Vijaypat Singhania, the man behind Raymond’s iconic identity, passes away at 87, leaving behind not just a textile empire but generations of employees who remember his warmth as much as his leadership
Vijaypat Singhania’s sons Madhupati (left) and Gautam carry their father’s body for the last rites, on Sunday. PIC/PTI
Industrialist and former Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania passed away late Saturday evening at the age of 87 (1938-2026), marking the end of an era for one of India’s most recognisable business legacies. Known for building a textile powerhouse as much as for his personal warmth, Singhania’s death triggered an outpouring of grief from employees past and present, many of whom remembered him as more than a corporate leader.
Industrialist and former Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania. File pic
On Sunday, he was cremated at Jagannath Shankar Sheth Hindu Crematorium, where family, close friends and colleagues gathered to bid farewell to a man whose influence extended far beyond the boardroom.
Social media remembers
Industrialist and former Raymond chairman Vijaypat Singhania. File pic
Condolences poured in across platforms, especially from families with long ties to the group. “My father worked at JK Helene Curtis for nearly 30 years. Mr Singhania was his first employer. I am also an alumnus of JK Singhania School. My heartfelt condolences to the family.”
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The legacy, in brief
>> Built Raymond into a household name in textiles
>> Led one of India’s most recognisable suiting brands
>> Known for combining corporate leadership with personal connect
Son Gautam Singhania at the funeral. PICS/Atul Kamble
A salute beyond business
>> Indian Air Force team present with officer and cadets
>> Wreath offered by Air Force Station Mumbai
>> Tribute marked his stature beyond the corporate world
Asha Devi (in white saree) holding hand of daughter-in-law Nawaz Modi Singhania at the funeral
Voices from within
Long-time Raymond employee
“I worked for and with the man for 20 years. He was very jovial and treated all of us younger than him with a lot of respect.”
Employee who worked with him for 6 years
“He was a very big-hearted man, treated me like family. Now that he is gone, I don’t know what to do.”
Raymond store employee
“While the man who made Raymond what it is is no more, his legacy lives on. We never met him personally, but his existence drove us to perform better every day. The store is still open today as our way of paying respect.”
Kamlesh Amesur, a Dubai-based friend
“May God rest my dear friend’s soul in peace. My condolences to the entire Singhania pariwaar. A great man has left us today. He was a very learned gentleman who chose his words wisely and was a legendary businessman. Our friendship began during his filmmaking days and remained strong despite the age gap. He stayed with us in Dubai and even celebrated his birthday with us. He fought many struggles and had immense willpower. I was supposed to meet him last month, but it didn’t work out. He had been in and out of the hospital in recent weeks, and last night I received the news of his passing.”
The headline facts
Age: 87
Cause: Natural causes
Role: Former Chairman, Raymond
Honour: Padma Bhushan (2006) for contribution to trade and industry
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