Noted fashion designer Rohit Bal, who passed away on Friday at the age of 63, despite battling health issues, walked the ramp at Lakme Fashion Week two weeks ago, his last fashion show, and his spirited dance left the audience enthralled. Mesmerized.

Almost a year after he was admitted to the ICU at a private hospital in Gurugram due to a heart ailment, Rohit Bal appeared at the Lakme Fashion Week in Delhi on October 14. In his final fashion show, he presented his final collection, Kayanat: A blossom in the universeIt is a seamless blend of traditional Indian aesthetics with modern flair, replete with their signature lotus motifs and exquisite Kashmiri embroidery.

Despite being clearly unwell, Rohit Bal continued to dance to the lyrics of the song.After glowActress Ananya Pandey, who became a showstopper for the fashion designer, and other models encouraged him by clapping. She had a rose in her hand which Ananya Panday presented to her and hugged her and other models. Ironically, Ananya Panday’s black dress had a red rose print embroidered on it Kilt – A hallmark of hair design.

The famous fashion designer danced with enthusiasm and joy despite his physical weakness. The music and applause seemed to provide him with temporary relief from his ailments, allowing him to express his immense enthusiasm and love for his art.

Rohit Bal aka Gudda’s final performance left the audience spellbound and his dance was not only a celebration of his work but also a testament to his indomitable spirit. It was a moment of pure magic, where the boundaries between designer, artist and artist blurred, and only the essence of their art was left behind.

Rohit Bal’s last dance was more than just a performance. It was a celebration of his life, his art, and his lasting impact on the world of fashion.

life of rohit bal

Born in a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar on May 8, 1961, Rohit Bal’s fashion journey began in 1986, when he co-founded Orchid Overseas Pvt. Ltd. Ltd. with his brother. In 1990, he launched his first solo collection, marking the beginning of his impressive career.

A history graduate from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, Rohit Bal later enrolled at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Delhi to hone his craft in fashion design. Her work extended beyond clothing to jewelery design, where her craftsmanship was equally celebrated.

Over the years, they opened flagship stores in major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Chennai. Her work with Khadi Gram Udyog, the country’s largest handloom textile operation in Panchkula, further cemented her reputation as a designer deeply rooted in Indian heritage.

In December last year, Rohit Bal faced health problems after he was admitted to a private hospital in Gurugram due to cardiac concerns, which required intensive care.

The fashion designer’s last rites will be performed at the Lodhi Road crematorium on Saturday at 5 pm and his death marked the end of an era in Indian fashion, leaving behind a legacy that blends traditional artistry with a visionary vision.