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New Delhi: Friends and fans of Rohit Bal gathered along with his family to pay their last respects to the designer who played a key role in bringing Indian fashion to the global stage.
Bal, one of India’s most famous fashion designers, died of a heart attack at the age of 63 in a hospital in south Delhi on Friday night. His last rites were performed at the Lodhi Road crematorium here on Saturday.
Fashion Design Council of India chairman Sunil Sethi, actor-model Arjun Rampal, designers JJ Valaya, Varun Bahl and Rohit Gandhi attended his funeral.
The designer’s mortal remains were kept at his Defense Colony residence, where several prominent personalities paid their last respects.
Earlier, well-known names from the fashion world as well as Bollywood paid tribute to Bal on social media.
Manish Malhotra remembered Bal as a “true pioneer” and praised his unique ability to blend Indian craftsmanship with modern fashion.
“Rohit Bal was a true pioneer who blended Indian craftsmanship with modern fashion in a way only he could. I remember meeting him in the 90s, when ‘Rangeela’ was released. This was my first Indian fashion show that I saw live at the Imperial Hotel in Delhi.
Malhotra said on
After starting his own label, Malhotra said he would often meet Bal at fashion weeks.
He further added, “Though time and industry took us on different paths, my admiration for him never diminished. Rest in peace, Gudda. Your legacy will always inspire us.”
Bal was fondly called Gudda by his friends and contemporaries as well as many top Bollywood stars.
Designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla said that Bal was a “true visionary who will always be remembered and loved”. The message on Khosla’s Instagram page read, “Rest in peace, Rohit Bal.”
Anamika Khanna shared a picture with Bal and called him a “friend, mentor and guide”.
He added, “Someone I adored, respected and loved. You will be greatly missed. Moments like this make it all worthwhile. May your spirit always be in the designs.”
Sabyasachi Mukherjee said on Instagram, “May Rohit Bal rest in peace. All of us at Sabyasachi loved and admired you so much.”
Valaya bid goodbye to his friend and said, “Goodbye my friend…”
Gaurav Gupta posted a picture with Baal and wrote, “Forever Gudda.”
Designers Rahul Mishra and Bibhu Mohapatra praised Bal as a guru and great personality, saying that his “magic will live on forever”.
“A great mentor and a beautiful human being. Gone too quickly,” Mishra said.
Masaba Gupta of label Falguni Shane Peacock and designer Shane Peacock also remembered Baal.
In October this year, Bal presented his collection at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI 2024 Grand Finale, where Ananya Panday was the show-stopper.
Pandey posted a picture from the show and said, “Gudda, Om Shanti.”
Sushmita Sen posted a picture of the two walking the runway together. “What an indomitable spirit and what a pioneer!! Rest in peace #rohitbal,” she captioned it.
“Gone very young. Rest in peace #RohitBal,” Priyanka Chopra Jonas said on her Instagram Stories.
Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote on Instagram that he wore an outfit designed by Bal for the Diwali festivities at his residence.
The director said he saw Bal’s recent show and was amazed at what an “astonishing artist, craftsman, fashion legend” he is.
“I say this with a heavy heart and in the present tense because her art and irreplaceable contribution to the fashion industry will always be there… I told myself that I want to wear her latest collection on Diwali.. and for some of her fabulous outfits the requested …
“Last night unknowingly I wore it and clicked some pictures and sat in my car and then read the heartbreaking news of his demise…He is a pioneer and a bona fide legend and will be missed in everyone’s life. Hogi…. may your soul rest in peace Gudda,” he posted.
Anil Kapoor said that Bal was a “true artist and visionary”.
He added, “He created the iconic costumes for one of Hero’s songs and always brought unmatched creativity to Indian fashion. His legacy will live on. May his soul rest in peace.”
Sonam Kapoor paid an emotional tribute to Bal.
“Dear Gudda, I hear that while on my way to celebrate Diwali I passed away in your gorgeous creation, which you generously lent me for the second time. I am fortunate to know you, wear you and wear you many times. I hope you are always at peace,” the actor said.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu paid tribute to Rohit Bal by sharing a post of FDCI in her Instagram stories.
Rampal misses his brother Baal very much, whom he used to call Ratty.
“My dearest brother Ratty, I am shocked that you have left us so soon. This is devastating to all the hearts you touched and there were so many. I know you love life so much, your biggest concern at this time will be your wonderful boys and gentle ones. Will always support him my friend. You bring heaven down. RIP @rattysood,” the actor wrote.
Kareena Kapoor Khan shared a picture of the designer from her younger days when he also worked as a model and added heart emojis to the post.
Aditi Rao Hydari said, “Relax in style, rest in beauty”.
Actor Sidharth Malhotra paid tribute to Rohit Bal on Instagram. He wrote, “Deeply saddened by the loss. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”
This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.
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