BH CORRESPONDENT, Mumbai: The sudden demise of ace fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, who passed away at his home in Colvale village in Goa on Wednesday evening at the age of 59 has left everyone in shock. Rodricks was suffering from a prolonged illness and died at 5.45 pm on Wednesday. As members of the fashion and film fraternity mourned the loss of the internationally recognised designer, who was working on his costume museum in Goa, many Bollywood actors reminisced how Rodricks introduced them to the world of glamour.
Anushka Sharma posted on Instagram how Rodricks gave her the courage to move from Bangalore to Mumbai. “Woke up in NZ to the sad news of Wendell Rodricks having passed away in his sleep. He was one of the most iconic & original designers in fashion & A champion for LGBT rights. He had given me an opportunity to close his fashion week show in Mumbai after spotting me in Bangalore at a fashion show and was gracious, kind & encouraging. He was one of the reasons I had the courage to move to Mumbai from Bangalore to pursue modelling when I was just 18 years old. RIP Wendell My love and prayers for Jerome and the rest of his family and friends,” posted Anushka along with a photograph of hers with Rodricks.
Malaika Arora shared a black-and-white photograph with the Padma Shri awardee on Instagram. Malaika shared in her post how the sudden demise of Rodricks shook her, and she sat alone and cried after hearing the news. Then, she smiled and laughed thinking of all the beautiful moments they had spent together. “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,” Malaika posted on Instagram.
Arjun Rampal, who has walked the ramp for many Rodricks’ show, remembered him as a “beautiful human and talented designer.” “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. #ripwendellrodricks,” Rampal posted about the author, environmentalist and gay rights activist.
Other celebrities like Jacqueline Fernandez, Rahul Khanna, Sophie Choudry and Shekhar Kapur also expressed their condolences on social media.
A trip to Goa felt incomplete without visiting #WendellRodricks. Such style & hospitality! I’ll never forget the exquisite meals at his homes, sunset cocktails on his boat, his passion for protecting the environment & his devotion to his dogs. Wishing @jeromegoa strength & peace.
— Rahul Khanna (@R_Khanna) February 12, 2020
RIP #WendellRodricks ..Can never forget the love & kindness u showed me when I was starting my journey as an MTV VJ. You literally picked me out of a bunch and told everyone I would make it. It meant so much to me as did all our chats in French. Tu es avec les anges mon ami 💔 pic.twitter.com/Qeku9Gp7mB
— Sophie C (@Sophie_Choudry) February 12, 2020
Politicians such as Derek O’Brien, Priya Dutt, Goa state minister Vishwajit Ranee, and Union minister Smriti Irani took to social media to remember the veteran fashion designer.
Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of Wendell Rodricks, one of India’s most renowned designers. My heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. May his soul rest in peace 🙏
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) February 12, 2020
“Deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of my very good friend and designer, Wendell Rodricks. His excellency in his work and skills are irreplaceable and shall always be cherished. We will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family and dear ones,” posted Ranee.
Rodrick’s last posted on Instagram about his work on the costume museum in Goa.
