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Being Bal
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Rohit Bal wants to design for the Pope!
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Photo: R.V. Moorthy
The showman Rohit Bal
Rohit Bal needs no introduction as his work is testimony to his enduring significance in the world of fashion. Known for his sophisticated cuts and breathing fabrics, the flamboyant designer has carved out a niche across the globe.
For his outstanding contributions to the Indian fashion industry, Rohit Bal was given the ‘Glory of India Award’ at a seminar, “Indo-Thai Economic Co-operation”, organised by the Institute of Economic Studies (IES), Delhi, at the India Habitat Centre recently.
Having access to the best raw material and workmanship, Rohit has meticulous knowledge of tailoring and fabrics which allows him to stand out in the booming fashion industry. Rohit has been profiled as ‘India’s master of fabric and fantasy’ by Time magazine in 1996, and his list of clients includes celebrities like Anna Kournikova, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson and Naomi Campbell. Asked if there is any particular personality he dreams to design clothes for, he says, “I have a dream to design for Pope Benedict, but I know it is a fantasy and this is what fantasy is all about.”
Rohit, called Gudda by his friends, doesn’t mind being brutally frank about his views. He attracted a lot of attention when he professed his love for a male model. “Why should one fear to reveal the truth?” asks Rohit.
On the growing activities of the self-styled moral police in India, Rohit says, “Nobody has the right to interfere in anybody’s private life unless somebody is being hurt, and in a democracy it is tough to force rules which target only a particular section of the society.”
Recently, A.R. Rahman flaunted a midnight blue sherwani and a bandgala designed by Rohit when he went up to receive the BAFTA for Slumdog Millionare. “I have great praise for Rahman and I think he is beyond the Oscars,” he says.
Though there are ample opportunities in India for designers, Rohit feels we are far behind when compared to other countries. “We are children compared to the European nations. Indian designers need financial aid and sponsors so that they can show their talent by organising different shows in various cities, and our government has a great role to play in it.”
The so-called Bad Boy of Indian fashion does not consider himself religious and believes, “We have invented God because of our own problems. What I feel is that God is near to purity of thought and a natural part of ourselves. It means enlightenment and self-realisation.”
The charisma of Kashmir, his birthplace, can be seen in his personality. Rohit, a History (Honours) graduate of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, who also trained at the National Institute of Fashion Technology, started with his first line in 1990 with traditional designer wear for men.
SANJEEV VERMA
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