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India’s fashion industry is in mourning following the death of iconic fashion designer Rohit Bal, who passed away on Friday after a long illness.

It was announced that Bal died due to heart complications on Friday.

Affectionately known as “”Gudda” was called a “creative genius” and “a visionary whose designs stand the test of time” by his fans in the industry. He was 63 years old.

Bal, who once described himself as “an artist, not a commercial designer”, made a surprise final show at Lakme Fashion Week two weeks ago. She walked the ramp after introducing her much-anticipated collection. Kaaynaat: A Flower in the Universe.

She not only walked the ramp but also showed a high mood by shaking her leg with the dashing Ananya Pandey.

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Bal gained admiration in both Hollywood and Bollywood, designing for celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford.

“I am shattered. He was in high spirits at his last performance. He was looking forward to the future. She was ecstatic as she watched her creations walk down the ramp,” said Sunil Sethi, president, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

Born in Srinagar, Kashmir, in 1961, Bal attended Woodlands House School and Burn Hall School before moving to Delhi. He graduated with honors in history from St Stephen’s College and later joined his family’s export business. She rose to fame with her eponymous label in the 90s with her first independent collection celebrating Kashmiri heritage.

in 1996 Time magazine called him India’s “Master of Fabrics and Fancy” and in 2001 he was awarded Designer of the Year at the Kingfisher Fashion Achievement Awards.

In a career that spanned three decades, Bal became known for his intricate craftsmanship using lotus and peacock motifs and rich fabrics such as velvet and brocade. His work is inspired by Indian grandeur and royalty.

In his own words, Bal describes himself as a designer who “combines the right mix of history, folklore, village art and dying arts to create creative and innovative masterpieces for catwalks and fashion talks.”

Shefalee Vasudev, editor-in-chief Voice of Fashion“His architecture was ostentatious, his personality was radiant, and his creative openness was terrific,” he said.

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“Bal’s very restrained Anarkalis, lehenga-cholis and sherwanis rivaled in beauty her motifs of lotuses, roses, peacocks and nature’s bounty.”

Journalist Vir Sanghvi said: “He left too soon. A king among designers. A prince among men. He was famous for over thirty years. But he never stopped being an ordinary guy, always smiling, always a friend first and a creative genius second. The world is a poorer place without it.”

Actress Sonam Kapoor wrote a note for him: “Dear friend, I heard that you passed away on my way to celebrate Diwali with your magnificent work that you generously lent me for the second time. I am so lucky to have known you and have worn you and walked for you so many times, I hope you will always be the greatest You are at peace with your admirer.

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Producer Karan Johar described her as a “pioneering and well-intentioned legend” and said he was amazed by her latest collection. He said he was a “stunning artist, craftsman, fashion legend.”

“I told myself that I wanted to wear her last collection on Diwali and wanted some of her stunning pieces… Unknowingly, I wore it last night, clicked some pictures and got into my car and then read the heartbreaking news of her demise…”

He was among the f’sNew Indian celebrities who openly identify as gay. He once said in a television interview that he understood the pressures that keep people closeted.

“I wish there were more prominent people who were open about these kinds of issues,” he added. “Personally, I don’t care what people think about me. “If anyone wants to judge me, let them judge me by what I am and what I have accomplished, not by who I slept for.”

His body was brought to his home in Delhi, where he will be buried among friends and family members on Saturday.

Bal has avoided attention in recent years due to health problems. It has been reported that he has been suffering from heart disease since last year.