Legendary Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 100. Renowned for creating the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, Sutar leaves behind a legacy of iconic art and national pride.
Ram Sutar Dies at 100: India Mourns a Sculpting Legend
Ram Vanji Sutar, born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village, Maharashtra, was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to Indian sculpture. His most famous work, the Statue of Unity, stands at 182 meters (597 feet) tall in Gujarat and is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Sutar’s artistry also includes the seated Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Indian Parliament and the 108-foot Kempe Gowda statue at Bengaluru International Airport.
Who is Ram Sutar
Ram Sutar, full name Ram Vanji Sutar, was a legendary Indian sculptor born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village, Maharashtra. He is best known for creating the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat. Over a career spanning more than 70 years, Ram Sutar designed over 50 monumental sculptures, including statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, and Kempe Gowda.
Net Worth of Ram Sutar in 2025
Ram V. Sutar’s estimated net worth in 2025, placed at around ₹31 crore (approximately USD 3.7 million), reflects not only financial figures from corporate filings but also the long-term value of his artistic legacy, reputation, and intellectual property built over several decades.
At the core of this valuation are his closely held private companies, primarily Ram Sutar Fine Arts Private Limited and Ram Sutar Art Creations Private Limited. Financial summaries available for Ram Sutar Fine Arts Private Limited indicate a year-on-year net worth growth of about 31.03%, suggesting strong retained earnings and an appreciation of assets on the company’s balance sheet. Since these are private entities, the reported net worth largely represents book value, which includes shareholders’ funds after liabilities rather than the full market value of the business or its artistic assets.
Awards and Achievements
Throughout his career, Ram Sutar received numerous prestigious awards:
- Padma Shri (1999)
- Padma Bhushan (2016)
- Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony (2016)
- Maharashtra Bhushan (state’s highest civilian award)
Important Facts About Ram V. Sutar
Designer of the Statue of Unity
- Ram V. Sutar is the chief sculptor and designer of the Statue of Unity, located in Gujarat.
- At 182 meters (597 feet), it is the tallest statue in the world.
- The statue represents Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key architect of India’s unity.
- Ram Sutar prepared the original concept, artistic design, and detailed models that defined the statue’s posture, facial expression, and symbolism.
- The project combined traditional sculptural vision with modern engineering and international collaboration, turning it into a global landmark.
Creator of Iconic Sculptures of National Leaders
- Ram V. Sutar has created some of the most recognized sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi, installed across India and in several countries abroad.
- He is also renowned for his numerous statues of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, ranging from life-sized to monumental forms.
- His sculptures are displayed in countries such as the USA, UK, Russia, Oman, Singapore, and Australia.
- His artistic style is rooted in realism, capturing both physical likeness and inner character.
Early Life and Cultural Background
- Born on 19 February 1925 in Gondur village, Dhule district, Maharashtra.
- He belongs to a Vishwakarma family, traditionally associated with craftsmanship, sculpture, and engineering skills.
- His early exposure to artisanal traditions laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to sculpture.
Marriage and Family Life
- Ram Sutar married Pramila Sutar in 1952.
- His family supported his artistic journey, especially during his early professional years.
- His son, Anil Sutar, is a well-known sculptor who has collaborated with him on major projects, continuing the family’s artistic legacy.
Education and Artistic Training
- He studied sculpture at the Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, one of India’s leading art institutions.
- Known for his excellence in figurative and monumental sculpture, he later served as a faculty member at the same institution.
- Through teaching and mentorship, he influenced many future Indian sculptors.
Prestigious Awards and Honors
- Padma Shri (1999): Awarded for his significant contribution to Indian art.
- Padma Bhushan (2016): Recognized his lifetime achievement and national impact in sculpture.
- Maharashtra Bhushan (2016): Maharashtra’s highest civilian honor, celebrating his cultural contributions.
- These awards highlight his role in shaping India’s visual and cultural heritage.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
- Ram V. Sutar is considered one of the most influential sculptors in modern India.
- His works define how national leaders are visually remembered by generations.
- He successfully blended traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern monumental design.
- His artistic legacy continues through his works, students, and family, leaving a permanent mark on India’s cultural landscape.
The nation on Thursday, December 18 mourned the demise of legendary sculptor and Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Sutar, whose monumental works redefined public sculpture in India, with political leaders across the country paying heartfelt tributes to the master artist.
— India Today NE (@IndiaTodayNE) December 18, 2025
Sutar passed… pic.twitter.com/e6WVbKgrEZ
How Ram Sutar died
Ram Vanji Sutar died on December 18, 2025, at the age of 100, at his residence in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully in the middle of the night due to age-related ailments. He had been suffering from illnesses commonly associated with old age for some time before his death. His son, Anil Sutar, shared the news with the press, expressing deep grief over the loss of his father, who was a legendary figure in Indian art and sculpture.
