Last Updated:November 02, 2024, 13:19 IST

Sonam Kapoor pays a heartfelt homage to Rohit Bal’s legacy by wearing his design and sharing treasured memories of their friendship and collaboration.

Sonam Kapoor pays tribute to the legendary Rohit Bal. (Image: Instagram)

Sonam Kapoor, though unfortunately coincidental, was wearing one of Rohit Bal’s beautiful designs when she received the heartbreaking news of his death while travelling to a Diwali celebration. Sonam thought back on their times together and how much she admired his artistic ability through a heartfelt tribute to the legendary designer on her Instagram page.

Sonam Kapoor’s homage to the designer is among the most wholesome tributes any fashionista could have paid for Bal. Sonam Kapoor, a fashion icon in her own right, has worked with Rohit Bal on several occasions and has also walked the runway for his shows. Kapoor paid a moving homage in a recent social media post, and there couldn’t have been a more fitting or appropriate manner to do it. Sonam Kapoor wore a gorgeous fusion of Rohit Bal’s recent and vintage designs for a Diwali party. Sonam wore a golden netted shrug over a white anarkali-style dress. She finished it off by wearing a really stylish piece around her neck that was etched with a 3D rose.

She posted several pictures from his couture. Sonam also shared one of her final conversations with the designer, in which she complimented him on her performance at the most recent Lakme Fashion Week 2024. ‘Love You’ was Bal’s last reply to her. Sharing the pictures on Instagram, Kapoor wrote, “in Gudda for Diwali. Forever and Ever. In Rohit Bal ‘Husn-e-Taihrat’ 2015 ‘Kroshni’ 2016 ‘Kaynaat’ 2024.

Manish Malhotra, Ananya Panday, and other Bollywood celebrities paid their respects to Rohit Bal on social media. Ananya, who just had the privilege to serve as Rohit Bal’s ‘last’ muse in his homecoming show at Lakme Fashion Week 2024, expressed her deepest condolences and added, “Gudda Om Shanti.”

Meanwhile, renowned designer Rohit Bal, who significantly transformed Indian fashion, died on November 1 at the age of 63.

With Durga Puja beginning, Bollywood stars have been celebrating the festive mood with their fabulous ethnic wear. Kajol has been hosting the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal at Juhu for years now along with cousin Rani Mukerji, and this time was no different, as a galaxy of stars visited her, such as the ever-elegant Jaya Bachchan. Videos and pictures clicked across social media platforms have captured the warmth, but what really the eyeballs were the fabulously chosen saris celebrated as true tributes to the ethnic, the traditional sari.

Kajol: A wistful vision in blush pink
Blushing beauty Kajol was spotted at the pandal in a fascinating floral print on bright yellow and green-hued sari featuring digital prints in a bluish tone.The orange shimmer borders added a modern touch to the ancient get-up. Her sari fell down from the shoulder with the pallu bringing out an ageless beauty.
Her choice of a matching sleeveless blouse was excellent with the sari whereas her accessories added the right amount of glitz to the whole thing. Kajol opted for a striking silver necklace, fitted with red rubies, golden bangles, and statement ring, which instantly elevated her festive ensemble.
Kajol’s makeup was pretty impressive too, with kohl-rimmed dark-winged eyes fringed with mascara-laced lashes and defined brows, and blushed cheeks to perfection. A bright highlighter and a deep maroon lipstick completes the look. Her thick hair was bunched up into a bun, peppered with a small red bindi on the forehead-an immaculate finial that took well from the Pujo spirit.

Jaya Bachchan looked elegant
Jaya Bachchan flaunted a stunning sari that wonderfully blended bright yellow and pink shades, richly underlined with golden borders. She wore the same colours to complete her set of clothes, creating a perfect harmony and elegance. Striking accessories – a chic potli bag, gold bangles, and simple stud earrings – added a touch of refinement without overpowering her outfit.
Wearing only a few touches of makeup, Jaya wore graying tresses styled in half-clutched fashion. Here is one instance of how simplicity indeed becomes a festival’s affair.
The pandal has been set up near SNDT Women’s University in Juhu this time around. Along with Kajol and Rani, several other celebrities did find time out for visiting the pandal-from Sumona Chakravarti and Ishita Dutta, Vatsal Seth and Tanisha Mukerji, to Sharvari Wagh. Each brought their own special flavour to the festive atmosphere.
Fashion takeaways for your festive wardrobe
And although Kajol and Jaya seem to delight us with their beautiful fashion moments for any person looking to take their festive wardrobe up a notch, here’s what can be inspired from the two of them:
Kajol and Jaya interpreted the traditional draping, which brought out the essence of this timeless garment. You can change your looks completely by experimenting with various styles of draping.
Vibrant colours and graphic prints: Dare with vibrant colours and strong prints. Kajol’s floral, while Jaya’s bright combo clearly showed how these elements can make a statement during the festivities.
Accessorise: Accessories can make all the difference in your overall look. Do not forget to don statement jewellery that complements your outfit but does not overpower it.
Makeup matters: Well-planned makeup can be the best possible ethnic look. Whether it is a bold lip colour or an actual glow, or no-glamorous look, your makeup must dance with the vibe of your clothes.
Hair styling: Traditionally, buns adorned with flowers and a half-clutched style suits best with saris.
Let these fashion moments inspire your festive looks as we celebrate Durga Puja. Whether you choose a traditional sari or like to mix modernity with tradition, the core of celebrating it stays in getting into your culture and your personality.