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An Incomplete Life: The Autobiography
‘I’m trying to accept that my life has changed.’ In February 2015, an unforeseen setback cost Vijaypat Singhania, the erstwhile Chairman Emeritus of Raymond Group, the work of his life and his cherished family home. One of India’s most legendary industrialists, today he is fighting a battle to recover all that he has lost. In his first and only autobiography, he traces his extraordinary life from an anguished childhood to the many dynamic decades he spent at Raymond and the tumultuous years after. Born into the famed Singhania family, Vijaypat was always expected to take up the storied family business. But not one to be deterred from pursuing his own passions, he also nurtured his love for adventure in the skies and broke two world records as an aviator, served a brief stint as a professor and even became the sheriff of Mumbai for a time. All the while, under his stewardship, the Raymond Group diversified into new segments, with Raymond soon being recognized as one of India’s most trusted apparel brands. And then a singular misstep set in motion a grave misfortune … Intimate, candid and deeply moving, An Incomplete Life is in fact a rare glimpse into a life lived to the fullest but marked by the painful sting of regret and heartbreaks.
- GenresBiography
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2021
21 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 6, 2022
Definitely a 4.8/5
This book is a must-read. MUST READ. PERIOD. Of the many reasons, I just needed one to take this book and devour it. As with every other reader who took its copy, I wanted to know just what went wrong in this remarkable tycoon’s life that now he is only known for his downfall. Once the owner and Chair of Raymond’s, a household name when it comes to safari suits, suits and apparel, there seems to be no other story to provide a glimpse of the life he led. UNTIL NOW!!
This book is such a vivid narrative of his life that you are left amused, wondering and in awe. He takes you through his entire life right from childhood to his youth and to his current life. As I reached the end, all I could think of is this one movie, Natsamarat.
The book is such a detailed account of his life, adventures, relationships and eventually his mistake that I was left in deep deference for such an honest acknowledgment. Although I concede that my initial interest lay on knowing what went wrong in the later years of his life, I was taken aback when I realized what a wonderful and incredible tale he had to tell. That there is so much more to him than just that one phase in his life. From being inducted into the family business to being the Chairman of IIM Ahemdabad to his various achievements in flying to have had world records, it was one deep dive into your incredibly adventurous life.
You will rarely find such an honest, authentic and outright frank account even in an autobiography. There is lots to learn, but my personal favorite is: While dealing with ANY kind of relationship, ‘If your mode of communication is sarcasm, you’ve already lost the battle.
This book is a must-read. MUST READ. PERIOD. Of the many reasons, I just needed one to take this book and devour it. As with every other reader who took its copy, I wanted to know just what went wrong in this remarkable tycoon’s life that now he is only known for his downfall. Once the owner and Chair of Raymond’s, a household name when it comes to safari suits, suits and apparel, there seems to be no other story to provide a glimpse of the life he led. UNTIL NOW!!
This book is such a vivid narrative of his life that you are left amused, wondering and in awe. He takes you through his entire life right from childhood to his youth and to his current life. As I reached the end, all I could think of is this one movie, Natsamarat.
The book is such a detailed account of his life, adventures, relationships and eventually his mistake that I was left in deep deference for such an honest acknowledgment. Although I concede that my initial interest lay on knowing what went wrong in the later years of his life, I was taken aback when I realized what a wonderful and incredible tale he had to tell. That there is so much more to him than just that one phase in his life. From being inducted into the family business to being the Chairman of IIM Ahemdabad to his various achievements in flying to have had world records, it was one deep dive into your incredibly adventurous life.
You will rarely find such an honest, authentic and outright frank account even in an autobiography. There is lots to learn, but my personal favorite is: While dealing with ANY kind of relationship, ‘If your mode of communication is sarcasm, you’ve already lost the battle.
March 22, 2024
My cousin recently gave me a copy of "Vijaypath Singhania: An Incomplete Life" as a gift since he knew I was interested in learning more about Singhania and his son's turbulent relationship. While the book did not dive as deeply into this topic as I had hoped, I was completely interested with Singhania's life story.
