This fashion designer was depressed, 'tried to kill himself', had no money; now has Rs 17000 crore fashion empire

Sabyasachi Mukherjee is one of India's top fashion designers, known around the world. On January 25, he celebrated 25 years in the fashion world.

His journey, from struggling with depression to building a multi-million-dollar brand, is truly inspiring. Sabyasachi Mukherjee was born and raised in Kolkata, where he experienced financial difficulties growing up. His father, a refugee from Bangladesh, lost his job when the demand for jute dropped and plastic took over the industry.

 

 

 

 

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These hardships had a profound impact on Mukherjee, even leading him to a point where he tried to end his life. But he managed to overcome these struggles and turned his pain into a source of inspiration for his creative journey.

During the India Today Conclave East 2017, Mukherjee talked about how moving from his small hometown of Chandannagar to Kolkata felt like going from a small town to Paris. He also shared that depression, despite its challenges, helped him gain clarity and a sense of direction in his life.

He feels that if he hadn't struggled with depression, he might have ended up working for a company like Google in San Francisco, rather than making a name for himself in the fashion world.

In 2017, he said, "I was depressed, and I tried to kill myself. I was unconscious, and my mom gave me a slap… Depression is as common as common cold. If you're not depressed, you're not normal. My depression gave me a lot of clarity."

Over time, Sabyasachi Mukherjee has become a trendsetter in Indian fashion. His creations have become hugely popular, making him a household name. His impact is so great that many other designers look to him for inspiration in both style and marketing approaches.

A significant turning point in Sabyasachi’s career came in 2021 when Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited (ABFRL) acquired a 51% stake in his brand for ₹398 crore. Prior to this deal, he held 97% of his business, with the remaining 3% owned by his father.

By 2020, Sabyasachi’s business was generating an estimated ₹275 crore in revenue. This year, it’s projected to grow to ₹500 crore, according to The Week.

Looking ahead, he’s focused on expanding his brand internationally. His jewellery alone rakes in ₹150-175 crore each year, and his handbags bring in more than ₹60 crore.

The ace fashion designer said, “The dream is to become a $2 billion (over ₹17,000 crore at present rate) brand by 2030. That’s a billion with a B. And I am being conservative.”