7 fashion insiders remember Rohit Bal, the mentor, the friend

Rohit Bal’s journey in the fashion industry is one for the books. From his early days working alongside his brother at an export house, he immersed himself in the world of fabrics, patterns, and intricate designs, building the foundation for his future success. Four years later, he unveiled a collection that merged craftsmanship with opulence—and he never looked back.  

As news of his passing spread last night, the fashion world felt an immense void that will be hard to fill. This sentiment rings true for everyone who knew him—as a designer, friend, confidant, mentor, and much more. While Bal’s mastery and eye for detail will always be celebrated, his warmth, passion, and love for his craft will be cherished forever.

Bazaar India spoke with those closest to him, who shared how he left an indelible mark on their lives.

Siddartha Tytler, Siddartha Tytler 

Rohit Bal was a true legend. I was maybe 17, when I saw his work and decided to become a fashion designer. He is the reason I am who I am today. He has carved paths for many; and mentored countless others. He is truly an icon and he needs to be celebrated. He was an absolute joy in the industry and the industry is nothing without him.

Surily Goel, Surily G

Gudda has always been a mentor to me. I have grown up watching his shows and he does everything with so much flair. When I started (my career) in fashion, I used to go to his fashion week parties and they were wild! He actually taught me what fashion and glam is all about. He has guided me, even corrected my designs. He would also attend my fashion shows in Delhi, standing at the back without any airs, and support every single show of mine and then dissect it. He has been a friend, a mentor, and has just been amazing. He has contributed so much to industry—his finish, his craftsmanship, his passion for fashion… I have grown up wearing Gudda’s clothes, my mother has worn his clothes; there are legacy heirlooms in the family. He was a legend in every sense of the word. He lived life to the fullest. He showed us that work was fun. 

Anaita Shroff Adajania, fashion stylist, lifestyle consultant, creative director

A legend has left us. I am deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Rohit Bal. He was a rare genius, a visionary whose talent knew no bounds, and beyond that, an incredibly warm and loving person. The industry will feel this loss profoundly, especially after the unforgettable show he just gifted us at Fashion Week. His absence creates a void that cannot be filled. Rest in peace and pride, Gudda.

Arjan Dugal, Arjan Dugal

My first memory of the name Rohit Bal was when I was seven. My mother came home wearing a cotton mul anarkali from one of her fashion shows. I remember thinking that (the) outfit was what I (had) imagined when reading mystic tales about India and its costumes. (I wondered) who was the man who perfected it, and that too in cotton mul? I still have that piece in my mother's closet, as perfect as if it were stitched yesterday.

I next had the pleasure to meet Rohit Bal a couple of years later at a Tag Heuer event in Kashmir. My mother, his muse at the time, introduced us, and it was my first-ever fan moment. (I rememver) he was wearing a black velvet jacket with Parsi Gaara embroidery (a classic Rohit Bal look) and off-white pants. The jacket was immaculately stitched—not a seam off center, not a gather on his armhole, not a crease on his chest. He was walking with a beautiful magnolia flower in one hand and would keep smelling it. When he met me, he looked at me as if no one else existed (in the room). For me designers and particularly him reached a legendary status. 

I had the absolute honour of walking for his famous show at the Qutab with Shubha Mudgal. A day before (the show), in classic Gudda style, he came hours late for the fittings but within five minutes he made the whole line-up look alive with his touch of magic. The next day, flowers, lights, and chandeliers adorned each side of the ramp. I was left enchanted. That day, the show-stopping look worn by Arjun Rampal that day has been etched in my memory forever—how Gudda worked with black velvet, no one else could or still can. 

My favourite memory of Gudda was at a wedding in Hyderabad; it was my first year as a designer. Towards the end of the function, my mother, her friend, Gudda and I were talking. In his truly magnanimous fashion, he sat me down and gave me a masterclass for an hour on the origin of my cotton print, the buttons and how neat the buttonholes should be and so on. Ten years since, his influence is still seen in my designs; for instance, the Mother of Pearl buttons.

Throughout my mother’s illness, he would often inquire about our well-being. He would always invite me to a show, a showcase, or an event, offering me a welcome distraction. His kind eyes and genuine, devoted humanity shone through in his actions. They say you should never meet your heroes, but I did—and each time, I walked away inspired.

To Gudda, up above in the heavens—thank you for all you did. For without you, there would be no me or hundreds like me. You inspired generations with your unmatched humility, humanity, and vision. There was and never will be one like you. You had a lasting impression on me, one that at least made me acceptable as a designer. Your legacy lives on and forever will.

Ashish Soni, Ashish N Soni

Gudda has left us and that void can never be filled, both at personal and professional levels. He was a creative genius who wore Kashmir on his sleeve and was extremely proud of his roots. My journey in the fashion world began with him, and I consider myself privileged to have been mentored by him. Fashion aside, his deep knowledge of world history and immaculate aesthetics were his biggest strength. He never let his fame go to his head and was always reachable when one needed him. His family and friends meant the world to him and he was one of the most loyal people I’ve ever known. Style came to him naturally and his love for all things beautiful has been well documented. The fashion world has truly lost an icon but the world has lost one of the most amazing people who I shall miss dearly.

Rasna Bhasin, editor, Harper’s Bazaar India

Growing up, Rohit Bal felt like nothing short of a magician to me. Over the years, I was lucky to witness his magic firsthand, from attending his shows to eventually working alongside him. One of my most cherished memories was a trip to Dubai for Harper’s Bazaar Bride India, where he treated us all with the same care and respect he showed his team. I remember him telling me, “No one is too big or too small—it’s all about respect. When you give respect, you get it back.” That’s who he was at his core: someone who deeply respected his craft, his artisans, and everyone he encountered, spreading love wherever he went. His passing is a profound loss to the Indian fashion industry, and I hope we can honour his legacy and keep his spirit alive. 

Ruchika Mehta, Editor at large, luxury and lifestyle, India Today Group; Editor, Brides Today

Rohit Bal was, is, and will always be India’s most talented and celebrated designer. He was a maverick, he was a magician, and he had a streak of madness in him which only he knew the method to. His light eyes, his smile, his persona, everything was enigmatic…No one knew what was behind the madness of his designs. His love for nature, history, culture and heritage, and his Kashmiri roots which he brought into every aspect of his designs, which he called Kashmirya, will always be remembered…His signature lotus motifs that highlighted every ensemble of his—he saw the beauty of woman and nature in it. Rohit Bal can easily be called the John Galliano of Indian fashion. He is irreplaceable and his legacy is as timeless as his ensembles. Gudda, as we call him lovingly, will always be remembered. I have followed his journey as a young fashion journalist from the late ‘90s till now and it has only been fascinating.

Lead image: Colston Julian

Also read: Remembering Rohit Bal, as India mourns the loss of this legendary designer