Earlier this week, we read the tragic news of the untimely passing of Darshan Mehta, former managing director and chief executive officer of Reliance Brands Limited (RBL).
According to online news reports, Mehta suffered from a cardiac arrest while he was on a business trip in Hyderabad. We at Robb Report Hong Kong are saddened by the sudden news and share the grief and loss felt by many. Mehta was in his early 60s.
As a key figure who introduced Western luxury brands to the Indian subcontinent, Mehta was a fount of knowledge about the inner workings of retail. During a live telecast as the keynote speaker at Robb Report Hong Kong’s inaugural Leaders of Luxury Summit last November, Mehta provided international and local delegates with key insights into navigating the luxury landscape in India, and what others could learn from his decades-long experience in dealing with the challenges of launching and nurturing a foreign brand on native soil.
Under Mehta’s stewardship, RBL blossomed into the largest player in India’s premium and luxury fashion sector, introducing over 85 international brands to Indian consumers. Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Valentino, Balenciaga, and Burberry are among those who found foothold in the most populated country in the world, with a burgeoning market tapping into luxury retail and lifestyle experiences. Mehta’s ability to connect global luxury with local sensibilities redefined consumer expectations and bridged the gap between East and West.
The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announced Mehta’s passing on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, mourning the loss of a true pioneer whose influence transformed India’s fashion landscape, emphasising that “his contribution leaves a lasting imprint.”
Mehta’s tenure at RBL spanned 17 years. In November 2024, he transitioned to a non-executive advisory role on the board, a testament to his enduring commitment to the company he built from the ground up as its “very first employee,” as he had been known to say.
Mehta also championed the growth of Indian fashion by spearheading substantial investments in homegrown designers. His partnerships with celebrated Indian names like Manish Malhotra, Rahul Mishra, Anamika Khanna, and Ritu Kumar—each a celebrity designer in their own right—showcased his belief in nurturing local talent while enhancing the rich fabric of the Indian fashion narrative; this dual focus on international luxury and indigenous craftsmanship exemplified his holistic vision for the industry. During his talk at the Leaders of Luxury Summit last November, Mehta stated that luxury is not merely about products, but about experiences interwoven with culture and identity.
As we mourn the loss of a transformative business, lifestyle, and luxury leader, we also honour the lasting legacy of Darshan Mehta—a visionary who redefined luxury retail and inspired countless individuals to dream beyond borders.
Tak Man
CEO & Publisher
Robb Report Hong Kong
