Ace fashion designer Rohit Bal passes away at 63 following heart complications

The Indian couturier recently showcased his collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, at the FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week at the Imperial, New Delhi. Actor Ananya Panday walked the ramp as his muse.

In 2010, Bal had suffered a cardiac arrest and had undergone an angioplasty procedure. In 2023, he was admitted to Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital in a critical condition to the ICU. Speaking with indianexpress.com, the treating interventional cardiologist Dr Praveen Chandra had said, “It has been a few days that he has been admitted. He is critical and of course on ventilator support. He is on medications.”

The news of the designer’s passing — dubbed ‘India’s Master of fabric and fantasy’ by Time Magazine in 1996 — shocked the fashion fraternity and his well-wishers, with many taking to social media to express their grief.

In a post on X, industrialist Gautam Singhania wrote: “Heartbroken to say goodbye to an incredible friend. You brought so much light, laughter, and kindness into the lives of everyone around you. I’m grateful for every moment we shared, every laugh, every conversation. You’ll be missed beyond words, but your spirit will live on in all of us. Rest peacefully, my friend.
#RohitBal #GoneButNeverForgotten #InLovingMemory.”

In an Instagram post, the FDCI wrote: “We mourn the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal. He was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities, Bal’s work redefined Indian fashion, and inspired generations. His legacy of artistry, and innovation along with forward thinking will live on in the fashion world.
Rest in peace GUDDA. You are a legend.”

In another post, they added: “The LEGEND is no more.”

Rohit Bal, born in Srinagar, was an alumnus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Delhi. He began his career in 1986, and was one of the foremost names in the fashion industry worldwide. A graduate of St. Stephen’s College in New Delhi, Rohit Bal launched his eponymous label in 1990. Known for his versatility and attention to detail, Rohit Bal was the first designer among his peers to patent and copyright his meticulously crafted creations. His creations have been worn by Indian and international celebrities like Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, and Uma Thurman. He is also credited for designing for the Indian game show Kaun Banega Crorepati, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.

According to his official website, Rohit Bal draws on history, fantasy, and folklore to create masterpieces desired by discerning aficionados around the globe. “Rohit has a deep understanding of the psyche of the fashion world and it reflects in his collections that are intelligent, studied, imaginative, and completely innovative yet always relevant and awe-inspiring,” it reads.

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