Rohit Verma
Acting boosts popularity of top Indian fashion designer; Rohit set to launch biggest flagship store amid pomp

Fashion and acting go hand-in-hand for Rohit Verma.

Though Rohit has established himself as a well-known Indian fashion designer, it was acting that thrust him to greater fame.

Besides designing ensembles for the crème da la crème of Bollywood, Rohit has organized many successful international fashion shows. Rohit became a house-hold name after he featured in the Big Boss Season Three, TV series, and that sent his stocks soaring.

Rohit cut his acting teeth in a cameo role in the film “Page Three” and that won him acclaim and brought to surface his acting talent. Rohit recently signed a new film but kept the details under the wraps in line with the non-disclosure agreement.

Rohit has again found himself in the news as he is hosting a popular TV show in which he takes tongue-in-cheek barbs at celebrities.

Rohit’s own brand Hare has found instant success. Hare’s forte lies in its unique augmentation of mystically synthesizing rich colors of his native homeland with elegance of a global woman.

In an exclusive interview with this writer, Rohit talked about a range of issues, including the global fashion trend, his current projects and social media, among others.

Q: Are you content with the way fashion industry is progressing on the global level?

 A: Fashion industry and the need for fashion have grown several folds as much as to say it has become a necessity today as opposed to luxury before.  This change has prompted each designer to churn out more and more, and deliver new products from time to time.

Q: How would you describe brand Hare in your own words?

 A: Hare is all about Lord Krishna as he has always been there in my life in my good and bad times, ups and downs.  In short, I work towards a good beginning, most of the time for people i.e. making garments for their weddings etc. I think it’s always good to have a spiritual, positive vibe around the clothes.

Q: What are some of the characteristics that have enabled you to carve a niche for yourself?

A: I am focusing on brand Hare to cater to the mid-income and high-income market. More importantly, I personally attend to most of my clients without keeping my celebrity status in the way of business.

Q:  What are some of the current projects you are working on?

A: Well, I am currently doing Style Strip which is a show that I am anchoring on Zoom TV. It is one of the leading entertainment channels associated with Bollywood, where I slam celebrities on similar lines of Fashion Police. I also have signed a movie with a leading banner which I cannot disclose due to a non-disclosure agreement.  I am also on the cusp of opening my flagship store in Juhu, Mumbai.

This is going to be one of the biggest by a designer with an area admeasuring around 5000 sq ft. It will feature men’s, women’s wear, pret as well as couture.  Additionally, it will also encompass Indian as well as Western wear from cocktail dresses to gowns to lehengas to pret suits.  I am also having a launch for the brand on November 8 at Sheesha Lounge in Juhu where there will be a fashion show. This event will be based on the Las Vegas theme featuring all top models, and a few celebrities walking the ramp.

Q: Do you have a publicist?

 A: I do not need a publicist as where ever I go, the media follows me, as I was a part of a very big reality show---Big Boss Season Three. Such was the publicity that it has become difficult for me to visit a public place in India without being mobbed.  I got the show on my own steam and my past achievements.

Q: How much importance do you accord to publicity?

 A: Publicity is important for a brand but at the end of the day, it’s about what you deliver and the word of mouth that spreads a positive goodwill in the market and among the clients.

Q: Do you use the social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook to reach out to your fans, or to promote your brand for that matter?

A:  I do interact with my fans on Facebook even as some students see me as their idol/mentor. I do guide them, and chat with them on Facebook.  As for me, it’s not really about brand promotion on social media but interacting with fans and followers alike.

Q: Can you touch on some of your celebrity clients both in India and elsewhere?

A: We have been dressing up several Bollywood actresses, and were also the ones who designed Liz Hurley’s wedding outfit.  The Bollywood celebrities are our regular clientele as our store is based in the heart of where the big names in Bollywood live.

Q: How has fashion industry evolved over the past few years in India?

A: Fashion Industry has grown several folds in India and abroad with international fashion outlets coming into India and the growth in the Indian market itself making the environment highly competitive. This is in a way good for the industry because consumers get quality at a good price.

Q: Have you worked on any projects in Canada?

 A: I do have clients in Canada whose outfits I have designed…NRI's who come down to India for their bridal or wedding wear.  

For more information on Rohit’s collection visit: www.rohitkverma.com