Wendell Rodricks played an important role in helping Bollywood discover Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma. Before pursuing a career in Bollywood, Deepika did several modelling assignments. She also attended a jewellery workshop.
Rodricks, who conducted a few classes at the same workshop, noticed Deepika and helped her sign up with an agency. Meanwhile, she also worked with Rodricks for around two years. Impressed with her sincerity, Rodricks recommended her name to his close friend Malaika Arora for an opportunity in films.
In 2007, choreographer-director Farah Khan was on the lookout for a model to cast in Om Shanti Om. Farah discussed the matter with Malaika, who suggested Deepika for the role. It worked in Deepika's favour because Farah was already impressed with her for her role in Himesh Reshammiya's music video Naam Hai Tera.
Farah signed Deepika for Om Shanti Om in the lead role opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The film turned out a big hit among the audience. Deepika then went on to star in Bachna Ae Haseeno, Housefull, Cocktail, Chennai Express, Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, and Chhapaak.
Anushka Sharma also shared a post expressing her sadness about Wendell Rodricks. 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 18 years old. RIP Wendell My love and prayers for Jerome and the rest of his family and friends .”
Wendell Rodricks travelled to Los Angeles and Paris to study fashion. He interned at the National Museum of Costume and Fashion in Portugal and the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City.
The designer launched his label in 1989. He has authored books including Moda Goa: History and Style, Poskem: Goans in the Shadows, and his autobiography The Green Room. An environmentalist and a gay rights activist, he's honoured with the Padma Shri in 2014.
