Wendell Rodricks was one of the reasons I had courage to move to Mumbai to pursue modelling: Anushka Sharma

Anushka Sharma, who was launched by Wendell Rodricks in the fashion industry penned a heartfelt note on his passing away. The late fashion designer helped launch the career of the actor after spotting her by chance in a Bengaluru mall. Sharma, who is currently in New Zealand took to her Instagram page and shared a throwback photo with Rodricks from a fashion show where she was a showstopper. 

The Pari actor 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 and original designers in fashion and 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 and 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."

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 on Feb 12, 2020 at 12:01pm PST

Wendell passed away on Wednesday at his Goa home at the age of 59. Born on May 28, 1960, the designer was conferred with the Padma Shri in the year 2014.

The popular designer had written several books on Goa including showcasing his love for Goan heritage. He was said to have been working on his costume museum, the Moda Goa Museum that was slated to open to the public in Colvale in May 2020.

(With inputs from ANI)