Rohit Bal, a loving remembrance of an iconic couturier whose brand Rohit Bal Designs has reshaped Indian fashion while staying rooted in its soul. These memories are not about the legend, but about a younger sibling, a brother-in-law, and an uncle. What follows comes straight from their hearts.
“Well, where do we begin? What do you write about someone you’ve known since the day he was born?”, says his eldest brother, Rakesh Bal. “Rohit was born to our mother, Rajan and her second husband, Prakash Bal on 8th May 1961. He joined Aruna, Neera, Rajiv and me – a fair, golden-haired, blue-eyed doll who quickly became everyone’s favourite. We grew up in Srinagar and Gulmarg, surrounded by Chinar trees, floral meadows, mountains and lakes – an environment that became his lifelong inspiration.”
Anila, his sister-in-law, ally and confidante, recalls, “Rohit came into my life when I married Rakesh in 1973. He was 12, I was 22. We bonded instantly, he called me Anila Bhabhi or ‘A.B.’ The support he gave me through my difficult times stayed with me forever. As a student – first at Burn Hall, Srinagar, then Delhi Public School and on to St. Stephens College, Delhi University – he was diligent, intelligent and sociable.”
She smiles at simpler memories: “He would return from school at 4 pm with friends, all hungry. They complimented every thing I prepared – even my early cooking disasters! In summer, we’d sneak off to Nigeen Club with my then four year old son Aaditya, where I taught Gudda to swim. He learnt quickly and loved the water.”
Centre: 1973 in Chandigarh: Gudda standing behind the bridal couple, Anila and Rakesh Bal. They are flanked by their brothers Preet Bedi and Rajiv Bal.
Right: 1975: Gudda holding his nephew Aaditya Bal.
Rakesh recalls a turning point: “Rohit was just 11 when our father passed away. From then on, I became more than an older brother. He called me bhai sahib. Despite his global success, he ensured the family was always together for his shows and openings. We lived under one roof in Jorbagh, New Delhi, till around the year 2000. Rohit in the barsati, with a constant stream of young models like Sheetal Malhar, Shyamolie Verma, and Arjun Rampal around the breakfast table. He helped many an aspiring model, actor and younger designers find their space.”
Gulmarg remained his sanctuary. He returned often, enjoying long walks across green meadows, gazing at the snow-capped mountains and sun bathing. Gudda just loved it!
Anila remembers his early personality: “He enjoyed travelling, long holidays, dancing through the ‘discotheque’ years, and was always humming, especially “Seasons in the Sun”. While still at school, he declared he wanted to be a fashion designer – an unusual choice then. But he had an inherent sense of design and style even then. In fact, he taught me how to drape a saree properly!”
Rajiv Bal adds, “In 1979, I set up my export company (Orchid Overseas Pvt. Ltd.) in South Extension, New Delhi. While still studying History Honours in St. Stephen’s College, in the early 1980s, Gudda would help with packing and finishing of the items, eventually working across departments.
“When NIFT opened in 1986, he asked to study design – I agreed. After he graduated, we set up Rohit Bal Designs Pvt. Ltd. and were the two Directors. To Gudda creativity came naturally. He focused on designing ‘Lines’ for export related buyers, while I supported operations. The rest is history.”
Centre: A cosy dinner with brothers and bhabhi at Gudda’s home.
Right: 2023 May: Bal family celebrates Gudda’s birthday. Seen L to R: niece Rubina Singh, brothers Rajiv, Rakesh & Gudda, Anila Bhabhi and nephew Pranav.
During the 1990 unrest in Kashmir, Rakesh and Anila also moved to Delhi. Seeing she was at a loss about what to do, Rohit told Anila, “If you like, come work with me. Start tomorrow.” She did, and stayed by his side for decades, working with him from 1990 till 2015. She was officially his first ‘employee’ as she jests.
“This was when Gudda was becoming Rohit Bal,” Anila says. “He influenced how India dressed – reviving long flowing kurtas, sherwanis and bandhgalas when Western trends dominated. I learnt everything on the job and eventually managed many aspects of his business.”
She recalls his designing mind vividly: “In his office was a perpetual embroidery frame. His designs and creative ideas were being translated directly by his craftsmen. Once he experimented with copper instead of gold and silver zari – when it didn’t work, as the copper wire was too thick, he turned it into exquisite copper rose buttons for his sherwanis. It was just a matter of time and copper wire came into the market as a fashion statement.
