Gudda’s last bow: Remembering Rohit Bal’s timeless impact on fashion

Rohit Bal affectionately known as ldquoGuddardquo was a revolutionary force in Indian fashionmdasha designer who didnrsquot just create garments but crafted a visual language that redefined what Indian couture could be His passing leaves a void in the fashion world but his legacy lives on through his deeply influential work which merged centuriesold traditions with an unapologetically modern spiritBalrsquos designs were more than clothing they were narratives Each collection told a story of Indian identity honouring our cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion In an industry where trends can fade in an instant Balrsquos work remains timeless forever imprinted on the psyche of Indian fashionA legacy carved in craftsmanship and cultureAt a time when global fashion was dominated by Western aesthetics Bal championed Indiarsquos own intricate craftsmanship His work celebrated traditional handwork from delicate embroidery to handwoven textiles often collaborating with artisans who brought his vision to life His collections were filled with cultural motifs lotuses peacocks and Mughalinspired floral patterns that paid homage to Indiarsquos rich artistic legacy while his modern cuts and silhouettes made them relevant to todayrsquos worldBalrsquos take on the classic ldquoangrakhardquo silhouette for instance transformed the garment into something bold opulent and unmistakably Indian He brought age old regal styles into the present infusing his pieces with a sophistication that made them just as likely to appear on the runway in Paris as at a wedding in Jaipur His designs bridged the gap between the past and future creating a distinctly Indian narrative that resonates around the worldGlobal recognition and redefining Indian fashion on the world stageBalrsquos genius was not confined to Indiarsquos borders He was among the first Indian designers to make an impact on the global stage showcasing his collections in Paris London and New York where his work was celebrated for its authenticity and depth His shows were not just displays of fashion they were cultural dialogues For instance at New York Fashion Week his presentation highlighted the splendour of Indian craftsmanship drawing attention to the fact that Indiarsquos textiles and artisans were worthy of global acclaimHis international acclaim helped elevate Indian fashion to a new level proving that the world was ready and eager to embrace Indiarsquos aesthetics Bal showed Western audiences that Indian fashion was not simply a niche it was a force rich with stories and steeped in beauty This international recognition helped pave the way for Indian designers to gain global traction leaving behind a legacy that others could build onFashion as art and expression beyond trendsRohit Bal was one of the few designers who viewed fashion as an art form rather than a commercial enterprise His collections were never just about the seasonrsquos latest trends Instead he explored deeper themes using fashion as a medium for expression Take his ldquoKashmiriyatrdquo collection which was a tribute to his roots in Kashmir In it he wove together the symbols and stories of the Valley blending nostalgia and artistry to create a collection that was as poetic as it was powerfulHis famed ldquoGulbaghrdquo collection rich with florals and inspired by Mughal gardens is another example of his thematic approach Through fabrics and forms he presented a vision of India that was lush romantic and unapologetically Indian Bal used his collections to highlight the heritage of various regions promoting Indian art forms like lsquozardozirsquo lsquogota pattirsquo and lsquochikankarirsquo to new audiences and creating renewed appreciation for the centuriesold techniquesALSO READ Do housewives find a sense of belonging in their rolesMemories from the industry Tahir Shabbir remembers Balrsquos magicActor Tahir Shabbir who had the honour of wearing Balrsquos creations shared touching memories that capture the essence of Balrsquos influence ldquoRohitrsquos designs made you feel like you were draped in a piece of Indiarsquos historyrdquo he recalled ldquoThere was a depth to his work that went beyond fashion When I put on one of his pieces it was like stepping into a story one that connected me to something much larger than myselfrdquoShabbir further reflected on Balrsquos unique ability to fuse elegance with a sense of rootedness ldquoRohit understood the Indian spirit like no one else He could take the simplest elementsmdasha lotus a peacock feather the richness of Kanjeevaram and turn them into something ethereal Every outfit carried his warmth and energy For those of us who wore his designs it wasnrsquot just about looking good it was about feeling a part of his artistic visionrdquoAs Shabbir described it ldquoHis passing feels like a collective loss not only for the fashion industry but for all of us who found ourselves in his creations He gave us pride in who we are and showed us what Indian design could achieve on a global stagerdquoBalrsquos spirit of generosity and influence on the next generationBeyond his breathtaking work Rohit Bal was known for his generosity within the fashion industry Young designers remember his encouragement his readiness to offer advice and his belief in sharing knowledge freely His legacy is visible in the work of a new generation of designers who see him as a mentor guiding them not just in style but in characterMany recall moments when Bal would drop into design schools to offer spontaneous advice to students or speak at fashion events where he would generously share his insights and visions He was not just a designer but a teacher and a mentor who understood that building an industry meant uplifting everyone around himHonouring a lasting legacyRohit Balrsquos passing is a profound loss not only for those who knew him personally but for everyone who loves Indian fashion His contributions are timeless he gave us a new way to look at our own heritage and inspired pride in our cultural identity His legacy is etched in every intricate motif every grand silhouette and every piece of Indian couture that now walks the worldrsquos runwaysBalrsquos contributions werenrsquot limited to fashion His identity and advocacy for LGBTQ representation in a conservative society left a lasting impact He openly embraced his sexuality and condemned stereotypical portrayals in Bollywood striving for nuanced authentic representationIn the words of his dear friend Suvir Saran GuddamdashRohit Balrsquos cherished nicknamemdashwas more than just a fashion icon he was a lifeline for many especially those navigating their identities in an era when few openly gay figures existed in India Saran who met Bal at the tender age of 14 recounts the profound impact Gudda had on his life offering him warmth comfort and an inspiring sense of freedom Their bond remained strong over nearly four decades with Gudda becoming a constant source of strength during Saranrsquos most trying timesSaran vividly recalls Guddarsquos humour their shared confidences and the gentle support Gudda offered even as his own health declined Balrsquos warmth extended beyond friendship embodying the essence of Indian hospitality inviting people into his world and encouraging others to express their truthsIn his final days Balrsquos humour remained intact Even as he battled illness he complimented Saranrsquos colourful attire embodying his eternally stylish generous spirit Moments after Saran left his hospital room Gudda peacefully passed away a bittersweet farewell that still resonates deeply Reflecting on his friendrsquos life Saran honours Guddarsquos legacy not with sorrow but with gratitude for a relationship as unique as the designer himselfAs we look back on his journey we invite readers to reflect on how his work has transformed not just fashion but the way we view ourselves Rohit Balrsquos vision was bold beautiful and boundless and it is one that will inspire Indian couture for generations to come