Fashion designer Rohit Bal, a prominent figure in Indian couture, passed away on Friday at the age of 63. The news was confirmed by Sunil Sethi, chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), who shared that Bal had been dealing with a heart ailment. “He was rushed to the hospital today but unfortunately didn’t make it,” Sethi told The Indian Express.
Bal, known for his intricate designs and unique flair, recently showcased his collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, at the FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week held at The Imperial in New Delhi. Actor Ananya Panday graced the runway as his muse for this collection, which was widely praised for its elegance and creativity.
Bal had a history of heart issues, having suffered a cardiac arrest in 2010, followed by an angioplasty. Earlier in 2023, he was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in critical condition, where he received ICU care and ventilator support. Dr. Praveen Chandra, his treating cardiologist at the time, had commented on his critical condition.
The fashion world and Bal’s admirers expressed their shock and sorrow over the loss, with many taking to social media to remember him as a true icon. In 1996, Time Magazine had referred to Bal as “India’s Master of Fabric and Fantasy,” a title that resonated with his lifelong dedication to fashion and design.
