Noted Bollywood Fashion Designer Rohit Bal Passes Away At 63
Noted Bollywood Fashion Designer Rohit Bal Passes Away At 63
Celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal passed away on Friday following a heart attack at age 63, marking the end of an iconic chapter in Indian fashion. The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) confirmed the news, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of the industry’s most innovative pioneers.
In a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, FDCI honored Bal’s contributions, describing him as a founding member who redefined Indian fashion by blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair. “His legacy of artistry, innovation, and forward-thinking will continue to inspire the world of fashion,” FDCI stated. “Rest in peace, Gudda. You are a legend.”
Bal’s career, spanning nearly four decades, saw him rise as a transformative figure in Indian design. Known for his opulent fabrics, intricate embroidery, and bold patterns, he consistently brought grandeur and elegance to the runway. Despite his health challenges, including a 2023 hospitalization and an earlier angioplasty in 2010, Bal made a striking comeback in October 2024. His latest collection, showcased at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI, featured fluid fabrics and vibrant colors that captured the mysteries of the universe, with Bollywood star Ananya Panday as the showstopper.
Rohit Bal’s life in fashion began in 1986 when he co-founded Orchid Overseas with his brother. By 1990, he launched his first independent collection, soon garnering both national and international acclaim. Over the years, he received multiple accolades, including ‘Designer of the Year’ at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001 and the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006. In 2020, he was honored as the ‘Iconic Fashion Designer of the Country’ by the India Fashion Awards.
Bal’s designs attracted a global clientele, including Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, and Uma Thurman, along with numerous Indian celebrities. His artistic impact extended beyond the runway, even reaching the set of the popular Indian game show *Kaun Banega Crorepati*, for which he designed costumes.
Born on May 8, 1961, in Srinagar, Bal was an alumnus of St. Stephen’s College and studied fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi. His unparalleled legacy continues to influence and inspire designers, ensuring that his unique vision remains alive in the world of fashion.