Singhania's story is one of grandeur, tainted by a single mistake that led to his fragility. As I turned the pages, I couldn't help but feel empathy for him, who now lives a much simpler existence in a rented flat. It's a sharp reminder of how rapidly fortunes can shift, I found myself contemplating on the value of familial relationships, praying that no father will ever face such isolation from his own child.
Overall, "Vijaypath Singhania: An Incomplete Life" was a compelling story that made me consider the fragility of success and the eternal influence of family.
Singhania's story is one of grandeur, tainted by a single mistake that led to his fragility. As I turned the pages, I couldn't help but feel empathy for him, who now lives a much simpler existence in a rented flat. It's a sharp reminder of how rapidly fortunes can shift, I found myself contemplating on the value of familial relationships, praying that no father will ever face such isolation from his own child.
Overall, "Vijaypath Singhania: An Incomplete Life" was a compelling story that made me consider the fragility of success and the eternal influence of family.
December 3, 2021
The autobiography consists of four parts :
Part 1 is My family - it’s a detailed description of childhood, boyhood, siblings, a step mother who used to physically abuse her step children and a few incidents and anecdotes of the era from childhood to adulthood and the present day.
Part 2 : Is about the adventures, which is the most interesting part of the book
Part 3 : it’s about his relationships with friends, girlfriends
Part 4 : The biggest Mistake of my Life : It’s a very brief description and a few confessions of his emotional decisions for which he feels sorry !
Epilogue : My Learnings
At the end, it’s for the reader to judge about the man, his life, his achievements,his mistakes
Can’t help recalling what Brutus said in Williams Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar “
Tears for his love,
Joy for his fortune,
Honour for his valour.. and I would like to add :
Woe on his emotional decisions !
Dr.Javed Rasheed
Part 1 is My family - it’s a detailed description of childhood, boyhood, siblings, a step mother who used to physically abuse her step children and a few incidents and anecdotes of the era from childhood to adulthood and the present day.
Part 2 : Is about the adventures, which is the most interesting part of the book
Part 3 : it’s about his relationships with friends, girlfriends
Part 4 : The biggest Mistake of my Life : It’s a very brief description and a few confessions of his emotional decisions for which he feels sorry !
Epilogue : My Learnings
At the end, it’s for the reader to judge about the man, his life, his achievements,his mistakes
Can’t help recalling what Brutus said in Williams Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar “
Tears for his love,
Joy for his fortune,
Honour for his valour.. and I would like to add :
Woe on his emotional decisions !
Dr.Javed Rasheed
December 25, 2023
This autobiography by the erstwhile Chairman Emeritus of JK Group of Industries met with its share of controversies before its publication. There were attempts by members of Vijaypat Singhania’s family to scuttle the publication of his autobiography. The matter went to the courts and the book saw the light of the day only after intervention by the judiciary.
Viyapat Singhania is held in high esteem in the business world in India. At its inception, the JK Group primarily dealt with cotton, but over the years has diversified into businesses as varied as textiles, readymade garments, cosmetics, chemicals and education. It was under Vijaypat Singhania’s leadership that the company grew from strength to strength and became the business behemoth it has become today. Along the way, the Singhanias briefly owned a newspaper and an airline as well.
Mr Singhania comes across as a forthright, warm and candid person in this autobiography. It is a no-holds-barred account of his life although one could easily doubt the impartiality of the narrative as far as the author’s relationship with members of his family is concerned. The author attributes his difficult family relationships to the tumultuous childhood he had with an abusive and domineering stepmother and a father who cared perfunctorily for the young Vijaypat and his brother.
