Wendell Rodricks was the reason I had the courage to move to Mumbai: Anushka Sharma
Mumbai/IBNS: In an emotional post on social media, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma revealed that it was celebrated fashion designer Wendell Rodricks, who passed away on Wednesday, was the reason she had moved to Mumbai from Bangalore to pursue modelling.
Sharma, who is presently in New Zealand, shared an old picture with Rodricks on Instagram with a long message.
The actress stated how she was given an opportunity by Rodricks to close a fashion show in Mumbai. At that time, Sharma was yet to be an actress.
She wrote, "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 ðŸ™" Sharma, who made her Bollywood debut starring opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan in 2008, added.
Fashion designer, social activist and author Rodricks, who was also regarded as a gay icon in India, passed away at his residence in Colvale in Goa. He was 59.
According to sources, the famous designer died of a heart attack while he was at his residence.
One of the most popular sartorialists in India, Rodricks often raised his voice for social issues, environmental causes and gay rights in the country.
A self-made man, Rodricks was conferred with the Padma Shri award, the fourth-highest civilian award in the country, in 2014 for his contribution to the fashion industry.
(Image Credit: Anushka Sharma Instagram)
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