Anila, who was by then Head of Sales at Rohit Bal Designs, adds, “He would bounce ideas off me. I couldn’t disagree with his brilliance! From Rohit I learnt understanding and appreciation of fashion. He has quite influenced who I am today. And was kind enough to acknowledge my influence in his life and success. He dealt with life on his own terms and believed in his vision. Someone once told him to ‘design for the popular market’. He replied, “I don’t care if this doesn’t sell – I’m making it because I believe in it”
“In 2023 he was already battling his illness when he put together his last grand show held at the Imperial Hotel, New Delhi, It was his Swan Song. It was such a strenuous effort for him,” she recollects. Then softly adds, “For me, he was always that endearing 12-year-old boy.”
He was the favourite Uncle to all his nephews and nieces, and this sentiment is summed up, very aptly by Meghna Bal. “Being a child around adults is not easy, not least because there is a tendency to either patronise, ignore, or shoo us away. But my uncle always engaged us like we were people. He was never dismissive, always kind, and made us feel like he enjoyed our company – and that is how he treated the people who came into his life.”
Centre: Gudda loved spending time with underprivileged children, beyond social barriers.
Right: 2023: L to R: Anila, Gudda, niece Meghna and nephew Madhav Bal at Gudda’s last Fashion Show….his Swan Song — at Imperial Hotel, New Delhi.
Rakesh reflects on his brother’s accomplishments: “Success is an amalgamation of sheer talent, skill, research, passion, business acumen, production capability, marketing skills, man-management, charm and perseverance – not the family background. Indeed, Gudda had all this in abundance, and had the staying power to sustain his business for several decades. Even today, Rohit Bal Designs continues as a tribute to him.”
Anila’s voice turns emotional: “He was a simple, happy soul, deeply a family man. He adored his siblings and was the favourite uncle. Loved and respected by so many, his loss has left an eternal void.”
Rajiv echoes the grief: “We all were very protective towards our youngest brother. And we also had a lot of fun together. His great sense of humour was unmatched. We all were mutually there for each other. He stood by me when I nearly lost my life during COVID. Even these recollections are making my heart heavy with sadness and despair. Losing him felt like losing my own child.”
All his nephews and nieces had their special connections with him. He was deeply concerned and involved in their lives, and loved spending time with them and guiding them, when and where ever he could.
Rohit Bal – always his family’s Gudda – left too soon, at 63. On 8th May 2026, he would have turned 66.
Photo credits – Anila Bal and Rohit Bal Designs
Amita Sarwal
After practising homoeopathy for 10 years, Amita Sarwal changed her career path. Since 1973 she has been writing on lifestyle, personalities, architecture, interiors and travel. In Singapore, she was an Editor with Editions Didier Millet for pictorial encyclopedias, books and magazines. Her personal milestone continues to be The Spirit of SKV – Chronicle of a Girls’ School, to mark the Golden Jubilee (2006) of her alma mater, Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior. To showcase the exemplary work being done by Changemakers / Unsung Heroes, Amita now focuses on writing about how they are elevating the lives of the socially disadvantaged.
Rohit Bal was an icon in Indian fashion industry, really enjoyed reading about him – the person that he was behind the big name.
Loved reading about this very personal side of Rohit Bal.
Enjoyed reading this article – well written with much empathy. I must admit that I had never heard of this Rohit Bal ( live in Frankfurt ) and am now curious to see his designs.
Keep it up Amita and thanks for forwarding!
Lovely article, Amita! Wonderful to see a celebrity through the family’s eyes!
Dear Amita,
What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Rohit Bal. Through your words and the family’s memories, the warmth, sensitivity, and spirit of ‘Gudda’ truly come alive beyond the iconic designer the world knew. So thoughtful of you and Anila to bring together such an intimate remembrance on his birthday….
Thank you for a great write up on our dear Gudda – Rohit Bal to the world. His loss is deeply felt by Family, Friends, his employees and so many whose hearts he touched.
Thank you, Amita, for this glimpse into the person he was.
Amita, enjoyed reading the article as lovingly remembered by the family members.
We knew Rohit Bal as a fashion icon of our times almost on a pedestal.This article shows him as a family man loved by one and all.Thanks for the article and lovely photographs.
Very well expressed. Very heart warming peak into “,Gudda’s” life.
Very well written article Amita on one of India’s most celebrated fashion designer , seeing him through the eyes of his dear ones . The pictures attached do full justice to the article displaying a more affectionate and human side that he carried – ‘A Family Man ‘ who loved everyone ! Thanks for sharing !