The book is replete with references to the adventure activities that Mr Singhania indulged in with a vengeance. He was an avid aviator and his deep pockets enabled him to take up flying in a big way. I was surprised to know that at one point in time, he flew commercial passenger jets on an honorarium. His passion for the skies made him embark on a solo trip around the globe on a microlight aircraft, which he was able to complete in a record 22 days. He also holds the world record for ascending to 70,000 feet above sea level in a hot air balloon. The fact that Mr Singhania has the mindset to get out of his comfort zone and embark on such daredevil activities at a fairly advanced age speaks volumes about his never-say-die attitude and his passion for life.
Mr Singhania had a strained relationship with his brother Ajaypat later in life. However, his brother's death dealt a heavy blow to his psyche and the account of the loss of his brother is touching. Similarly, his numerous extramarital affairs too find a mention in the book. He candidly admits that he has had a strained relationship with his wife. In retrospect, he admits that there are numerous things that he could have done differently which could have resulted in experiencing happiness and better interpersonal relationships with his family members.
As is always the case, a surfeit of wealth is a sore point when it comes to nurturing relationships. Mr Singhania rues the fact that he made a gargantuan miscalculation in bequeathing all his assets to his younger son, Gautam Singhania. Gautam on his part divested his father of all his privileges in the company and went to the extent where he ensured that Mr Singhania lost the roof over his head. I feel that Mr Singhania’s narrative is one-sided and one has to get to know the version of the adversary to decide on the culpability of the players in the sordid saga of internecine rivalries in the family. A cursory research on the internet threw up the fact that Mr Singhania was not too supportive of his elder son, Madhupati Singhania either and that Madhupati has gone to court against his father on numerous counts.
The failure of interpersonal relationships in his family has made Mr Singhania a bitter person. His narrative is an attempt at redemption and reconciliation with his sons and I doubt whether the attempt will have the desired outcome.
Towards the end of the book Mr Singhania gives a list of do’s and don’ts that one has to incorporate in daily life. Mr Singhania’s autobiography is an interesting read. The angst of an old man seeking repentance and redemption comes across strongly. I could not help but empathize with the old man. It is a touching narrative that is an enjoyable and breezy read.
Viyapat Singhania is held in high esteem in the business world in India. At its inception, the JK Group primarily dealt with cotton, but over the years has diversified into businesses as varied as textiles, readymade garments, cosmetics, chemicals and education. It was under Vijaypat Singhania’s leadership that the company grew from strength to strength and became the business behemoth it has become today. Along the way, the Singhanias briefly owned a newspaper and an airline as well.
Mr Singhania comes across as a forthright, warm and candid person in this autobiography. It is a no-holds-barred account of his life although one could easily doubt the impartiality of the narrative as far as the author’s relationship with members of his family is concerned. The author attributes his difficult family relationships to the tumultuous childhood he had with an abusive and domineering stepmother and a father who cared perfunctorily for the young Vijaypat and his brother.
The book is replete with references to the adventure activities that Mr Singhania indulged in with a vengeance. He was an avid aviator and his deep pockets enabled him to take up flying in a big way. I was surprised to know that at one point in time, he flew commercial passenger jets on an honorarium. His passion for the skies made him embark on a solo trip around the globe on a microlight aircraft, which he was able to complete in a record 22 days. He also holds the world record for ascending to 70,000 feet above sea level in a hot air balloon. The fact that Mr Singhania has the mindset to get out of his comfort zone and embark on such daredevil activities at a fairly advanced age speaks volumes about his never-say-die attitude and his passion for life.
Mr Singhania had a strained relationship with his brother Ajaypat later in life. However, his brother's death dealt a heavy blow to his psyche and the account of the loss of his brother is touching. Similarly, his numerous extramarital affairs too find a mention in the book. He candidly admits that he has had a strained relationship with his wife. In retrospect, he admits that there are numerous things that he could have done differently which could have resulted in experiencing happiness and better interpersonal relationships with his family members.
