Rohit Bal passes away at 63: How rich was the Gudda? A look into his net worth, career, awards and more

Rohit Bal’e net worth, career, family, education and more: The fashion industry is deeply saddened by the passing of Rohit Bal, popularly known as "Gudda." The celebrated designer, famous for mixing Indian traditions with modern fashion, passed away on 1st November at the age of 63. Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), confirmed the sad news, sharing that Bal had been facing heart problems for some time. “He had been struggling with a heart ailment. He was rushed to the hospital today but, unfortunately, he didn’t survive,” Sethi informed The Indian Express.

Just two weeks ago, Rohit Bal showcased his final collection at grand finale of Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI in Mumbai,?where he unveiled his much-anticipated collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe, reported in TOI.?

Last December, he had been admitted to intensive care at a private hospital in Gurugram for heart-related issues. After his release, he shared a heartfelt message on social media, thanking everyone for their well wishes.

Rohit Bal's early life, family, education

Rohit Bal was born on 8th May 1961 in Srinagar, Kashmir, into a Kashmiri Pandit family. His father, Duffy Bal, passed away in 1968. He had a brother, Rajeev Bal, and two sisters, Aruna Bal Sharma and Neera Bal. He attended Woodlands House School and Burn Hall School in Srinagar, but his family moved to Delhi in the 1970s due to rising tensions in Kashmir. In Delhi, Gudda continued his schooling at Delhi Public School on Mathura Road, eventually graduating with a degree in History from St. Stephen’s College. Later, he pursued his passion for fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology.

Rohit Bal's Net Worth

Over his long and successful career, Rohit Bal built an impressive net worth estimated at $1 million to $5 million as of 2023, according to fashionabc.org. His brand, Rohit Bal Design, was highly sought after and admired for its rich use of velvet, brocade, and detailed patterns, including his signature lotus and peacock motifs. These elements made his work unique, symbolising his love for Indian culture and luxury.

Rohit Bal’s Career Journey

Rohit Bal’s fashion career began in 1986 when he started a company with his brother, Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd. By 1990, he had launched his first solo collection, quickly establishing himself as a leading designer in Indian fashion. Bal’s designs featured intricate floral patterns, vivid colours, and luxurious styles, which gained him a global following. His clientele included international celebrities such as Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, and Uma Thurman, alongside top Bollywood stars.

Bal’s creativity went beyond clothing. He worked with Khadi Gram Udyog, India’s largest handloom group, and also designed outfits for the popular game show Kaun Banega Crorepati. Throughout his career, he opened stores in several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and Chennai, and also ventured into jewellery design. In one of his key collaborations, he partnered with Biba Apparels to introduce "Biba by Rohit Bal."

Awards and Recognitions

Rohit Bal earned numerous awards throughout his celebrated career. He was named 'Designer of the Year' at both the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006 and the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001. He was honoured as the Lakme Grand Finale Designer in 2012 and, in 2020, was recognised as the "Iconic Fashion Designer of the Country" by the Rajnigandha Pearls India Fashion Awards.

Bal’s impact on Indian fashion extended far beyond the runway. His unique style and dedication to the craft have left a lasting legacy in the industry.

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