
Dr. Vijaypat Singhania was a man of extremes—extreme success, extreme bravery, and extreme personal challenges. He leaves behind a brand that defines the wardrobe of the Indian male and a story of a life lived at full throttle.
His last rites will be performed today, Sunday, March 29, 2026, at Mumbai’s Chandanwadi. The “Complete Man” has finally found his rest.