Celebrities, Filmmakers, Journalists Grieve Death Of Ace Fashion Designer Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal, the most loved Indian Fashion Designer died of heart attack at the age of 63. Bal or Gudda, as he was fondly called as, was a pioneer in Indian fashion industry. His death was announced by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) on November 1st.
Sharing the news, the council wrote on its Instagram page, “We mourn the passing of Legendary designer Rohit Bal. He was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities, Bal’s work redefined Indian fashion, and inspired generations. His legacy of artistry, and innovation along with forward thinking will live on in the fashion world. Rest in peace GUDDA. You are a legend”.
Celebrities, filmmakers and journalists alike rushed poured in expressing their grief in losing the beloved fashion designer.
Karan Johar, who wore the designer’s latest collection for Diwali, paid his respect for the Fashion Designer. Affectionately addressing him as Gudda, Johar penned, “I saw Gudda’s collection and show and as always marvelled at what a stunning artist,craftsmen, fashion legend he is … I say this with a heavy heart and in the present tense because his art and irreplaceable contribution to the fashion industry will remain forever… I told myself that I wanted to wear his latest collection on Diwali.. and requested for some of his stunning pieces … unknowingly last night I wore him and clicked some images and got into my car and then read the heartbreaking news of his passing”.
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Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, who had walked the ramp for Bal several times also wore his collection for Diwali. She also penned heartfelt note on the designer’s demise. Taking to her Instagram she wrote, “Yesterday, I wore one of Gudda’s exquisite outfits, filled with pride and excitement, as I headed out to celebrate Diwali with friends and family. Dressed in my archival Rohit Bal creation, I received the heartbreaking news that he had passed”.
She said, “I was so inspired by his last show, hopeful for the future he still had ahead. Over the years, I was privileged to walk for him numerous times… his creativity and vision were unparalleled, and today, I honor and celebrate that legacy, cherishing the memories we shared”.
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Journalist and novelist Shobhaa De wrote, “This is a fervent appeal to media friends of our pioneering artist and designer beyond compare. His family needs your support RIGHT NOW!! Before the hyenas move in. Please help his genuine friends and admirers to give him a dignified farewell”.
This is a fervent appeal to media friends of our pioneering artist and designer beyond compare. His family needs your support RIGHT NOW!! Before the hyenas move in. Please help his genuine friends and admirers to give him a dignified farewell.@rohitbal_ pic.twitter.com/zVxuu0qSUV
— Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) November 1, 2024
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher said he lost a friend. He wrote, “He was Vibrant, Colourful, Funny, Genius, Compassionate, Larger than Life, Kind and many more things! Above all A Great Human being. Bodily may not be there. But he will be eternal. I lost a friend today”.
FASHION ICON ROHIT BAL💔: He was Vibrant, Colourful, Funny, Genius, Compassionate, Larger than Life, Kind and many more things! Above all A Great Human being. Bodily may not be there. But he will be eternal. I lost a friend today. अलविदा मेरे दोस्त #RohitBal! 💔💔 #Fashion #Icon pic.twitter.com/Wuo4qgNjzt
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) November 2, 2024
Amitabh Mattoo, professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) wrote Bal was a “Gudda was bright and brilliant as a classmate”
What a terrible 24 hours. Friend of nearly five decades, school mate, fashion Mogul , Rohit Bal passes away. Gudda was bright and brilliant as a classmate in Burn Hall, Srinagar . Moved to Delhi and then onto the limelight of the celebrity world. Very very sad to see him go!!… pic.twitter.com/YjqkDP6NaP
— Amitabh Mattoo (@amitabhmattoo) November 1, 2024
Several celebrities including Ananya Pandey who walked for Bal in his last collection paid tribute on their Instagram stories.
Bal was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a private hospital in Gurugram following cardiac arrest.
It was only two weeks ago, the legend presented his final collection at the Lakme Week in Mumbai.
He had been a guiding light for those who dared to step foot on fashion careers back in 1990s. Bal started his career in 1986 when he and his brother founded Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd. In 1990, he made his independent collection debut.
