New Delhi, July 29 — Actor Arjun Rampal turned showstopper at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, delivering an emotional tribute to his late friend and celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 63. The event, held at the Taj Palace, showcased Bal’s final collection, Kash-Gul, a poetic homage to Kashmir and the timeless beauty of Gulistan—the garden of flowers.
Rampal walked the ramp in a regal black velvet sherwani adorned with silver leopard motifs, a signature of Bal’s bold aesthetic. Midway through his walk, he paused, patted his heart, and pointed skyward—a silent gesture of remembrance for the designer affectionately known as “Gudda.” Speaking to the media, Rampal shared, “When I unzipped the sherwani, there was a fragrance—like Gudda’s. It’s something I’ve never experienced with any other outfit. It felt personal, like he was still with us.”
The Kash-Gul collection featured layered silhouettes in Chanderi, matka silk, and velvet, embellished with gold zardozi and fine threadwork. Presented in hues of ivory, black, and deep wine, the garments reflected Bal’s deep connection to Kashmir and his philosophy that “fashion is fun and should never be taken too seriously.” Models wore red roses in their hair and minimal makeup, while the soundtrack transitioned from soulful Kashmiri melodies to Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” culminating in ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” as Rampal took the stage.
The show concluded with a celebratory dance on the ramp, echoing Bal’s tradition of ending his showcases with joy and movement. FDCI President Sunil Sethi remarked, “With Arjun walking the ramp, many saw Gudda dancing and applauding from above.”
Bal’s design team described the collection as a reflection of his soul, with each stitch carrying memory and meaning. Rampal praised the team’s effort, saying, “He must be dancing up there, proud of what you’ve created. Legends never die—they live on.”