Wonderful article as always Amita, didn’t know much about Rohit Bal beyond that he was a fantastic designer and put iIndia on the Global map , his clothes were always extraordinary both in designs and cut, but what stood out about your article was the hidden Rohit or ” Gudda ‘ (as he was fondly called by his family, friends and even the ones who knew him as a profolic fashion designer and icon ) that he was simple family guy at heart and loved by all those who knew him personally and professionally. His bhabhi Anila talks about him as a loving , helpful and generous human who loved kids, nature and was also passionate about his craft. He has left a void which very few designers can hope to achieve in terms of name , fame, or fortune. God bless him in whichever realm he is in and grant him peace eternally.
What a lovely tribute to the amazing fashion icon Rohit Bal. So enjoyed reading the article. Gives such an insight to the real person he was.
Amita and Anila. How beautifully collaborated. Magnificent tribute to the person behind the celebrity. You write with your heart Amita and the person comes alive through your writings. Thank you both for providing this wonderful sight. ❤️
A touching, heartwarming and inspiring tribute to a life of creativity, artistry and passion dedicated to elevating Indian couture, a once in a generation groundbreaking artist lost too soon 💔
What a heartfelt tribute Amita.
Rohit Bal was an art , culture and kindness woven together .His legacy is timeless.It acknowledges both his design legacy and his personal nature which the article focused on.A true legend whose spirit will continue to inspire.
Such a moving and beautifully nuanced piece on Rohit Bal. I knew of the legendary designer, but through your writing, the family man and the person behind those creative masterpieces came alive so vividly. Truly heartfelt and wonderfully written.
Wishing Guddu a very happy birthday!
Getting to know more about this iconic fashion designer and how his family remembers him, through this nicely put together article. Lovely remembrance with nice family moments captured in the pics.
Beautiful heartfelt memories , may his soul rest in peace , his was a talent beyond compare .
That was a beautiful write-up on my cousin, Rohit (Gudda). It truly captured the essence of the person he was. We grew up together in Srinagar — the land of breathtaking beauty — and wherever one cast their eyes, there was inspiration to be found. I could always see traces of that beauty reflected in his shows and creations.
Even as a child, I remember him being full of life, warmth, and love. He had an extraordinary passion for style and presentation, not just for himself but for others as well. It came as no surprise that fashion eventually became his calling. Watching him rise to such great heights was a matter of immense pride for me.
He was truly a torchbearer and trendsetter in Indian fashion. What I admired most was his unwavering love for Indian colours, fabrics, and attire. Through his vision and creativity, the world came to appreciate the timeless elegance and splendour of Indian clothing.
On a personal level, since we were almost the same age, there was always an easy, light-hearted banter between us. He was witty, intelligent, deeply caring, and wonderfully alive in spirit. His presence is missed beyond words. He left far too soon.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, wherever he may be.
We spent many a childhood Sundays together in Srinagar. Gudda was fun to be around with. We would meet very less as we grew up but whenever we did he was extremely warm , caring, and welcoming.
He took the family name to heights not known before.
Wonderful article so well expressed as always. What a heartfelt tribute Amita.Very thoughtful of you and Anila to come together and remember the ICON ROHIT BAL to the world and the family man Gudda .Anila I know was very close to him and was shattered when they lost him.Thanks for the article and lovely family photographs
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me togethend remember the ICON ROHIT BAL to the
Wonderful Article so well expressed as always. What a heartfelt tribute Amita.Very thoughtful of you and Anila to come together and remember the ICON ROHIT BAL to the world and the family man Gudda .Anila I knew was very close to him and was shattered when they lost him .
Thanks for the article and lovely photographs
A lovely, balanced piece on Rohit Bal—it was refreshing to see not just his iconic designer persona, but also his personal side. Heartwarming to know he was such a warm and grounded family man.
Truly a well-written article.
The article gives a loving insight into the life & personality of the iconic fashion designer.
Enjoyed reading it.💞
The article gives a loving insight into the life & personality of the iconic fashion designer.
Enjoyed reading it.💞
I have always admired the genius of Rohit Bal as any fan would but never got to know about him as from this article writeup. Takes one on a sketch trip of his life, introduces us to his family and brings closer what his passion meant to him and how it translated into his creativity.
What a beautiful tribute to Gudda. True genius. Loved it.