ICW 2025: Arjun Rampal looks to the sky in tribute to late friend Rohit Bal, remembers ‘Gudda’ as his lifelong ‘mentor’

NEW DELHI: Actor Arjun Rampal turned the runway into a heartfelt tribute at the India Couture Week 2025 as he walked for his late friend and celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal, lovingly called ‘Gudda’ by those who knew him best.

Wearing an all-black velvet sherwani, Rampal looked elegant and poised. The outfit, long and regal in style, shimmered subtly under the lights.

But it wasn’t just about the fashion. At one point, Arjun Rampal looked up and pointed toward the sky, as if sending a silent message to his dear friend.

Speaking after the show, Rampal, when asked about the emotions he was carrying as he walked the runway for his late friend, said, “I had to hold them in; that’s what I had to do. It was difficult. He was my mentor, friend, best friend, great designer, great teacher, and brother”.

“I’ll tell you a secret about Rohit Bal. He said, ‘Fashion is fun; never take it seriously’,” he added.

The ‘Don’ actor shared a close bond with Bal. Arjun had walked for the ace designer at several shows, including the grand finale of his Kashmir-inspired collection, Gulbagh, where he was the showstopper.

The show ended on a note that only Gudda could inspire. Models broke into a spontaneous dance, a signature Rohit Bal finale. The audience rose in a standing ovation. Attendees were also visibly teary-eyed.

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The collection, titled Kash-Gul, took inspiration from the calm beauty of Kashmir and the poetic charm of Gulistan, a garden of flowers. Rich in craft and emotion, the pieces were created using Chanderi, matka silk, and velvet. Delicate gold zardozi and threadwork added grace, while a palette of black, ivory, and wine added depth.

Bal, who was 63 at the time of his passing, had been struggling with a heart ailment for some time. He left for his heavenly abode on November 1 last year.

In October 2024, Bal made a return to the runway with his collection “Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe” at Lakme Fashion Week, where he showed his resilience after a challenging year marked by health issues. Unfortunately, it was his last dance on the fashion runway. (ANI)