Today, at the heart of this legacy, stand Gautam Hari Singhania and Nawaz Modi Singhania — partners in life who have walked through challenge and celebration, turbulence and triumph. They are focused on building and evolving; holding space for heritage, change, and each other; growing together by honouring both tradition and transformation. As Raymond enters its next chapter, this conversation explores what it means for this remarkable couple to carry forward their family’s legacy — while staying deeply rooted in each other and the life they’ve built together.
By Andrea CostaBir
Gautam and Nawaz, congratulations on 100 years of Raymond! A hundred years is far more than a business milestone — it’s a tapestry of ambition, transformation, resilience, and human connection. When you reflect on this incredible journey, what does it mean to you personally and as a family?
Nawaz: We are the custodians of this incredible five-generational legacy. It is a great honour, privilege and a huge responsibility, and a brand that every Indian connects with on multiple levels. Pride, at its highest.
Gautam: The 100-year journey of Raymond has been a truly remarkable one. One of the only brands that has survived over a century and I’m truly proud to be at the helm of it.
Raymond has touched the lives of millions of people over the last century and will continue to do so for eternity. I am humbled and proud to be at the helm of this.
The centenary celebrations, from the official event to the rocking party at your home, were memorable — what was the mood like across both occasions?
Nawaz: Exuberant! With much to be thankful for, much to celebrate, much to look to the future for.
Gautam: I think it was a truly memorable occasion for a 100-year celebration because both my 60-year birthday and 100 years of Raymond are real big milestones. I chose to celebrate it in India and in Mumbai, as Mumbai is my hometown. I feel fortunate and good that everything went off seamlessly and I am extremely grateful for all my friends, guests from India and across the world who came to share our joy.
Staying relevant for a century calls for constant reinvention. Gautam, carrying a legacy built over generations is both a privilege and a huge responsibility — how do you hold that balance?
I think to stay relevant, the only constant is the ability to embrace change. You have to continuously adapt to change to achieve what you are looking for. The market is changing, the world around us is changing. So you really have to be relevant to the times. We continuously invest in product development and new technologies that keep us relevant.
Nawaz, having witnessed Gautam’s journey up close for years, how have you seen him evolve as a leader, and what quality in him has remained unchanged?
Nawaz: Gautam has a shrewd Marwari business sense that’s an integral part of the family DNA. He has a keen eye for every business opportunity.
Raymond’s mega success in the realty segment and the continued growth of the Singhania schools, reflect a vision that is deeply tied to nation building and creating lasting change. What kind of legacy do you hope these ventures will leave behind, and what impact are you still striving to make through them?
Nawaz: You’ve already said it. We stand for roti-kapda-makanpadhai. We consider ourselves nation builders and want to create something substantial for long after we’re gone; for future generations, for our country. We’re very proud Indians! It’s our honour and privilege, but also very much our duty!
Gautam: Let’s talk about the real estate segment first. We started off with a small piece of land in Thane and from there, that business grew. Today, we have earned our repute in the real estate business, having grown from one to six projects. I would say that we are in the affordable luxury segment, which is good quality housing and lifestyles for the middle class.
I’m very proud of our real estate business and I’m looking forward to it growing from strength to strength. Our company is the only company that goes across the board and does roti, kapda, makan and education. Roti – because we employ 40,000 people. Kapda – is the main business. Makan – is what we do through Raymond Realty. Additionally, through the Singhania schools, we are educating new age India and doing our share of work towards nation building.
Talking about the Singhania schools, I believe education is the core for building a strong nation. We currently have 30,000 children studying in our schools. And I have taken the onus of expanding the number to go up to 100,000 children in our schools. I truly believe in the power of equal opportunity and by empowering children with education, we will build a stronger and resilient nation and economy that will pave way for growth.
Gautam, as you reflect on your bond with your father, Vijaypat Singhania, how has that relationship shaped the human being and leader you are today?
In life, parents have a profound impact in moulding one’s personality. If I say that I have not changed over the years, that would be wrong. In life, one has to embrace changes and adapt to evolving circumstances.
Gautam, your mother Ashabai has been a quiet but powerful influence in your life — how has she shaped your values, principles and leadership?
My mother has been a very important part of my life, and she has kept me grounded. I share her values and principles, and I truly admire and respect her. She is a wonderful and inspiring woman.
Nawaz, your bond with your parentsin-law Ashabai and Vijaypat Singhania has always been warm — how has that relationship enriched your own journey?
My in-laws have been more parents to me than in-laws. I share a very close bond with them. They’ve been there for me any and every single time in a myriad of ways, at the very highest, from the get-go. They don’t just talk the talk, but they walk the walk. I love them very dearly and have the highest respect for them. I must have done something incredibly good in my past life to deserve such wonderful in-laws.
As a couple who has weathered both incredible highs and deeply difficult times, what has helped you reconnect and stay committed to each other through it all?
Nawaz: Many things, I’d say. Top of the list would be our two children! And the decades we’ve shared together.
Gautam: As a couple, at the end of the day, you have to do the right thing and be anonymous in what you do. If you do the right thing and you have a big heart, I believe one can overcome all problems.
When you think about your daughters Niharika and Nisa and the world they’re growing into, what kind of legacy do you hope to pass on to them — not just in terms of the business, but in the values and spirit you’d like them to carry forward?
Nawaz: I would very much want them to lead with integrity, honesty, simplicity, with an ideal blend of IQ & EQ, wisdom, fairness, inclusivity, innovation, community and compassion. A keen business acumen and the foundation of good education are a given.
Gautam: I want my two children to have the right values that the company and the family stand for. They are both growing up into beautiful young women, and I strive every day to teach them what I have learnt and how to take the legacy forward.
Niharika is doing well in her horse riding passion, and I wish her the best. My dream for her is to see her making us proud in the Olympic Games. Nisa is growing into a fine young woman, and I am sure she will carry the family legacy and both of them will be moving forward holding their heads up high.
Considering Gautam’s legacy as a stalwart of Indian business and Nawaz’s influential presence in the fitness world, you make a dynamic power couple. As you look to the future, what is your vision for Raymond, and what path do you hope to set for your journey ahead together?
Nawaz: Let our success going forward speak for itself!
Gautam: It’s difficult to predict what will happen in the future. But what I envision personally is to be a person who has held his values very high, with high credibility and respect. I think that is more important than anything else. You have to walk with your head held up high in society – and that happens when you do the right thing, and always remember that one must always do the right thing. Sometimes doing the right thing is more difficult, but yet one must always keep doing it.
