Yash Birla on merging spirituality with high fashion and wellness

Industrialist Yash Birla — known for his eclectic style and spiritual leanings — recently opened up on how he navigates the worlds of high fashion, spirituality and wellness. In a conversation with Indulge Express, he described his approach to life as one where these seemingly separate domains converge naturally.

Birla, who heads the Birla Group of companies, is no stranger to the spotlight. But what sets him apart is his insistence that fashion and faith are not mutually exclusive. For him, they are two sides of the same coin.

Fashion as self-expression

Birla believes clothing is more than fabric — it is a medium for identity. He spoke about how his wardrobe choices reflect his inner state rather than external trends. From tailored suits to traditional Indian wear, each outfit carries intention.

“Fashion, for me, is about how you feel in your skin,” he said during the interaction. He emphasised that luxury brands and spiritual symbols can coexist without contradiction.

His personal style often incorporates elements from both worlds — a designer jacket paired with a rudraksha mala, for instance. This, he says, is not a gimmick but a genuine expression of who he is.

Wellness as a non-negotiable

Wellness, according to Birla, is not a buzzword but a daily practice. He spoke about his routines that include meditation, yoga and mindful eating. These are not separate from his professional life but integral to it.

“If I am not well inside, I cannot show up fully outside,” he said. He credited his spiritual practices for giving him the clarity to make business decisions and the calm to handle pressure.

Birla also shared that he avoids extremes — whether in diet, exercise or work. Balance is key, he said, and that balance comes from staying grounded.

Spirituality without dogma

Birla’s spirituality is personal and non-dogmatic. He described it as a connection to something larger than oneself, not bound by ritual or religion. This perspective, he said, allows him to remain open and curious.

He spoke about how meditation helps him stay centred even amid chaos. It is, he explained, a tool for self-awareness rather than a religious obligation.

His approach has drawn both admiration and scepticism. But Birla remains unfazed. “People can have their opinions. I know what works for me,” he said.

Authenticity as the thread

For Birla, the common thread running through fashion, spirituality and wellness is authenticity. He argued that trying to compartmentalise these aspects of life leads to fragmentation. Integration, on the other hand, brings wholeness.

“You cannot be one person at work and another at home. It is exhausting,” he said. He believes that when people embrace their contradictions, they become more genuine.

He acknowledged that this path is not always easy. It requires constant self-examination and the courage to go against the grain. But the reward, he said, is a life that feels aligned.

Birla’s conversation serves as a reminder that modern living need not be a battle between material success and inner peace. For him, they are partners — each enriching the other.

As for what lies ahead, Birla hinted at more collaborations that blend fashion with conscious living. He is exploring ways to make wellness accessible through his ventures, though details remain under wraps.