As is always the case, a surfeit of wealth is a sore point when it comes to nurturing relationships. Mr Singhania rues the fact that he made a gargantuan miscalculation in bequeathing all his assets to his younger son, Gautam Singhania. Gautam on his part divested his father of all his privileges in the company and went to the extent where he ensured that Mr Singhania lost the roof over his head. I feel that Mr Singhania’s narrative is one-sided and one has to get to know the version of the adversary to decide on the culpability of the players in the sordid saga of internecine rivalries in the family. A cursory research on the internet threw up the fact that Mr Singhania was not too supportive of his elder son, Madhupati Singhania either and that Madhupati has gone to court against his father on numerous counts.
The failure of interpersonal relationships in his family has made Mr Singhania a bitter person. His narrative is an attempt at redemption and reconciliation with his sons and I doubt whether the attempt will have the desired outcome.
Towards the end of the book Mr Singhania gives a list of do’s and don’ts that one has to incorporate in daily life. Mr Singhania’s autobiography is an interesting read. The angst of an old man seeking repentance and redemption comes across strongly. I could not help but empathize with the old man. It is a touching narrative that is an enjoyable and breezy read.
January 10, 2022
Presents a very honest account of his life and experiences. It is not a very lengthy book and he's used a very simple to follow language. His narration about his experience taking part in the world championship flying competition and breaking world.
I'm very impressed with his modern thought process, that develops hobbies and try to master them.
But what surprised me is he does not describe his life at Raymonds and very little mention about his contribution towards Raymonds. Somehow comes out as if he never cared about the Raymonds. The way he spent money suggests he must have been a typical spoilt brat. And barely mentioning his office life and how he made Raymonds.
I'm very impressed with his modern thought process, that develops hobbies and try to master them.
But what surprised me is he does not describe his life at Raymonds and very little mention about his contribution towards Raymonds. Somehow comes out as if he never cared about the Raymonds. The way he spent money suggests he must have been a typical spoilt brat. And barely mentioning his office life and how he made Raymonds.
December 7, 2023
One : The book does not cover father-son feud as anyone would have expected.
Two : It superficially covers the upbringing and adventures of the author.
Three : The narrative appears to be of ordinary style.
I have picked to the book to understand the intricacies involved in estate planning, will-creation and passing legacy to the next the generation. Though it has only 2 pages dedicated on what went wrong (father-son relationship) and left readers with a one-sided story.
Two : It superficially covers the upbringing and adventures of the author.
Three : The narrative appears to be of ordinary style.
I have picked to the book to understand the intricacies involved in estate planning, will-creation and passing legacy to the next the generation. Though it has only 2 pages dedicated on what went wrong (father-son relationship) and left readers with a one-sided story.
June 5, 2022
Great Story !!!
What a story Mr. Singhania had, a adventurous life and terrible fate near to its end. His honesty in talking about his relationship really won my heart. Much to learn and admire and also learn what not to do...a really difficult, exciting life he had and a wonderful experience i had reading the book.
What a story Mr. Singhania had, a adventurous life and terrible fate near to its end. His honesty in talking about his relationship really won my heart. Much to learn and admire and also learn what not to do...a really difficult, exciting life he had and a wonderful experience i had reading the book.
January 1, 2022
If you are adventurers,keen about aviation,emotional and believe in family values it's a worth reading for you.
It is a good read as language is simple and comprehensive. It will help you to understand how great achievers think about earthly objects.
It is a good read as language is simple and comprehensive. It will help you to understand how great achievers think about earthly objects.
January 4, 2025
A bit of a rambling narration, parts on aviation conquests were interesting and inspiring, not much insights into the building of the business. A tad underwhelming. Also, the publishing house seems to have cut corners with respect to the overall look and presentation of the book.
May 22, 2025
His life was a beautiful blend of tumultuous and bitter experiences. Despite suffering through numerous challenging incidents, his story offers valuable lessons. This book provides insights to understand and reflect on one's life.
November 16, 2021
Very good
May 16, 2022
Ultimately it's the tragic story of the most adventurous man. One mistaken judgement, even if you have taken for the sake of your own kid, could be your doomsday!!
May 23, 2022
Mediocre!
August 1, 2022
Learned many things from this book 😃
February 10, 2025
Good biography
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews