Actor Arjun Rampal turned heads as the showstopper for designer Rohit Bal’s final collection, “Kash-Gul,” on the sixth day of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, held on July 28 at Delhi’s iconic Taj Palace. This moment was more than just fashion-it was an emotional tribute to a legendary designer who passed away on November 1, 2024.
A walk to remember: Arjun Rampal on the ramp
Dressed in a black velvet sherwani adorned with silver embroidery, Arjun Rampal walked the ramp with understated grace. Midway through his walk, he paused, pointed towards the sky, and looked up-an unmistakable gesture of remembrance for his late friend Rohit Bal, lovingly known in the fashion world as Gudda.
After the show, Rampal addressed the press, emotionally stating, 'Legends never die.' He reminisced about Rohit Bal’s vibrant energy and his ability to infuse joy into fashion. “Rohit never took fashion too seriously. He used to say, fashion should be fun-and his collections reflected that spirit every time,” Rampal shared.
The fragrance of memory
Describing the deeply personal experience of wearing the outfit, Rampal recalled, “When I opened the sherwani bag, it carried Gudda’s fragrance-something unique that only his creations have. I’ve never worn anything that felt so personal.”
The actor also lauded Bal’s team, who presented the posthumous collection with grace and creativity. “He must be dancing up there, feeling proud. This was truly a tribute he would have loved.”
Kash-Gul
The collection titled "Kash-Gul" was a poetic celebration of Kashmir’s natural beauty, interwoven with inspiration from ‘Gulistan,’ the famed garden of flowers. Fraze Tasnim, Creative Director at Rohit Bal Couture, said, “KASH-GUL is a reflection of Rohit Bal’s soul. Each stitch holds a memory, and every silhouette evokes a sense of home.”
Rich textures like Chanderi, Matka silk, and velvet formed the base of the ensembles, which were elevated with fine threadwork, gold zardozi, and hues of ivory, black, and deep wine.
This wasn’t the first time Rampal walked for Bal. The two shared a long-standing creative partnership, including memorable shows like the “Gulbagh” finale years ago.
As the curtain fell on “Kash-Gul,” one thing was clear-Rohit Bal’s legacy continues to live on in every thread, every smile, and every dance step on the ramp.
