Renowned fashion maestro Rohit Bal is currently hospitalized at Medanta Hospital in the National Capital Region due to complications arising from a pre-existing cardiac condition. The 62-year-old designer, known for his distinctive lotus and peacock motifs, is reportedly in critical condition and is on ventilator support.

Bal’s health struggles have been a matter of concern, with the designer having a history of battling alcohol abuse and its associated health issues. Last November, his family took him to Medanta Hospital in a critical state, with actor and longtime friend Arjun Rampal paying a visit, according to reports. Bal had previously undergone emergency angioplasty in February 2010 after suffering a heart attack.

A prominent figure in the fashion industry, Rohit Bal has been a stalwart supporter of Kashmiri craft and weaves throughout his illustrious career. Recognized for staging grand fashion shows that added flamboyance to the runway, he has been notably absent from public events over the past year due to his declining health.

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According to a close friend of Bal, Monday evening witnessed a deterioration in his condition, prompting the decision to place him on a ventilator. Born on May 8, 1961, in Srinagar, Rohit Bal initiated his career in 1986 by establishing Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd alongside his brother. He later launched his independent collection in 1990, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion.

An alumnus of St. Stephens College, Bal further honed his skills by studying fashion at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Delhi. His contributions to the industry received recognition with the ‘Designer of the Year’ award at the Indian Fashion Awards in 2006 and the ‘Designer of the Year’ accolade at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards in 2001. In 2012, he received the honor of being the Lakme Grand Finale Designer, and in 2020, he got the “Iconic Fashion Designer of the country” by the jury of the Rajnigandha Pearls India Fashion Awards. The fashion fraternity and enthusiasts alike anxiously await updates on the well-being of this iconic designer who has left an indelible mark on India’s fashion landscape.