Indian fashion’s greatest showman bids adieu – Times of India

Veteran fashion designer Rohit Bal, fondly known as Gudda, passed away on Friday evening. The legendary designer, known for his impeccable blend of craftsmanship and contemporary designs, was 63. His health had been deteriorating since last year, when he was in the hospital for a month and was also put on ventilator support. In 2010, he suffered a massive heart attack and got an angioplasty. His friends say that he was facing multiple health issues since then, “but his willpower and zest for life helped him recover and cope with tough times,” say his friends as they mourn his loss. Last month Gudda presented a spectacular show. Although he looked frail, Rohit did an impromptu jig on the ramp, just like old times.

Rohit Bal’s showcases were known for being grand celebrations

A couple of frail yet determined steps that he took to walk from his front row seat to the ramp were apparently the only steps Rohit Bal had taken without any support in a while as he presented a spectacular grand finale show last month. Due to his poor health and long illness, Gudda had refrained from doing ramp shows for a long time and therefore this grand finale was much awaited. It was being speculated that he may not be able to attend the show. “He looked too weak to even stand at fittings,” shared a model. But not only did Gudda make it to his show, he proved once again why he’s regarded as the showman of the Indian fashion fraternity. With his favourite models from the ’90s walking the ramp and almost the entire Delhi fashion fraternity in attendance, Rohit Bal’s final show was a memorable one. “This show is a masterclass for all young designers. This is like a revision of his three decades of work in fashion,” commented someone in the audience as models showcased Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, which was a unique presentation of Gudda’s signature style, motifs and silhouettes. Though Ananya Pandey walked as the showstopper, the only showstopper everyone remembers from that show is Gudda. He hugged his friends, danced, like he always did at his shows, as the audience watched him with tears rolling down their cheeks. Overwhelmed by the standing ovation and applause that continued for several minutes, the designer could not hold back his tears and broke down on the ramp.
Noted Indian fashion designers like Rohit Gandhi, Bibhu Mohapatra, Rahul Mishra, Abu Jani, Sandeep Khosla, Gaurav Gupta, Sabyasachi, Masaba Gupta, and Shane Peacock remembered Bal.

Ashish N Soni and Rohit Bal

His immaculate aesthetics were his biggest strength: Ashish N Soni
Gudda has left us, and that void can never be filled, both personally and professionally. He was a creative genius who wore Kashmir on his sleeve and was extremely proud of his roots. My journey in the fashion world began with him and I consider myself privileged to have been mentored by him. Fashion aside, his deep knowledge of world history and immaculate aesthetics were his biggest strength. He never let his fame go to his head and was always reachable when one needed him. His family and friends meant the world to him and he was one of the most loyal people I’ve ever known. Style came to him naturally and his love for all things beautiful has been well documented. The fashion world has truly lost an icon but the world has lost one of the most amazing people who I shall miss dearly.

JJ Valaya and Rohit Bal

His contributions and joie de vivre can never be forgotten: JJ Valaya
Goodbye, my friend. The less said, the better, for a lot will be said about the man and his work for a few days. The more celebrated, the better, for his contributions and joie de vivre can never be forgotten. GUDDS, I’m so glad that I got to hug you just days before you escaped my embrace forever. I’m so glad that you existed and enriched every moment of my fashion existence till now. I’m so glad that you were and are my dearest friend, celebrating then… celebrating now. I’m so glad that you will forever remain immortal for me.

Sunil Sethi and Rohit Bal

Gudda’s passing will leave a void in the fashion space: Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI
I have known ROHIT BAL, whom we all lovingly call ‘Gudda’ for more than three decades, his passing away 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. Rohit changed the lexicon of fashion! He was the front runner in more ways than one – he led from the front, his clothing withstood the test of time and tide – just like him.

Leena Singh and Rohit Bal

Gudda will always be known as the master of craft: Leena Singh
Gudda and I had a long association ever since the FDCI was formed in 1998. I remember the vision he had for the industry, I remember the time I spent with him. He has contributed to Indian fashion like no one else and he will always be known as the master of craft, couture and heritage. He was one of the few people in the industry who supported me throughout, he was a wonderful human being, simple, innocent soul. Gudda always supported other designers’ works and encouraged them, a trait which is rare to find. I attended his last show and it was one of the most emotional moments for me and we all thought that he will be fine now. I am heartbroken as I have lost a dear friend.

Shantanu and Nikhil Mehra with Rohit Bal

Rohit Bal influenced us all to see Indian crafts with pride: Shantanu Mehra
If ever there was a dark hour in Indian fashion, it has to be now, when our very own legend, Rohit Bal, is no longer with us. He has not only influenced us all to see Indian crafts with pride and prestige but also instilled the belief that preserving one’s culture and heritage is the only passage to meaningful art. Nikhil and I can never forget his constant words of wisdom and encouragement for us when we were just starting off as a brand. It’s not just us but his unwavering commitment to see Indian talent go beyond unconventional boundaries stands as a testament to his creative genius. His masterful interpretation of Indian grandeur and royalty was seen through his deep understanding of Kashmiri textiles, peacock motifs and the Indian lotus art form. What an incredible human he was with this childlike enthusiasm for life, fashion and all things beautiful. He was always cheering for his fellow colleagues from the side and never hesitated to show his love for one’s creativity. Please let us all take a moment to stand up, salute and mourn this national hero of Indian fashion and say ‘Hail Rohit Bal’. Rest in Peace legend.
A beacon of hope for us models: Lakshmi Rana
For an industry that has often struggled with creating its own identity vis a vis the overwhelming domination of Bollywood, a designer like Rohit Bal was a beacon of hope for us models. We have always been treated as no less than stars in his world. Thank you Gudda for all that you brought with you, for the love, the artistry, the adrenaline rush, the magnificence and the relentless bouts of laughter we have shared all these years. This finale was a memorable one and will be cherished by our souls and hearts forever.

Bollywood celebs like Sonam Kapoor, Karan Johar, Sushmita Sen, Priyanka Chopra, Anil Kapoor, Ananya Pandey, Kareena Kapoor, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Sidharth Malhotra also posted condolence messages