Jit Paul's death leaves a legion of grieving admirers

Jit Paul���s death on Wednesday left behind a legion of grieving admirers -- family, friends, employees, acquaintances-- of the man who helped create a Rs 6,000 crore empire yet never gave up on simple living and helping all and sundry.

Of all his near and dear ones, his nephew and nieces, Karan, Priti and Priya, were among those closest to the 86-year-old patriarch. ET spoke to Karan, chairman, Apeejay Surrendra Group and Priti, director of the group to share some of their memories.

"I joined the business about 16 years ago when my uncle was around 69-70 and he���s always been like a father to us," recalled Karan.

"His role has evolved over the years: from an operational one to more of an entrepreneurial one to that of a mentor. Of late, he had begun to concentrate on a few pet projects such as real estate, Flury���s, T3, among others. Throughout it all though, he brought a sense of cohesiveness to the group, and imparted us his ethics and his ideals, which are his legacy to us," he said.

"In his personal life though, he remained as simple as ever," said Priti. "He wore the same chappals, the same clothes, even had the same Ambassador. You had to see how simple his room was to believe it!"

She added: "As a mentor, he was always there to give advice. But he���d never try to dominate us with his opinions. He���d tell us ���this is the path I���d choose��� and leave us to find our own way."

Jit Paul, they said, was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. A love that was reciprocated by the family at large.

"Ever since he fell ill, almost everyone in our extended family has been dropping in to offer whatever help they can. My sisters and my mother have been here right through," said Karan.

A workaholic to the core, Jit Paul was diagnosed with bone cancer in March but continued to go to office till March 16. "He was a true fighter. He wanted to fight the disease. It was only towards the last week or so, that he gave up," says Karan. "Office won���t be the same without him. Neither will our home."