Datta Phuge, a well-known Indian businessman, became famous in 2013 for his extravagant purchase of a shirt made entirely of gold. Weighing 3.3 kg and costing approximately $250,000, the shirt was crafted with 14,000 pieces of 22-carat gold. Phuge, who proudly wore the title “The Gold Man,” was known for his obsession with gold, adorning himself with countless pieces of jewelry, including gold bracelets, rings, and chains.
Born into a humble family in Pimpri-Chinchwad near Pune, Phuge made his fortune in property speculation and later became a money lender. Throughout his success, he continuously indulged in his love for gold. Phuge believed that owning gold was a sign of wealth and status, saying he started wearing gold jewelry from a young age when people at college would associate gold with being rich.
Not only did Phuge wear gold, but he also bought significant amounts for his wife, Seema, who reportedly owned 500 kg of gold. The couple had a son, Shubham, who is now in his twenties. Phuge commissioned the creation of his iconic gold shirt from a tailor in Pune, who worked with a team of 15 craftsmen to complete the intricate design. The shirt featured velvet lining, Swarovski crystal buttons, and a pattern of gold flowers.
Phuge only wore the gold shirt for special occasions, often accompanied by a security guard. Although his wealth and love for gold brought him much attention, his fortune did not protect him from violence. Phuge was attacked by a group of assailants on his way to a party, and his son witnessed the tragic event. The motive behind the attack was suspected to be a money dispute, though the whereabouts of his famous gold shirt remain unknown.
Despite the tragic end to his life, Datta Phuge’s legacy as “The Gold Man” lives on. His passion for gold and his extravagant lifestyle highlighted his desire to stand out in a society where gold is highly valued, particularly in India.
