New Delhi: The Indian fashion world mourns the loss of one of its most celebrated designers, Rohit Bal, who passed away on November 1, 2024. The 62-year-old designer left an indelible mark on the industry with his visionary style, which seamlessly blended contemporary fashion with traditional Indian elements. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail, Rohit Bal’s death has left a void in the world of haute couture. His passing came just weeks after a celebrated return to the runway at Lakme Fashion Week, where he presented his final collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe.
Although much of Rohit Bal’s medical history was publicly known, fans are left wondering about the circumstances of his passing, especially following his recent comeback at Lakme Fashion Week just weeks ago.
Rohit Bal was admitted to a private hospital in South Delhi, where he tragically passed away on Friday, November 1. Here’s what is known about the designer’s illness and the cause of his death.
Rohit Bal death reason
Sunil Sethi, the president of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), confirmed the passing of designer Rohit Bal, attributing his death to cardiac arrest and heart failure. Sethi shared that Bal had been admitted to Aashlok Hospital in Safdarjung Enclave, where he was under the care of Dr Alok Chopra. Despite the doctors’ intensive efforts, which included attempting to revive him for two hours, Bal tragically could not be saved.
Rohit Bal illness
For those unfamiliar, Rohit Bal faced significant health challenges over the years. In November 2023, he was admitted to the ICU in Gurugram with acute chest pain, where he was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy—a condition that weakens and enlarges the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This health crisis included severe complications, such as heart pain and kidney failure, requiring Bal to remain in intensive care for several days. He was placed on a ventilator for nearly two weeks before eventually being discharged.
This wasn’t the first time Bal faced serious heart issues; in February 2010, he underwent an emergency angioplasty following a heart attack. Despite these struggles, Bal returned to the fashion scene with resilience, making a highly anticipated comeback at the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week in October 2024, where he showcased his final collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe.
