RmKV boss is no more
At a time when RmKV Silks has been rising the ranks due to its successful launch of the 50,000 colour saree and other popular collections, we get to hear the news about the tragic death of the brainchild behind all these accomplishments.
MR K. Viswanathan (48), Partner, RmK Visvanatha Pillai & Sons, died in a road accident near Tirunelveli. His approach to marketing the traditional silk saris and the silk `pavadai'(long skirt) made RmKV a household name, not just in Chennai and Tirunelveli, where RmKV has stores, but in all places that silk saris are worn.
RmKV created a buzz around the traditional Kanchipuram sari by setting a Guinness Record for the longest silk sari in 2004. Last year, RmKV came out with another Guinness Record, a special check patterned sari with 50,000 colours woven into it.
Mr Viswanathan's branding of the traditional silk pavadai with fairy tale themes such as Cinderella and Snow White brought it back into fashion.
posted by Kaps at
10:12 PM
15 Comments:
thats tragic. sounds like he was a marketing genius...
By
Balaji, at 12:39 AM
All good things come to an end very soon...
@ balaji,
He was indeed a marketing genius. He also introduced things like serving Kesari and Rasna to all visitors of the shop:)
If you have personally seen the 50,000 colors saree, youll know that he was a genius...making Rs.50,000 outta a stupid combination of colors!:))
By
Casement, at 4:34 AM
he is a marketing genuis. a lot of people shop only at RMKV these days. never knew its founder was only 48. hope the store continues with new ideas and designs.
By
saranyan r, at 9:44 AM
Did notice the news in the paper but didnot know that he was the brain and only 48-that's sad
By
Anonymous, at 5:20 PM
Oh god.. never thot that he was just 48.
By
Chakra, at 5:51 PM
When I was in Chennai last year all the hordings advertised the 50000 colour saree. And as fascinating as the idea seemed I was not tempted to go and look at it. It seemed quite gimmicky to me albeit an excellant marketing ploy. And the talk of the town.
Awful to hear about his death. May he rest in piece knowing how much joy his work brought to people.
By
30in2005, at 6:11 PM
@Balaji,
He had the guts to take on established names like Nalli and Kumaran. This wouldn't have been possible without his marketing acumen.
@Casement,
Thanks for dropping by
@Saranyan,
I don't think he was the founder.....they have been in the business for a few generations
@Vasanthi & Chakra,
It's really tragic.
@30in2005,
Such gimmicks do work, especially when its targetted at the women :-)
By
Kaps, at 6:18 PM
Nothing more to add to what others have said, so young so talented...very sad
By
Unknown, at 6:24 PM
Yeah, I was travelling to Chengleput on Sunday and while I read this news, boy, was I saddened? His store / marketing campaigns seemed like a breath of fresh air. Very sad.
By
Anonymous, at 7:08 PM
As a person, who knows their family very well, I am much shocked to know about his sudden demise. He is not the founder of this store. The store was founded by Mr.Viswanathan's grandfather. His name is also Viswanathan. The elder viswanathan(Grandfather) had 4 sons and he is the eldest grand son.
Infact he has a B.Tech degree from IIT Delhi. He is known for his marketing skills. The introduction of snow white and cindrella pattu pavadi made his store more popular than Nalli, Kumaran or Pothys.
By
Anonymous, at 9:59 PM
@WA,
Unlike other textiel shops (read: Nalli), the RmKV guys seem to have maintained a low profile when it comes to seeking publicity for themselves.
@Ravi,
Their campaigns were definitely creative.
@GD,
Thanks for sharing the info
By
Kaps, at 9:30 PM
Well,I have been fortunate to meet him a few times when I was working with the Architects who designed his store. Such a simple unassuming person he was. Really shocking to hear of his demise.
By
Anonymous, at 11:57 PM
such a young age just 48....great dreams...thinking...he rocked chennai..and touched a lot of people. may he rest in peace
By
Anonymous, at 1:22 AM
A wonderful person to meet. Always smiling... he was always bothered about people who worked around him. A very good professional. He touched hearts with his genuiness and always listened to what people had to say. he never ever turned down anyone who came seeking for help.
the entire tirunelveli was there at his funeral. what more can anyone do for someone who was loved so much. He was a great man... sad to die so young.. at 48
By
Anonymous, at 1:26 AM
Growing up in Tirunelveli and being his close friend since school days from the age of 11, Vichu, as we affectionately call him, is a STAR. Inspite of being born with a silver spoon, he was a simple, people loving genius. Not a day passes by without thinking about this sudden vaccuum he had generated by leaving us all so soon. His achievements and contributions with smile will last for ever. 'The Good he has done lives after him'. May his soul rest in peace and be a great guidance to his grieving family, business and all the employees of his great organization.His employees loved him as he was very compassionate. The saddest thing was that I met him after 4years at his shop with my family during our visit to India just two weeks before his sad demise! I came back from India and the news hit us all so bad.He was a great soul!
Padhu
By
Anonymous, at 11:11 PM
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