Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) President Sunil Sethi, in an exclusive interview with India Today Digital, paid an emotional tribute to legendary designer Rohit Bal, who passed away recently. Regarded as one of India’s most creative and beloved designers, Bal’s influence has spanned decades, inspiring countless young designers and setting an unmatched standard in Indian fashion.

Reflecting on the irreplaceable loss, Sethi shared: “Saare Hindustan is a chalna chahiye with Rohit Bal nahi aa sakta. Ek hello Rohit Bal, India, works as a creative and mentor to young designers. Aur aaj wo humare beech mein nahi hai, humein iska itna afsos hai, bata nahi sakta.” (The whole of India should know that Rohit Bal will not come again. He was India’s most creative and beloved designer, the mentor of countless young designers. Today he is no longer with us and I cannot express the depth of our pain.)

Sethi recalled Rohit Bal’s last show on October 13 and described it as an unforgettable show of resilience and passion despite the designer’s health issues. “Agar aap pekhenge ki upar koi india ka designer hua hi nahi” remarked Sethi, “ana 30 saal se Rohit ko janta tha aur aap yakeen maaniye ki Rohit jitna creative executive, attention to detail har cheez – music, model selection, guest selection, media selection – har cheez khud karta tha kyunki wo har fan maula ki is a national treasure humara.” (There has never been a designer like him in India. I have known Rohit for 30 years and believe me, his creativity and attention to detail were unmatched in everything from music to models to guest and media selection. He was a master of every skill. He was our national treasure)

Talking about Rohit Bal’s endurance, Sethi explained how Bal continues to transfer his energy to his work despite having back pain and health problems. “Uski health theek nahi thi phir bhi 56 saal ke baad bhi show toh kiya“he said.”Aisa show jo sabke aaj tak se zyada… log ro rahe the dekhke Rohit ko ki dershiye, abhi bhi kar raha hai.” (He was not in good health, but even at the age of 56 he still managed to present a show. It was a show like no other; people were moved to tears watching it and seeing his dedication.)

Sethi also talked about their recent conversation, discussing Bal’s dream of holding a fashion show in Srinagar. “Last speech ye thi ki yeh show toh ho gaya ab agla show, ana Srinagar mein karunga kyunki wo Kashmir“he remembered.”Wahan ki boats pe show karenge aur hum toh har samay raazi the, kyuki waisa show toh humein kahi aur mil nahi sakta.” (Our last conversation was about his next show which he wanted to do in Srinagar as he is Kashmiri. He wanted to do it on boats there and we were always ready to support him because you won’t find such a show anywhere else.)

Rohit Bal’s demise has left an indelible void in Indian style, with his legacy remembered as a national treasure. Her creativity, vision and unparalleled dedication to craft will continue to inspire the fashion industry for generations to come.