Renowned Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal breathed his last at the age of 63, as confirmed by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The council expressed its sorrow through a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, honouring Bal’s immense contributions to the world of fashion and mourning the loss of a true legend.
Just two weeks prior to his passing, Rohit showcased his final collection at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai.
He started his career in 1986 with Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd., a company he founded with his brother. He made his solo debut in 1990, quickly rising to fame for his designs that catered to a wide range of genders and styles.
ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra To Sonam Kapoor, Celebs Who Styled Rohit Bal’s High-Couture
Rohit Bal on slamming Bollywood for portraying gays as feminine
Beyond his fashion legacy, Rohit Bal was also a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He used his platform to challenge stereotypes, particularly in Bollywood. He once told TOI, "Bollywood makes gays appear feminine, idiotic and abnormal. I strongly resent it. We need to portray the true lives of gays in India."
Rohit Bal firmly believed in the necessity of authentic representation. He further added, “One is a pictorial, which is more about my craft than about fashion. The other, is about the world of fashion seen through my eyes,” he says, adding that both should be ready in a few months. It is the latter, which is the preamble to his film. “Both the book and the film, when it is made, will be based on my perceptions about gays and not anything else and an intense love story."
ALSO READ: Rohit Bal Dies At 63: Sonam Kapoor, Ananya Panday And Other Celebs Mourn Legendary Fashion Designer’s Demise
Rohit Bal's death marks the end of an important chapter in Indian fashion. His impact went beyond his designs; he was also a mentor and inspiration for many young designers.