Meet the Man who was once Richer than Mukesh Ambani

From a celebrated industrialist to residing in a rented apartment, his journey unveils the intricacies of wealth, familial discord, and the unpredictable nature of life's twists.

Gobind Arora
Published on: 26 Nov 2023 1:23 PM GMT
Meet the Man who was once Richer than Mukesh Ambani
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In the world of wealth and opulence, the story of Vijaypat Singhania, former Chairman and Managing Director of Raymond Group, serves as a stark reminder of life's unpredictability. Once touted as one of India's richest men, surpassing even Mukesh Ambani in his heyday, Singhania's fortunes took a dramatic nosedive, leaving him grappling with homelessness and financial struggles.

The Divorce Drama Unfolds

The recent headlines surrounding the Singhania family have been dominated by the divorce proceedings of Gautam Singhania, current Chairman, and his wife Nawaz Modi. As part of the settlement, Modi has laid claim to a substantial 75% share of the staggering Rs 11,660 crore Singhania property. Surprisingly, Gautam's own father, Vijaypat Singhania, has sided with Modi in this familial rift.

In a candid interview, the 85-year-old Vijaypat Singhania expressed his support for Nawaz Modi, stating that, according to the Hindu Marriage Act, she is entitled to 50% of her husband's holdings in a separation. He questioned the need for the demand for 75% and criticized his son's acquisitive nature, asserting, "Gautam is never going to give in because his motto is to buy everybody and buy everything."

From Riches to Rented Apartments

Vijaypat Singhania's trajectory is a tale of soaring heights followed by a precipitous fall. At the zenith of his career, he helmed the entire Raymond empire, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in India. However, today, he resides in a rented apartment, struggling to eke out a decent life.

What adds a layer of tragedy to this narrative is the fact that Vijaypat Singhania was once wealthier than even the formidable Mukesh Ambani. During Ambani's early years, Singhania was already the stalwart owner of the Raymond Group. Yet, the winds of fate changed direction when a familial dispute, centered around the transfer of company shares to Gautam, emerged.

The Ouster and the Unraveling Relationship

The turning point occurred when Singhania, in an attempt to ensure the family's legacy, transferred all his company shares to Gautam. This decision, however, marked the beginning of the unraveling of their father-son relationship. The dispute escalated to the extent that Gautam, reportedly over a land disagreement, ousted Vijaypat Singhania from his own residence.

The repercussions were severe, leaving the once-mighty industrialist struggling not only with familial discord but also with the harsh realities of homelessness and financial instability.

In conclusion, the saga of Vijaypat Singhania is a cautionary tale, highlighting the ephemeral nature of wealth and the complexities within family dynamics. From the zenith of success to the depths of struggle, Singhania's journey mirrors the fragility of fortune and the importance of familial bonds that, when strained, can lead to unforeseen consequences.

Gobind Arora

Gobind Arora

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