ACE designer Wendell Rodricks passed away at the age of 59 on Wednesday in Goa. Bollywood actors expressed grief over his death on social media.
Malaika Arora remembered Rodricks by sharing a throwback picture along with the late designer on Instagram with a post that reads, u201c A master couturier and his muse [?]..... RIP our dearest @ wendellrodricks .... I first sat n cried, n then I sat alone n smiled n laughed, jus thinkin of all the beautiful beautiful memories n moments we shared.u201d Speaking to mid- day, she said, u201c It is shocking. I have lost a very close friend and the news is still sinking in. He was my sonu2019s [ Arhaan] godfather and we had too many memories together. He has been instrumental in my career, especially when I had just started off. His belief in me gave me so much confidence to leap forward in my professional as well as personal life. He was like a brother to Amrita [ Arora Ladak, sister] and me. Itu2019s beyond shocking for both of us.
Heu2019s gone too soon.u201d Film director Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, u201c Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of fashion designer, Wendell Rodricks, My heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones. We will truly miss him. RIP.u201d Arjun Rampal took to Twitter and said, u201c This is such sad sad news, a beautiful human and such a talented designer, the fashion industry and the world has lost today. It was such joy whenever I met him. His smile always made me smile, you will be missed, Wendell. Condolences and prayers for all ur loved ones # ripwendell.u201d Neil Nitin Mukesh too expressed grief over his demise.
He tweeted, u201c Genuinely sad to hear the news of Wendell Rodricks passing away.u201d Singer Sona Mahapatra remembered Rodricks by sharing a collage of his pictures and tweeted, u201c Full of love.
Full of life. All heart. All soul.
A connoisseur. A creator. A pioneer.
A change- maker. I feel lucky having known you. @ Wendellrodricks you will remain in my heart forever. Refuse to see you any other way than that afternoon we spent in your glorious home in Goa.u201d His belief in me was everything: Malaika Bollywood actors take to social media to express grief over the death of ace designer Wendell Rodricks u2018 I have lost a very close friend and the news is still sinking in. He was my sonu2019s [ Arhaan] godfather and we had too many memories together. He has been instrumental in my career, especially when I had just started off. His belief in me gave me so much confidenceu2019 Malaika Arora, actor Malaika Arora with Wendell Rodricks. FILE PIC A social activist, too Born on May 28, 1960, Rodricks was also known as an activist for his contribution to various social causes.
He was also conferred with the Padma Shri in 2014.
He was instrumental in reviving heritage clothes of Goa, such as the Kunbi saree, and bringing resort wear to the limelight.
He also did cameo roles in the 2003 film Boom and Madhur Bhandarkaru2019s Fashion, which released in 2008. He had also written several books on Goa. His funeral will be held at his ancestral village of Colvale today.
Neeta Lulla, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Rodricks at a party in Colaba