When Fashion Maverick Rohit Bal's 'Close Friend' Model Lalit Tehlan Was Accused Of Poisoning Him

Rohit Bal, the celebrated fashion designer, has tragically passed away at 63 following a severe heart condition at Delhi's Aashlok Hospital on Friday.

His sudden death, occurring just a day after Diwali, has left both the fashion industry and his loved ones in deep shock and mourning.

Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/rohitbalofficial

Originally from Kashmir, Bal was renowned for his transformative touch in Indian fashion, bringing a sense of fantasy to his timeless designs.

While the precise cause of his death remains undisclosed, Bal was hospitalised last year after collapsing and losing consciousness.

During this period, Rohit Gandhi, from the well-known Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna design duo, publicly accused Bal's close friend, model Lalit Tehlan, of slowly poisoning him.

Gandhi claimed that Tehlan's actions directly contributed to Bal's failing health, stating that he received threats from Tehlan after raising these concerns. Although he reported the threats to the police, Gandhi later chose not to take the matter further.

Another of Bal's close associates, marketing professional Jullie Deb, echoed Gandhi's claims, alleging that Tehlan had abandoned Bal in a time of need, even taking Bal's Jaguar and his cook to Goa. Deb shared her fears for her own safety, recounting Tehlan's threats after she and Gandhi intervened to ensure Bal received medical attention.

Deb further alleged that Tehlan had isolated Bal from friends over the past two years, seemingly for financial reasons. She recalled an incident where Tehlan reportedly provided Bal with alcohol while he was recovering in a rehab facility.

Despite these allegations, Rohit Bal defended Tehlan in a media interview, describing him as a supportive friend who had helped care for him during a heart attack. Bal dismissed the accusations as baseless, expressing gratitude for Tehlan's support.

Tehlan, who is primarily known for his modelling career, became widely recognised for his long-standing friendship with Bal, which began when Bal discovered him at the age of 17.

Rohit Bal's passing is a major loss for the fashion industry. Just a month earlier, he made a celebrated return by launching his latest collection, 'Kaayanaat', at Lakme Fashion Week, reinforcing his lasting influence and legacy.