ROSE COLORED GLASSES

From playing personal paparazzi to carrying roses, witnessing unexpected tears, and backstage chaos. Ushering at Rohit Bal’s tribute was less about fashion, more about testing patience as an usher.

By Anoushka Gulati

  • In frame: Sonam Kapoor|Source: Pinterest

Volunteering as an usher for the Rohit Bal tribute show at Le Méridien Gurgaon organised by FDCI and Blenders Pride on 1st February 2025, seemed like a perfect opportunity, and an insider’s look at the industry, hands-on experience, and cherry on top for my LinkedIn profile, the FDCI certificate.

What I did not anticipate was the treatment, I was juggling between invisible service, and emotional punching bag for self-important guests.

The first to approach me was Lalit Singh, a 28-year-old fashion designer working for Calvin Klein, dressed like a Filmfare trophy (also known as “the black lady”), an one-shoulder black sequin dress with a net trail, and glossy cherry red boots.

He was not on the guest list (suspicious). After a 15-minute-long negotiation at the counter, they finally handed him a band (probably for the eorts he put in dressing up for the occasion or his persistence- guess we will never know).

My job was done here, I was going to move on to the next guest, but no, he decided I was his paparazzi for the night, he made me carry his bag and a rose (symbolic? questionable?) and ordered me to capture his “candid” moments around the venue.

It was not all bad. There was a sweet man (who seemed like a big shot in the industry) who took a selfie with me, and insisted I pout. It was a bizarre encounter, but it was a step up from the Filmfare trophy, at least he didn’t make me feel, as if I, was his personal assistant.

The venue was a sea of roses- on hands, hair, outfits, ramp, and everywhere possible. Some guests stayed true to Rohit Bal’s aesthetic, arrived in classic Anarkalis with Gudda’s signature rose motifs. Others chose Christian Dior dresses, what better way to payhomage to an Indian design legend with European couture? (typical Delhi behaviour).

But beyond the roses, melodrama and the minor existential crisis of being an usher, the tribute remained true to Gudda- dramatic, opulent and unforgettable. A little chaos only made it more memorable— because at the end of the day, what’s fashion without a little drama?