Vijaypat Singhania (1938–2026) was the kind of larger-than-life industrialist who turned a humble woollen blanket maker into India’s iconic Raymond empire—while casually setting world records in the sky like it was just another Tuesday adventure.
Born into the prominent Singhania business family, he took the reins of Raymond as Chairman and Managing Director in 1980 and steered it for two decades into a global name for suiting fabrics, menswear, and much more. Think stain-proof, easy-care wool blends, the launch of Park Avenue, and expansions into denim, steel, and beyond. Under him, the brand became synonymous with “The Complete Man”—a tagline that pretty much described Vijaypat himself: sharp-suited businessman by day, fearless aviator by heart.
The sky was his playground: In 1988, he solo-piloted a microlight aircraft all the way from London to Ahmedabad (over 9,000 km). Then, at age 67 in 2005, he smashed the world record for highest hot-air balloon flight, soaring to 69,852 feet (about 21 km) in a massive pressurised-capsule balloon launched from Mumbai’s racecourse. He touched the “fringe of space” after a five-hour journey, landing near Nashik. The record still stands—talk about going out on a high!
He earned the Padma Bhushan (2006), the FAI Gold Medal, Tenzing Norgay Adventure Award, and even Honorary Air Commodore status from the Indian Air Force.
Business boss: He transformed Raymond from a modest textile player (acquired by the family in 1944) into a diversified powerhouse and one of India’s most trusted clothing brands, thriving even after economic liberalisation. He briefly served as Sheriff of Mumbai too.
The family chapter: He had two sons - Madhupati & Gautam, who later led Raymond. In 2015, he gifted his entire 37.17% stake in Raymond to his younger son Gautam— a move he later called the biggest regret of his life. Later years brought public family strains and property disputes, which he openly reflected on.
In his candid 2021 autobiography An Incomplete Life, Vijaypat didn’t shy away from the highs, the heartbreaks, or the hard-earned lessons. He wrote with refreshing honesty about ambition, family, mistakes, and the cost of success.
On gifting away his controlling stake and the painful fallout (from the section cheekily titled “The Biggest Mistake of My Life”):
He reflected on how age can erode confidence and cloud judgment: “As we all age, we start to lose confidence in ourselves…” He admitted being “blinded by love for [his] son” and warned others: “You may gift your property, shares and assets out of love… but ensure your own security first.” And the zinger: “Power does not change one’s character, only reveals it.” It’s a raw, cautionary tale about family dynamics in big business—delivered without bitterness, just hard-won wisdom.
On integrity and learning from setbacks:
“Failures contain within themselves the seeds of further learning which can lead to better technology…” (spoken like a true innovator who turned textile challenges into breakthroughs).
And his personal code: “I would rather fail with honour than win by unfair means.” Simple, principled, and very “Complete Man.”
He also touched on life’s incompleteness with poignant lines about family and legacy, noting that true fulfillment often needs connection with grandchildren—something he felt was missing. The book reads like a heartfelt fireside chat from a man who lived boldly, soared literally and figuratively, and still found room for reflection.
Vijaypat Singhania’s story is a fun, fact-packed reminder that even the most accomplished lives have plot twists. He built empires, chased horizons in balloons and microlights, and left behind both a legendary brand and lessons on balancing ambition with safeguards—especially when it comes to family and fortune.
The man who made millions feel like “The Complete Man” showed us all that life’s journey is rarely perfectly wrapped up… but it can still be one heck of an adventure.