Notable designer Satya Paul passes away, tributes pour in

Satya Paul is a brand that has always made news, but surprisingly the man behind all that colour play remained a recluse. One of India’s premiere design labels, Satya Paul was established in 1985 and became popular for ingenuity in design and a vivid color palette. And Satya Paul, whose namesake label has presence in a number of high street boutiques always let the label’s designs take centrestage. The legendary designer passed away in Coimbatore on January 6, at the Isha Yoga Center, where he was under treatment post a stroke. The Indian fashion industry lost a gem with Paul’s death, and tributes have poured in from prominent people from all walks of life.

Indian yogi and author, Sadhguru took to Twitter to condole Paul’s death. “#SatyaPaul, a shining example of what it means to live with immeasurable passion and unrelenting involvement. The distinct vision you brought to the Indian #fashion industry is a beautiful tribute to this. A privilege to have had you amongst us. Condolences & Blessings. -Sg,” he wrote.

Indian film actress, Kangana Ranaut also took to Twitter to pray for the departed soul.

Designer Masaba Gupta, who worked with the label as a Creative Head briefly also expressed her condolences at the passing away of Paul. She shared a note on her Instagram story that read, “A true example of an actual BRAND, homegrown. Put in corporate hands at the right time & one with a signature that will stand the test of time. Fashion schools – Pls introduce young Indian design aspirants to this brand in schools & various other homegrown brands. We can be inspired by the story of Chanel etc but we must learn what happened on our soil first.”

Telugu actress, Lakshmi Manchu also expressed her shock at Satya’s demise.

His son, Puneet Nanda announced the sad news on Facebook.

In his Facebook post, Puneet Nanda wrote that his father suffered a stroke on December 2, after which he was hospitalise and “he was slowly recovering.” But later, he was shifted to the Isha Yoga Centre, “his home since 2015,” in accordance to his wish.

Puneet Nanda’s post read: “He (Satya Paul) had a stroke on December 2 and as he was slowly recovering in the hospital, his only wish was to get all the things he was being monitored and poked with – removed so he could fly away. We finally got clearance from doctors to take him back to Isha Yoga Center, his home since 2015. As per his wish, he gently passed on with blessings of the Master.”

“Most people are not aware, more than as a designer or entrepreneur, he has been steadfastly a seeker. In the 70’s his inner journey started with going to listen to talks with J Krishnamurty (a philosopher), later he took sanyas from Osho (spiritual leader). After Osho left in 1990, though he wasn’t seeking another Master, he discovered Sadhguru in 2007. He immediately started enjoying the path of yoga and eventually moved here in 2015. He has been a doorway for hundreds of people towards spirituality and all the Masters he was so blessed to have been with. He couldn’t have had a sweeter life or passage… at the feet of the Master. We are sad only a bit, mostly rejoicing him, his life and now his passing with such a blessing,” he added.

Puneet also wrote: “Those who have been with him at any point in life would recall him as one who showered his love without hesitation or any barriers. I can attest to him having lived in totality and left fulfilled in every possible way. It is the greatest testament to him as he went joyously, without fear.”

At a time when there was little or no awareness about fashion or the idea of designer brands in India, Satya Paul introduced the idea of choreographed collections in 1985. The brand’s take on print innovations and use of vivid colour palettes did not only change the way the consumer previously looked at saris, but also developed a specific niche for concept-based designs.