15 days ago, fashion designer Rohit Bal was seen dancing and smiling on the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week. But at that time no one would have imagined that Rohit would die after two weeks. But, now that he has left this world, everyone will remember his last salute on the ramp.
In fact, Rohit Bal, popularly known as Gudda in the fashion industry, had launched his latest collection Kainaat in the Fashion Week with Ananya and all his models with a rose in his hand. Rohit is one of those designers who is famous not only in the country but also abroad.
Rohit Bal, who made Indian fashion famous globally and designed clothes for celebrities of the country, Hollywood and elsewhere, died of a heart attack in a hospital in South Delhi on Friday night. He was 63 years old.
Bal, the famous designer who influenced his work and personality and is known as Gudda among his friends, made his last public appearance only last month. Despite ill health, she made a spectacular presence on the ramp at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024.
Rohit Bal looked very ill while presenting his collection Kainaat: A Bloom in the Universe at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi, due to which many people present in the crowd became emotional and had tears in their eyes. It seemed as if the real stars of Indian fashion were saying goodbye to fashion with grace and style.
Actress Ananya Panday was the showstopper of the event and presented a rose to the designer at the end of the show. This incident happened on 13th October. Fashion Development Council of India (FDCI) President Sunil Sethi said that soon after this, Bal was admitted to Ashlok Hospital located in Safdarjung Enclave. He was being treated by Dr. Alok Chopra.
Sunil Sethi told that it is true that he has passed away. He had a heart attack. Rohit was a big personality, we are in complete shock at this moment. We are preparing for his last rites. A heartbroken Sethi told that the doctors tried their best for two hours to save him. He told that in December last year, Rohit Bal was admitted to the ICU of a private hospital in Gurugram due to heart related problems.
Rohit Bal designed clothes for Hollywood celebrities like Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell during his career spanning more than three decades. Deepika Padukone, Arjun Rampal and many other celebrities in India have worn his designed clothes.
On the official Instagram of FDCI, a tribute was paid to Rohit Bal, one of the founding members of the organization. Known for his unique blend of traditional flair with modern sensibilities, Rohit Bal's work has redefined Indian fashion and inspired generations, the Instagram post read. His legacy of forward thinking along with artistry and innovation will live on in the world of fashion. May Gudda's soul rest in peace.
Rohit Bal had said in a conversation in 2019, I always did what I am and never did what others were doing. I have a very strong and focused design philosophy and I follow that. I believe that whatever you do with your heart and soul will always be relevant. I am comfortable being traditional, elegant and timeless and this has contributed a lot to my brand and career as a designer.
Rohit Bal was born in Srinagar in 1961 and received a graduate degree in History from St. Stephen's College, affiliated to Delhi University. Rohit Bal worked with his brother's export company before launching his own fashion design line in the 1990s, focusing on traditional designer men's clothing. Rohit Bal also collaborated with Khadi Village Industries to bring handloom made clothes into high fashion.
