Who was Vijaypat Singhania? Check his Biography, Age, Death, Wife, Family, and the Legacy of Raymond King

Dr.Vijaypat Singhania, who was the former Chairman of Raymond Limited and a record-breaking aviator community passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 87. His younger son, Gautam Singhania, informed via tweet, saying that, “With profound grief and deep sorrow, we inform the passing of Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijaypat Kailashpat Singhania. A visionary leader, philanthropist, and an inspiring personality, whose legacy will continue to guide and inspire generations.” He is known for transforming Raymond into a household name and for his death-defying aerial feats. Vijaypat’s life was a blend of immense corporate success and poignant personal struggle.

RIP. Om Shanti 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nGtOGAEtHt

— Gautam Singhania (@SinghaniaGautam) March 28, 2026

Vijaypat Singhania Quick Overview

Source: Shutterstock

Who was Vijaypat Singhania?

Vijaypat Singhania was a legendary Indian industrialist, a world-record-holding aviator, and the former Chairman of Raymond Limited. He is widely credited with transforming Raymond into a global powerhouse and creating the iconic "Complete Man" brand identity.

Early Life and Academic Background

Vijaypat Singhania was born on October 4, 1938, in Cawnpore (now Kanpur). He belonged to the illustrious Marwari industrialist family of the J.K. Organisation. He was the grandson of Lala Kamlapat Singhania and the son of Lala Kailashpat Singhania. He completed his schooling at G. N. K. High School in Kanpur and later moved to Mumbai to attend Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, where he earned his Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) in 1959. Interestingly, before fully immersing himself in the family business, he spent time as a professor of Post Graduate Management at the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies.

Who was the Founder of Raymond Limited?

Source: Amazon

Raymond Group was founded by Albert Raymond in 1925, and this company is one of the foremost textile and fashion powerhouses in India, with its headquarters in Mumbai. But, in 1944, ir was taken over by the JK Singhania family. Till 1980, the focus was to expand the Raymond, and in 1980, this company handover the Vijaypat Singhania, who became the real founder of Raymond Limited, as the Chairman and the Managing Director of Raymond Limited

Under his leadership, the brand evolved from a textile manufacturer into a lifestyle behemoth.

• Diversification: He expanded Raymond’s horizons into synthetic fabrics, denim, steel, and cement.

• Global Standard: He is credited with making Raymond one of the most respected clothing brands in India, synonymous with the "Complete Man" campaign.

• Philanthropy: He founded the Dr. Vijaypat Singhania School in Gujarat, emphasising his commitment to education.

What was the legacy of Vijaypat Singhania in the aviation field?

Vijaypat Singhania wasn't just a "suit" in a boardroom; he was a thrill-seeker with over 5,000 hours of flying time. He was inspired by J.R.D. Tata, who achieved several world records:

• 1988: Flew a microlight aircraft solo from London to New Delhi (approx. 5,000 miles) in 23 days.

• 1994: Won the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale around-the-world air race.

• 2005: Set a world record by flying a hot air balloon to an altitude of 69,000 feet at the age of 67.

"This goes to show to the world that we are not bullock cart drivers, but we can compete against the best of the world." — Vijaypat Singhania after his 2005 record.

About the Family, Children, and Personal Life of Vijaypat Singhania

Vijaypat Singhania was married to Asha Devi Singhania. The couple had three children:

• Madhupati Singhania (Son): Currently runs a consultancy firm; he famously distanced himself from the family business in the late 90s.

• Gautam Singhania (Son): The current Chairman and Managing Director of Raymond Limited.

• Shefali Singhania (Daughter): A Director at A.B. Colour Private Limited.

The Controversy: "An Incomplete Life" about Vijaypat Singhania

The latter years of Singhania’s life were marred by a highly public legal battle with his son, Gautam. After transferring his shares (worth roughly ₹1,000 crores) to Gautam in 2015, Vijaypat claimed he was left homeless and denied residency in the family’s J.K. House in Mumbai. This fallout became a cautionary tale in Indian corporate history regarding succession and family wealth. He detailed these struggles in his 2021 autobiography, An Incomplete Life.

Death and Legacy

Vijaypat Singhania passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Mumbai due to age-related ailments. He leaves behind a legacy that is as complex as it is brilliant—a man who reached the stratosphere but struggled with the terrestrial complexities of family and inheritance.

He was a recipient of the Padma Bhushan (2006) and was even appointed an Honorary Air Commodore by the Indian Air Force.

Awards & Honours

• PhD: London Institute of Technology & Research.

• Gold Medal: Around the World Air Race (1994).

• Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award (2001)

• Sheriff of Mumbai: Appointed in 2005.

• He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2006

• He was also appointed as an Honorary Air Commodore by the Indian Air Force