New Delhi. Sonam Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday and other Bollywood actresses on Saturday mourned the demise of luxury fashion designer Rohit Bal, who was known as ‘Gudda’ in the industry. Bal died at the age of 63. The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) announced the demise of the iconic designer, known for his lotus and peacock motifs, late on November 1. The fashion designer was suffering from a heart condition and was admitted to the ‘Intensive Care Unit’ in 2023. FDCI shared a post on Instagram, which read, ‘We condole the demise of veteran designer Rohit Bal. He was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Known for her unique blend of traditional patterns with modernity, Bal’s work has redefined Indian fashion and inspired generations. ‘His legacy of forward thinking along with art and innovation will live on in the world of fashion. ‘Gudda’ salute to you, you are a legend. The designer’s last show was at the Lakme Fashion Week in the national capital New Delhi just a few weeks ago and actress Ananya Panday was the show-stopper and presented a rose to the designer at the end of the show. Ananya is also saddened by the news of Bal’s demise.
He shared a photo of the two on his Instagram stories. He wrote the caption with the picture, ‘Gudda. Om Shanti. Actress Sonam Kapoor shared many photos including a WhatsApp chat with the designer. She wrote an emotional note for Bal, whose dress she wore on the same day on Diwali. She wrote, ‘Dear Gudda, I heard about your demise when I was on my way to celebrate Diwali in your magnificent creation, which you generously gave me for the second time. I feel blessed to have worked with you for a long time, to have walked in your design wear. I hope you are at peace. Always your biggest fan. Actor Sidharth Malhotra shared a photo with the iconic designer, who was known for his blue eyes and blonde hair. He wrote, ‘I am deeply saddened by this loss, may his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti. Kareena Kapoor Khan shared her childhood photo and made red, white and black hearts in the caption of the photo. Gulshan Devaiah wrote, ‘Rohit Bal: 8 May 1961 – 1 November 2024. Actress Nimrat Kaur said, ‘Visionary, pioneer, ideal. Rohit Bal. The work of the force was not limited to the country alone. His clothes have been worn by global celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. The last rites of the eminent designer will be performed on Saturday at the crematorium on Lodhi Road in New Delhi.