Fashion designer Rohit Bal has died

Rohit Bal. Photo: Special Arrangement

Designer Rohit Bal, a pioneer who helped put Indian fashion on the world map and dressed celebrities at home, in Hollywood and elsewhere, died of complications at a hospital in south Delhi on Friday evening (November 1, 2024). of a heart attack. He was 63.

The celebrated designer, known to his friends as Gudda, who combined extravagance, elegance and talent in his work and personality, made his last public appearance just last month. He battled his illness and made a grand return to the ramp at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024.

Mr Bal appeared frail as he showcased his collection “Kaaynaat: A Bloom In The Universe” at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi, leaving many in the crowd emotional and a little tearful. It looked like the original star of Indian fashion was saying his last sayonara to fashion in elegance and style. Actress Ananya Pandey was the showstopper of the event and presented the designer with a rose at the end of the show. That was on October 13th. Soon after, Bal was admitted to Aashlok Hospital in Safdarjung Enclave. He will be from Dr. Alok Chopra treated, said Sunil Sethi, president of the Fashion Development Council of India (FDCI). “He had cardiac arrest… heart failure. Rohit was a legend, we are completely shocked at the moment. “We are trying to work out details for tomorrow’s cremation,” he said PTI.

Doctors tried their best to revive him for two hours, a heartbroken Sethi added. In December last year, Bal was admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital in Gurugram due to heart problems. Bal's death marks the proverbial end of an era. He leaves behind an impressive legacy and carves a niche for himself with his distinctive and innovative designs that seamlessly combine traditional aesthetics with contemporary flair. Over the course of a career spanning more than three decades, Bal has dressed Hollywood greats such as Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. In India, his designs have been worn by Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal and others. The FDCI's official Instagram paid tribute to Bal, one of the founding members of the organization.

“Known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities, Bal's work has redefined Indian fashion and inspired generations…His legacy of artistry, innovation and forward-thinking will live on in the fashion world.” Rest in peace, GUDDA,” read the post. Bal, once described by Time Magazine as “India's master of fabric and imagination,” always carried a piece of his native Kashmir in his soul and his designs often reflected this beauty through motifs such as roses and lotuses.

“I always stuck to who I was and never did what everyone else did. I have a very strong and focused design philosophy that I stick to. I believe that whatever you do with heart and soul will always remain relevant. I feel comfortable being classic, elegant and timeless and that has contributed a lot to my brand and my career as a designer,” Bal told PTI in 2019.

The designer's death sent shock waves among his well-wishers and friends. Businessman Guatam Singhania said he was heartbroken to say goodbye to an “incredible friend”. “You have brought so much light, laughter and kindness into the lives of everyone around you. I am grateful for every moment we shared, every laugh, every conversation. You will be missed beyond words, but your spirit will live on in all of us. Rest peacefully, my friend. #RohitBal #GoneButNeverForgotten #InLovingMemory,” he posted on X.

Actress Sonam Kapoor wrote on her Instagram Stories that she had known him many times and worn his creations. “Dear Gudda, I hear of your death while I was away celebrating Diwali in your beautiful creation which you generously lent to me for the second time…I hope you are at peace. Always your biggest fan (sic).” Kareena Kapoor and Sidharth Malhotra were among those who expressed their shock.

Filmmaker Onir also expressed shock over Bal's death. “Had his big exit from the LFW a few days ago. A big loss for the fashion industry and his friends. What an extravagant life and work. “No one can bring the unique elegance and beauty that he gave to fashion into extravagance,” posted the filmmaker on new standards of elegance. “You will be greatly missed, but your spirit and the beauty you created will live on forever,” she added. Bal was born in Srinagar in 1961 and graduated in history from St. Stephen's College. He initially worked with his brother's export company before launching his own line in 1990, focusing on traditional designer menswear.

“The valley offers so much inspiration and I have always taken something from the flora that is unique to Kashmir. There are so many beautiful landscapes and mountains. But a lot depends on the medium through which you express your feelings.

“If I were a painter, I probably would have focused on the streams and waterfalls. But as a designer, I believe flowers complement my work best,” Bal said on the sidelines of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2019. Bal also collaborated with Khadi Gram Udyog to bring handloom textiles into haute couture.