Well known fashion designer, gay rights activist and Padma Shri awardee Wendell Rodricks died on Wednesday evening following a prolonged illness.
Speaking to media on Wednesday Nilakanth Halarnkar, BJP MLA from the Thivim Assembly constituency and a longtime associate of the 60-year-old designer confirmed his death.
"Yes, it is true. He died at 5.45 p.m. today. He was ailing for a long time," Halarnkar said.
Family sources said that the funeral is scheduled for Thursday.
Rodricks, one of the most popular fashion designers from Goa, was awarded a Padma Shri in 2014 and was also accorded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts Et Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture in 2015. As a designer he has been credited with reviving the Kunbi saree, worm by the indigenous Kunbi tribal women of Goa.
He was in the process of setting up a museum 'Moda Goa Museum and Research Centre' which Rodricks had dedicated to clothes and fashion in Goa through the ages.
Gutted to hear about the untimely demise of @Wendellrodricks. Had only met him briefly but admired his advocacy of gay rights and his love for his home state, Goa. He was one of a kind! Rest in peace. Condolences to family ! 🙏🏽
— TheRichaChadha (@RichaChadha) February 12, 2020
Rest in Peace. Renowned fashion designer Wendell Rodricks passes away, aged 59, at his Goa residence. The pioneer of resort wear in India and an advocate of eco-friendly fashion was conferred with Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour, in 2014. pic.twitter.com/A9O11Q5Ocr
— Femina (@FeminaIndia) February 12, 2020
To my dearest @Wendellrodricks @jeromegoa . It's way too soon to say goodbye.... cheers to an adorable, talented, positive& loving human being who truly lived life on his own terms!!! I will MISS U 😪 #RIPWendell pic.twitter.com/b8P5qBPzoI
— Pooja Bedi (@poojabeditweets) February 12, 2020
NO. @Wendellrodricks
— SONA (@sonamohapatra) February 12, 2020
Trying to call you. Pick up.
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
Goodbye gentle soul. Amazing designer. Friend. Had so much more to do. Died in the place he loved. A home he created for himself and his partner #WendellRodricks
— Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) February 12, 2020
I owe everything I am today to u.U discovered me at the age of 16 in my uniform & u never let go of my hand after that.U will forever be remembered my friend & mentor.We have beautiful memories together & they will live on.I pray that ur soul rests in peace. @Wendellrodricks #rip pic.twitter.com/Lzcnsoq2yb
— Waluscha De Sousa (@Iamwaluscha) February 12, 2020