One of India’s most celebrated fashion designers, Rohit Bal, has sadly passed away at the age of 63 after a long battle with illness.
“We mourn the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal,” the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) said in a statement on Instagram.
FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi posted on Instagram that the passing of Pal, popularly called Gudda, ‘will leave a void in the fashion design space forever’.
“Everyone admired him for his attention to detail, how beautifully his lotus bloomed on modern shapes and his understanding of what modern women desired,” Sethi said.
Born in Srinagar, Indian occupied Kashmir, in 1961 on May 8, Bal initially pursued an honours degree in history from St. Stephens College in Delhi. After graduation, he joined his family’s export business, gaining insights into the fashion industry.
His passion for design led him to the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi, where he honed his skills and learned the details of fashion design.
In 1990, Bal launched his own label, marking the start of a remarkable career that would change the fashion landscape in India.
Rohit Bal quickly gained recognition for his unique designs that blended traditional Indian styles with modern ideas. He popularized fashion design as a glamorous profession in India during the 1990s, inspiring many young designers who followed in his footsteps.
Bal’s masterpiece reached an international audience, captivating not only Indian celebrities but also Hollywood stars. Notable figures such as actress Uma Thurman, supermodels Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, and Pamela Anderson wore his stunning designs.
The news of Rohit Bal’s passing has left the Bollywood celebrities in shock and mourning.
Several stars have taken to social media to pay their respect to the legendary designer.
Actress Kareena Kapoor shared a post on her Instagram account of Bal adorned with heart emojis as a tribute to his memory.
Aditi Rao Hydari paid tribute to her Instagram story: “Rest in style, Rest in beauty.”
Actor Siddarth Malhotra also posted an Instagram story saying, “Deeply saddened by the loss of May his soul rest in peace.”
Priyanka Chopra also shared a photo of Bal in her Instagram stories with the note, “Gone too young. Rest peacefully.”
Rohit Bal’s funeral was held in Delhi. His family, friends and Bollywood celebrities attended the ceremony.
Here are the stories shared by Bollywood celebrities:
