The first interview is always special for any journalist, and mine was with none other than Rohit Bal – a name synonymous with fantasy in Indian fashion. Known to his friends as “Gudda,” Rohit was a true visionary who breathed magic into every piece he created. I remember the awe I felt witnessing his latest collection Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe at Lakme Fashion Week or his unconventional “Men in Ghagras,” adorned with sindoor and nathnis. Supermodels draped in flowing white kurtas, wading through a pool, evoked the beauty of floating water lilies – a sight as ethereal as his imagination.
Rohit Bal’s passing is a massive blow to the fashion industry. Launching his label in 1989, he never failed to reflect his Kashmiri heritage in his creations, blending cut, finish, and embellishment in a way that was both unique and profoundly Indian. Years before I embarked on my journey in journalism, I owned my first and probably only Rohit Bal outfit at age 19: a pastel pink kurta with a beautifully crafted dupatta. It made me feel like an Indian princess. To this day, I am yet to find a piece that combines simplicity, elegance, and modernity like that kurta.
Bal’s motifs, like the lotus and peacock, became iconic, and his transformations of traditional Indian attire left an indelible mark on the industry. Time magazine dubbed him “India’s master of fabric and fantasy” in 1996. In the 1990s, he was often compared to John Galliano, and his collaboration with Omega was one of the first between an Indian designer and a global brand. His menswear line and pret collection “Balance” showcased his mastery of balance – lavish yet measured, extravagant yet refined.
Beyond his impeccable craftsmanship, Rohit Bal was a genuine person, known for supporting emerging talent and staying loyal to friends. Beneath his flamboyant public persona lay a profound sensitivity and a true love for life. For him, fashion was not just an industry but an art form – and Rohit Bal was an artist in the truest sense.
Noyonika Chatterjee, Supermodel: “Working with Rohit was like being part of a fairytale. His creations made you feel like royalty.”
Suneet Varma, Designer: “Rohit’s love for the craft and dedication to detail have inspired a generation of designers.”
Manish Malhotra, Designer: “His vision was like no other, and his spirit lives on in Indian fashion.”
Arjun Rampal, Model and Actor: “Gudda was more than a designer; he was a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light in my career.”
