A test of wills: Who is Rohit Bal’s ‘successor’?

Tehlan says Rohit Bal owned 99 per cent of Rohit Bal Designs Private Limited and since a company needs at least two directors, one per cent of stake was given to Rajiv Bal. He’s claiming his right as successor to the brand and assets that include two floors in Defence Colony, a factory in Noida, some land, artworks and artefacts. Sources say the land value itself is valued at no less than Rs 100 crore.

Rajiv Bal also dismissed the claims of Tehlan as founder of one of the sub-brands of Rohit Bal Fashion, Alexander Jeans. “The label is Alexander Jeans by Rohit Bal and Tehlan has nothing to do with it,” he reiterates.

However, Tehlan says he is ready to show every evidence required. “It’s not like he has left everything to one person. He also protected some of his weavers, who have been with him for 45 years, provisioning handsome amounts for them so that they are taken care of,” he adds.As to whether he can call himself founder of the Alexander Jeans label, Tehlan says, “I got Alexander Jeans for Rohit Bal Fashion and was part of all business discussions. So when the Reliance group wanted to invest in it, Gudda said since I had got the account, I could grow it. But he was very particular about not letting corporates take over his core brand.” On charges that he was not the right inheritor of Bal’s legacy, he says, “I was a 17-year-old boxer in Shahpur Jat who had no idea about fashion. Rohit Bal spotted me, turned me into his model and assured my parents that he would look out for me. Do you think I will ever forget that? Over the last two decades, I have worked with him and have understood the fashion industry. There are no friends or foes here. But I understand Gudda’s vision and would never sell his work out. In fact, now that he has gone, I am ready to do anything to carry the brand legacy forward. Rajivji has experience in fashion exports and I do not mind working with him and synergising strengths.”

Countering allegations that he would be nobody without Bal’s support, Tehlan says, “I had the Michel Adam franchise in India, managed a talent agency of 300 to 400 models, did shoots for Jabong and Myntra (fashion portals). I did these independent of Gudda, so it’s not like I cannot fend for myself.”

Tehlan is vociferous that Rohit Bal’s will is foolproof  and was made by the designer himself in sound mental health in the presence of witnesses though he doesn’t want to mention the date it was sealed. His lawyer Gurmukh Choudhri says the document, which has the signature of Bal and witnesses, “appears to be valid.” Although Tehlan has claimed he has photographic evidence of the signing, his lawyer has not seen it yet.

Rajiv Bal is grateful that Sunil Sethi, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) chief, informed him about Tehlan having a will. “He told me he had been named its executor though he, too, was not aware of it. I trust Sunil and let’s see the document first,” he says.

Sethi says at no point in his discussions with Rohit Bal was there talk of business and legacy despite the frail nature of his health. “I have been creatively associated with Rohit Bal for over 20 years now and yes I have been privy to his creative vision. That’s how his last show, Kaynaat, was conceived. Our discussion was around his unfulfilled dream of having an elaborate crafts and fashion showcase on the Dal lake. But we never spoke about the future of his business or his family and friends,” he adds.

“I was informed about me being the executor of the will by Tehlan and his lawyer. I immediately called Rajiv. I have not yet seen the will because of some personal emergency but I must say, Tehlan and his lawyer have been only too willing to show it to me. If Rohit had indeed intended me to be executor of the will, then I am committed to following the due process of law and honouring his wish. To begin with, if both sides have what they claim to have, these should be probated (a legal process that confirms the validity of a will and gives the executor the authority to manage the deceased person’s assets) first. Only then can we sit with family, friends and witnesses and go by what the court says on the matter. So till I see the will, there cannot be next steps for resolution,” he says.

As of now, Choudhri says it will be in the best interest of all stakeholders to sit across the table and discuss legacy. “Going to the courts will be a long and arduous process because if a will is disputed, the court will first investigate its authenticity. Then a receiver will be overseeing the running of the company in the interim. If both parties produce a will each and both are legally valid, then the will with the later date will decide the successor. Usually, this could take years,” he says. And as such disputed legacies have shown the brand value diminishes over time, till there are no takers. The question is whether all stakeholders can agree on building brand value rather than eroding it.