Rohit Bal’s will controversy: Mates of designer retract claims in opposition to Lalit Tehlan
Greater than 4 months after the demise of designer Rohit Bal, fondly often called Gudda, a authorized and private battle has erupted over his will, which incorporates belongings value a number of crores.
His long-time accomplice, Lalit Tehlan, and Bal’s household are at odds, every claiming to have a special model of the doc.
In a shocking flip, two of Bal’s shut buddies — designer Rohit Gandhi and advertising skilled Julie Deb — who had beforehand accused Lalit of mistreating Bal, have now retracted their allegations, claiming they have been misled by Bal’s household.
What modified? Mates reverse accusations in opposition to Tehlan
Clothier Rohit Gandhi, who beforehand accused Tehlan of limiting Bal’s guests and contributing to his declining well being, has now backtracked. In an interview with HT Metropolis, Hindustan Occasions, Gandhi admitted he was misled by Bal’s step-siblings.
“There was a misunderstanding. Gudda [Rohit Bal] known as us and clarified every thing. A few of his relations [step siblings], who have been in opposition to Lalit, brainwashed Julie [Deb] and me into believing falsehoods. Once we spoke to Gudda, he made it clear that he didn’t get alongside along with his household and warned us to maintain our distance. We aired our grievances, and the matter was resolved,” Gandhi defined.
He additional acknowledged Tehlan’s dedication to Bal, stating, “Lalit has at all times been near Bal and has been there for him, caring for him. I contemplate him like my youthful brother as a result of he saved Gudda’s life. Gudda additionally instructed me a number of occasions that if something have been to occur to me, I ought to deal with Lalit. We simply had a misunderstanding, which has now been clarified.”
Equally, Julie Deb, a advertising skilled and shut buddy of Bal, additionally withdrew her allegations. In 2023, she had filed a police grievance in opposition to Tehlan, accusing him of threats, however later dropped the fees.
“I knew Gudda for over 15 years. I used to be manipulated into believing that Lalit was harming him. I used to be so satisfied that I assumed submitting a grievance would save Rohit Bal’s life. However I now realise it was all a lie,” she admitted in a written assertion.
She added, “Guddaji is not with us, however his phrases nonetheless echo strongly in my thoughts. Lalit has been an integral a part of Rohit Bal’s life. I’m deeply ashamed of what I’ve executed, and I wish to make it proper by saying that every thing I wrote within the grievance was a results of psychological duress.”
Rohit Bal’s household responds
Not everyone seems to be satisfied by these sudden retractions. Rajeev Bal, Rohit Bal’s step-sibling, distanced himself from the continued controversy.
“If somebody could be so fickle as to file police complaints final yr and utterly change their stance at present, what ought to one imagine? Have been they proper final yr or this yr? I wouldn’t know when to belief somebody, particularly after they utterly change their place. If they are often brainwashed by somebody they hardly know, it reveals what sort of individuals they’re. It’s a special world, and I solely got here to grasp it after my brother died. I don’t wish to be a part of it. Household has no position in brainwashing these individuals,” he acknowledged.
In the meantime, Lalit hinted that Gandhi and Deb’s change of coronary heart may be linked to commitments they made to Bal earlier than his demise. “Maybe their shift in stance comes from the guarantees they made to Gudda,” he says.
FDCI chairman steps away from will dispute
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of the Style Design Council of India (FDCI), who was initially named because the executor of Bal’s will, has now stepped down.
“I handle cultural and fashion-related occasions 24/7. Even with FDCI issues, I depend on my crew for courtroom hearings. After 15 years of authorized proceedings and a Excessive Court docket victory, I’ve by no means attended a single listening to. I choose to depart such critical issues to extra certified people,” Sethi defined.
Sethi provides, “As a consequence of time constraints and work commitments, I’m simplifying my life by stepping again from new assignments. The courtroom is greatest outfitted to determine whether or not the desire ought to go to Lalit or the household. In my interactions with Rohit Bal, he was at all times in full management of his choices and creativity.” “I’ve had many conferences with him, and he’s at all times proven full sanity. We mentioned enterprise issues, and at no level did I doubt his independence in enterprise and creativity.”
Rohit Bal’s final present
On October 14, he showcased his assortment on the grand finale of Lakmé Style Week X FDCI, with actor Ananya Panday strolling the runway. Designer Rohit Bal tragically handed away on November 1, 2024, on the age of 63 because of a critical coronary heart situation.
In December 2024, a dispute arose over the distribution of his belongings. Lalit Tehlan claimed to own a will that allocates a good portion to him. Nevertheless, Rohit’s brother, Rajiv Bal, acknowledged that they’ve a special will and are unaware of the one which Lalit Tehlan is referring to.
