Tributes Pour in as Iconic Designer Rohit Bal Passes Away at 63 | – Times of India

Iconic Indian fashion designer Rohit Bal, best remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to Indian couture, passed away at the age of 63 after suffering from a long illness. He was very famous for his flamboyant designs and love for craftwork in India. Rohit Bal‘s untimely demise has sent shockwaves from the fashion world into culinary circles. His departure puts an end to the world of Indian high fashion and his presence and imagination of creativity are now merely just a memory.
Born in Kashmir, Rohit Bal was popularly called “Gudda” by friends and his designs were closely related to his root-rich textile heritage from this land. He stood high as an icon due to intricate embroidery, opulence, and minute, detailed works. His designs brought revolutionary elements into Indian fashion after which, for over thirty-three years, Bal’s mastery echoed all around the fashion front, in India, or else internationally.
His influence was not limited only to the world of fashion; the culinary world too is part of his love for food and culture. He followed his passion for food and had two restaurants under his name, Veda and Cibo, based in Delhi. Both restaurants emerged as favourites for those looking for a unique marriage between traditional and contemporary Indian cuisine. While Veda is noticed for its rustic charm, and with the innovative menu that heaves flavours of Mughlai and North Indian cuisine under the aesthetic touch of Bal. Cibo, a much younger venture, offered nice Italian-Indian cuisine while keeping the inside lively as if Bal had merely gone shopping for the setting.
Known for his warmth and larger-than-life personality, Bal’s love of food and fashion reflected his appreciation for the finer details in life. He often termed cooking and dining as simply an extension of his art, where each dish embodied the creativity he brought into his couture creations. Friends and colleagues describe him as a passionate artist and a generous friend, with enthusiasm for life as effervescent as his designs.
The legacy of Bal in the runway world is unparalleled and will leave an indelible mark on Indian fashion and a hole in the industry that will not easily be filled. Like his designs, his restaurants test the ability to blend tradition with modernity.