Darshan Mehta, a well-known leader in India’s retail and fashion industry, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, in Hyderabad. He was 63 years old. The cause of his death was a sudden heart attack while he was working out at the gym. He is survived by his wife and son.
Darshan Mehta was more than just a businessman—he was known for his energy, discipline, and love for fitness. He enjoyed running and trekking, and had participated in running events across more than 100 cities worldwide.
Mehta had a long and successful career that lasted nearly 40 years. He was considered a visionary in India’s luxury and lifestyle retail industry. Many people admired his ability to build strong relationships, manage big businesses smoothly, and his refined sense of style.
Darshan Mehta Reliance Brands: Early Life and Career
Darshan Mehta was a qualified chartered accountant and cost accountant. He began his professional journey in 1984 with Price Waterhouse (now PwC), one of the world’s biggest accounting firms. He later became the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Trikaya Grey Advertising, and then moved to the Lalbhai Group, where he served as both CFO and later the CEO of Arvind Brands.
During his time at Arvind Brands, he played a key role in bringing international sportswear brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, and Nautica to India in the early 2000s. This move opened the door for global fashion brands to enter the Indian market.
Darshan Mehta’s Journey at Reliance Brands
In 2007, Mehta joined Reliance Brands Ltd (RBL) at its very beginning. He led the company as its Managing Director and CEO for 17 years. Under his leadership, RBL introduced over 90 international luxury and fashion brands to India, including famous names like:
- Giorgio Armani
- Bottega Veneta
- Jimmy Choo
- Versace
- Valentino
- Coach
- Zegna
- Pottery Barn
He also helped invest in and support Indian fashion designers, such as Manish Malhotra, Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, Rahul Mishra, Anamika Khanna, and Abraham & Thakore. This gave Indian designers a stronger platform and helped grow India’s fashion industry globally.
Another major achievement was his role in creating Jio World Drive and Jio World Plaza, two large luxury shopping centers located in Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. The Jio World Plaza, in particular, is now the biggest luxury shopping destination in India, home to high-end international brands like Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Bvlgari, and Burberry.
Final Years and Tributes
In late 2024, Mehta stepped down from his daily duties at Reliance Brands but continued to serve as a non-executive director. Even after stepping back, he continued to mentor and guide teams across the Reliance Group.
After his passing, many people from the fashion and retail world shared emotional tributes. Fashion designer Rahul Mishra described him as a “father figure and mentor.” The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) called him the “retail king of India” and said his contributions would be remembered forever.
Darshan Mehta’s death is a huge loss to India’s business world, especially in the areas of fashion, retail, and brand development. He was not only a strategic leader but also someone who inspired and supported many others. His legacy will live on through the brands he brought to India and the people he mentored along the way.
