In a recent interview, Vijaypat Singhania shed light on the widely circulated photograph featuring himself alongside his son, Gautam Singhania, and dismissed any notions of a reconciliation between them as portrayed in the media.
Gautam Singhania, the Chairman and Managing Director of the Raymond Group and a prominent figure in India’s textile industry, has found himself embroiled in various controversies of late.
On March 21, 2024, he shared a picture on his Instagram account posing with his father, Vijaypat Singhania, in what seemed like a moment of familial bonding.
Accompanying the image was a touching caption by Gautam expressing gratitude for his father’s presence and blessings, sparking speculation of a reconciliation between the two. He wrote “Happy to have my father at home today and seek his blessings. Wishing you good health Papa always.”
However, Vijaypat Singhania, in an interview with India Today following the viral spread of the photo, provided insights into the true circumstances surrounding it.
Vijaypat Singhania revealed that Gautam’s assistant had persistently urged him to visit JK House, promising only a brief meeting over coffee. Reluctantly agreeing, Vijaypat found himself unwittingly involved in what he described as an orchestrated effort by Gautam to convey a misleading message to the media.
“Gautam Singhana’s assistant was repeatedly trying to persuade me to come to the house. When I refused, he (Gautam) came online himself and said he will take only five minutes of my time over a cup of coffee.”
“I went most reluctantly, not realising that it was for an interior motive of taking my photograph with Gautam Singhania to send a strong message to the media. A few minutes later, I came down and left for the airport. Soon after, I started receiving messages with my photo with Gautam on the Internet, claiming Gautam and I had made up, which was completely false.”
Contrary to widespread belief, Vijaypat clarified that the photograph did not signify a resolution of their differences but rather served Gautam’s ulterior motives. Despite the public perception of reconciliation, Vijaypat reiterated that their relationship remained strained, with no genuine efforts towards reconciliation made.
Expressing his disappointment, Vijaypat disclosed that his visit to JK House marked his first in a decade, emphasizing his reluctance to repeat the experience. Regarding Gautam’s intentions behind the photograph, Vijaypat remained uncertain but affirmed it wasn’t aimed at resolving their familial discord.
“I don’t know what his real motive was, but it was certainly not for coffee not to resolve our differences. The fact is, it is the first time in 10 years that I have ever entered JK House and I don’t think I’m going to have to enter it again.”
The interview also touched upon Vijaypat’s past decision to entrust the entirety of the Raymond Group, valued at Rs. 12,000 crores, to Gautam in 2015. However, subsequent events saw Gautam failing to fulfill financial commitments to his father, including reneging on promises of support and a promised apartment.
Currently residing in rented accommodations in Mumbai, Vijaypat’s revelations paint a picture of unresolved tensions within the Singhania family, despite outward appearances suggesting otherwise.
The episode underscores the complexities of familial relationships amidst business dynamics and serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in maintaining harmony within affluent households.
