Renowned Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal has passed away at the age of 63, as confirmed by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).
Rohit Bal Dies At 63
The council shared a tribute on Instagram, stating, “We mourn the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal. A founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India, Bal transformed Indian fashion by fusing traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics. His contributions will continue to inspire and impact the fashion world. Rest in peace, GUDDA. You are a legend.”
Bal’s recent work included his final collection at Lakme Fashion Week in Mumbai just two weeks ago. Last year, he was hospitalized in the ICU in Gurugram due to cardiac issues.
Starting his career in 1986 with Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd., a company he founded with his brother, Bal made his solo collection debut in 1990. His designs have long been celebrated for their universal appeal, catering to a diverse audience across gender lines.
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When Rohit Bal Slammed Bollywood
Fashion’s flamboyant icon and a powerful figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Rohit Bal, has held a prominent place in the fashion world for years. Now, he’s turning his focus to Bollywood—but not in an ordinary way. The designer, known for his trademark curls and unfiltered personality, is on a personal mission to challenge the industry’s portrayal of the gay community.
Bal, affectionately called Gudda, explained in an interview with a publication way back in 2013 that his aim is to dispel the negative stereotypes often seen in Bollywood. “Bollywood makes gays appear feminine, idiotic and abnormal. I strongly resent it. We need to portray the true lives of gays in India,” he said.
Bal at the time was working on two books: a pictorial focusing on his craftsmanship beyond fashion, and another that captures his view of the fashion world, which will serve as an introduction to his upcoming 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,” he shared.
Bal also voiced his disappointment that many in the fashion industry still hesitate to be open about their sexuality. He explained, “The moment we feel closeted, the world gets closeted for us.” Having always been open about his orientation, Gudda observed that acceptance remains a major challenge, particularly among families. “I see parents ostracising their kids because they are gay…It is really sad,” he said, adding that his own experience was different, thanks to his liberal family background.
Addressing the trend of using gay characters solely for comic relief in Bollywood, Gudda emphasized that his film will be free of big-name actors, as he feels, “No star has the real courage to play a gay character. If they do, no one will accept them.”
Rather than participating in public events like candlelight marches, he believes a meaningful film will be the most effective way to reach a wide audience. As Gudda put it, “The gay march is a once-in-a-year activity…Only a genuine film will help me reach millions of people.”
