'Don't trip too much': Rohit Bal rehabilitated

Fashion designer Rohit Bal is uniformly respected as master of fabric and ceremony, responsible for fulfilling many Indian wedding fantasies and Bollywood dreams in his long career as one of India's premier couturiers.

So when India's bad boy of fashion -- a party heart who has launched the career of many a male model -- underwent a massive heart attack and angioplasty in February this year, the fashion world gasped a big gasp.

Strangely, a minor fashion website called StyleKandy, pulled a journalistic rabbit out of a hat when they ran an exclusive in-depth interview with the 42-year-old Bal this weekend, two months after his attack.

A few quotes to come out of this extraordinarily wasted interview session, are:

• "When you have a near death experience, you change. I have started accepting things and people the way they are. You are humbled by your transient existence and do not have the courage to criticise or bad mouth."
• "I know there have been a lot of stories going around about how I was partying when I suffered the attack. They are all baseless. I was at my home resting..."
• "I had always heard that you see a light when you are dying...you know what? It is true!"
• Bal announced Shloka Bags by Rohit Bal, his second brand extension after the Balance line, the Outlander collection in collaboration with a big automobile manufacturer and will also extend his association with Lancome for bridal cosmetics.
• "Don’t trip too much. Don’t indulge in alcohol incessantly. Leading a healthy lifestyle is very important. Do not abuse your body. And love all."

Rohit Bal also has international clients like Uma Thurman, Cindy Crawford, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell and Anna Kournikova and two restaurants in New Delhi, Cibo and Veda.