Tears & cheers for Rohit Bal at ICW 2025

Actor Arjun Rampal turned the runway into a heartfelt tribute at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 as he walked for his late friend and celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal, lovingly called Gudda by those who knew him best.

Wearing an all-black velvet sherwani, Rampal looked elegant and poised. The outfit, long and regal in style, shimmered subtly under the lights. But it wasn’t just about the fashion. At one point, Arjun Rampal looked up and pointed toward the sky, as if sending a silent message to his dear friend.

Rampal, when asked about the emotions he was carrying as he walked the runway for his late friend, said, “I had to hold them in; that’s what I had to do. It was difficult. He was my mentor, friend, best friend, great designer, great teacher, and brother. I’ll tell you a secret about Rohit Bal. He said ‘Fashion is fun; never take it seriously.’”

Arjun had walked for the ace designer at several shows, including the grand finale of his Kashmir-inspired collection, Gulbagh, where he was the showstopper.

The show ended on a note that only Gudda could inspire. Models broke into a spontaneous dance, a signature Rohit Bal finale. The audience rose in a standing ovation. Attendees were also visibly teary-eyed.

The collection, titled Kash-Gul, took inspiration from the calm beauty of Kashmir and the poetic charm of Gulistan, a garden of flowers. Rich in craft and emotion, the pieces were created using chanderi, matka silk and velvet. Delicate gold zardozi and threadwork added grace, while a palette of black, ivory, and wine added depth.

Bal, who was 63 at the time of his passing, had been struggling with a heart ailment for some time. He left for his heavenly abode on November 1 last year.

Janhvi shines

Janhvi Kapoor on Monday channelled her inner desi girl but with a modern twist at India Couture Week in Delhi.

The diva strutted down the ramp for designer Jayanti Reddy in an exquisite embellished fish cut lehenga with saree like pleats from below knees. She paired the blush pink lehenga with a blouse featuring a plunging sweetheart neckline.

The cold-shoulder sleeves were adorned with beaded chain embellishments draping over the upper arms, adding a regal, jewelry-inspired effect.

The long duppatta was draped in a modern way, and no doubt, it perfectly reimagined the Indian ethnic ensemble.