During a recent podcast episode, renowned hairstylist Dilshad Pastakia reflected on his experience styling the memorable hairstyles of Shah Rukh Khan during the 2000s, attributing his introduction to the actor to Gauri Khan.
“Gauri had been visiting me for some time and mentioned that she would be bringing Shah Rukh, who was already a major star with several hit films under his belt. My focus is always on the hair, regardless of who the client is. Shah Rukh had previous experiences where his expectations were not met, which made me a bit anxious. However, I assessed his hair and felt confident about what I could do. Gauri then reassured me, saying, ‘Dilshad, just do your thing.’ After explaining my vision to them, they understood it,” Pastakia shared with podcaster Suneeta Nanda.
He added, “At the time, he was filming Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani and was about to start work on Mohabbatein. I based my approach on the structure of his hair, his facial features, and the shape of his head. Gauri complimented how great it looked, and that moment was significant for me as it showcased my capabilities,” Pastakia expressed.
In the world of celebrity hairstyling, the artistry goes beyond mere aesthetics, according to Ayush Manocha, a well-known hairstylist and the founder of Ayush Manocha Hair Academy.
“When working with celebrities, you must consider their current persona. Are they presenting themselves as themselves for an event, or are they embodying a character for a film or series? The hairstyle must resonate with that context,” Manocha explained during an interview with indianexpress.com.
He noted that even the smallest adjustments can drastically alter public perception of an individual. “A slight change in parting, volume, texture, or how hair frames the face can make the same person look younger, older, more intense, or more approachable. This is why it’s crucial for the hairstylist to understand the individual before determining their hairstyle,” Manocha stated.
For actors, this understanding is even more vital, as hairstylists must anticipate future needs. “When an actor is portraying a specific character, the hairstyle cannot be developed in isolation. It’s essential to grasp the character’s world, including their age, profession, personality, and emotional arc. For instance, a corporate leader’s hairstyle would differ significantly from that of a musician or someone facing personal challenges. The styling should enhance the narrative without appearing forced,” Manocha elaborated.
Manocha also highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between a celebrity’s established public image and the character’s requirements. “The challenge lies in determining when to retain recognizable traits and when to diverge for the character’s sake. This is where collaboration with the actor, director, costume designer, and makeup artist becomes crucial. Ideally, hair, makeup, and wardrobe should work cohesively to present a unified character rather than distinct creative elements,” he remarked.
He expressed particular interest in Dilshad Pastakia’s relationship with Shah Rukh Khan, noting that over the years, hair has become an integral part of a star’s identity while still adapting to various roles and career stages. “In effective celebrity hairstyling, it’s about guiding an actor’s appearance to reflect character development. It’s not just a matter of choosing the most appealing hairstyle; it’s about understanding who the individual needs to become and what emotions they should evoke upon first glance. When the hairstyle fulfills that narrative without drawing undue attention, the stylist has succeeded,” Manocha concluded.
