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Rohit Bal, one of India's top fashion designers, dies of cardiac arrest at the age of 63

Raymond Group chairman Gautam Singhania said he was heartbroken to say goodbye to an “incredible friend”.

New Delhi:

Rohit Bal, one of India's most renowned fashion designers, has died at the age of 63.

A friend of the designer told NDTV that Bal was in intensive care a week before his last show in October. He was discharged and admitted to Delhi's Aashlok Hospital on Wednesday, where he died of cardiac arrest on Friday.

In a post on Instagram, the Fashion Design Council of India recalled the contributions of the fashion icon, who was also known as Gudda.

“We mourn the passing of legendary designer Rohit Bal. He was a founding member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Known for his unique blend of traditional patterns with modern sensibilities, Bal's work has redefined Indian fashion and inspired generations. His.” “The legacy of artistry, innovation and forward-thinking will live on in the world of fashion,” the council wrote.

FDCI president Sunil Sethi said the designer will be cremated on Saturday.

“It is true that he died. He had a cardiac arrest…heart failure. Rohit was a legend, we are completely shocked at the moment. We are trying to work out details for the cremation tomorrow,” Mr Sethi told news agency PTI.

Born in Srinagar, Bal began his career in 1986 and rose to become one of the biggest names in the Indian fashion industry. He was awarded Designer of the Year at the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006 and the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001. He was also named Lakme Grand Finale Designer in 2012.

After battling illness, the designer returned to the runway at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI last month, where he showcased his collection 'Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe'. Lakme's brand ambassador, actress Ananya Panday walked the ramp as the showstopper in a signature Rohit Bal ensemble.

Raymond Group Chairman Gautam Singhania mourned the designer's death, calling him an “incredible friend.”

“It breaks my heart to say goodbye to an incredible friend. You have brought so much light, laughter and kindness into the lives of everyone around you. I am grateful for every moment we shared, every laugh, every conversation. We will miss you.” Words, but your spirit will live on in all of us. Rest peacefully my friend,” he wrote in a post on X.

Journalist Vir Sanghvi said the world would be a poorer place without Bal.

“RIP Rohit Bal. Gone too soon. A king among designers. A prince among men. He was famous for over three decades. But he never stopped being a normal guy, always ready for a laugh, always a friend first and a creative genius second. The world is a poorer place without him,” Mr. Sanghvi wrote.

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