Mumbai: Famous fashion designer Rohit Bal passed away on November 1 this year due to a cardiac arrest. Born into a Kashmiri Pandit family in Srinagar on May 8, 1961, Rohit Bal was a trailblazer whose work left an indelible mark on Indian fashion. He was fondly known as “Gudda” in the industry. He launched his career in fashion designing in 1986 when he and his brother founded Orchid Oversea Pvt. Ltd. In 1990, he made his independent collection debut. More than a month has passed since the death of the renowned fashion designer, and now a dispute has arisen over his will, more precisely a dual will. Read the detailed story below.
The late fashion connoisseur Rohit Bal’s Will has become the bone of contention between his close friend and former model Lalit Tehlan and Rohit’s family. This dispute is being called a case of two wills. Rohit’s close friend, Lalit Tehlan, asserts that he holds Rohit’s will, while his brother, Rajiv, claims that neither he nor his family is aware of this will.
According to media reports, Lalit Tehlan has stated that Rohit owned 99 per cent of Rohit Bal Design Private Limited, with just 1 percent belonging to his brother, Rajiv Bal.
In addition, Tehlan has made another shocking claim regarding Rohit’s property. Lalit Tehlan states that most of the property is part of the company, which requires two directors. Reportedly, he asserts that a significant portion, including both movable and immovable assets, will come under his ownership, such as Rohit’s personal home, bank accounts, and fixed deposits. Lalit, the founder of Model and Alexander Jeans, also mentioned that the designer used to pay a generous amount to his cook and driver.
While Tehlan is claiming ownership of Rohit’s property, Rohit’s brother Rajiv, when asked about the will, responded to the media outlet by stating that they have Rohit’s will. He asserted that they cannot comment on anything until they see the will that Lalit claims to have.
Sunil Sethi, the Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), who has been appointed as the executor, said that he wants the process to be transparent and is sure that the will mentions all the beneficiaries.
While speaking to the news agency IANS, Sunil Sethi, the Chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), who has been appointed as the executor, exclusively said that executing Rohit Bal’s (fondly called as Gudda) will, “came as a surprise” to him. “The task of executing late Rohit Bal’s Will, came as a bit of surprise to me. Even though we shared a strong bond this topic was never part of our conversation. However, having said that, the right thing needs to be done. I’m awaiting more information, and details from the lawyers of both the parties involved, Lalit Tehlan and Rohit’s family. After assessing, we will accordingly proceed. Lalit’s lawyer had been in touch and both have shown keenness to show the will – a medical family emergency has delayed this meeting,” Sethi was quoted as saying to the news agency IANS.
Sunil has claimed that he has not seen the details of the will but few parts have been read out to him. He will be witness to them in the next one or two days. This will be done in the presence of both the opposing parties, along with a few friends and well-wishers who were close to Rohit.
Rohit Bal built a remarkable net worth of $1 million to $5 million(Rs 42.4 crores in Indian rupees) by 2023, as reported by fashionabc.org. His brand, Rohit Bal Design, became highly acclaimed for its lavish use of velvet, brocade, and intricate patterns, including his signature lotus and peacock motifs. These distinctive features reflected his passion for Indian culture and luxury, setting his designs apart and making them highly desirable.
