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Muslim characters in mainstream Bollywood are a mood, and here’s why we think it’s time to set aside cultural critique and look at the glass half full: the absolute lewks these Muslim characters have served over the decades, and what we can learn from them.
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his Eid, look no further than your childhood for quick and easy beauty and style inspo. Whether you’re an ‘80s baby, a child of the ‘90s, or a zoomer, trust that the Muslim in your favorite Hindi movie never goes wrong with festive wear. Even on a Monday. Even when there is no festival. Even if their profession is grim, like mortician, gravedigger, or social media manager at a startup. They’ve got their style down, and more. Here are the characters you must take all sartorial cues from:
For festive wear: Anwar Bhai Jaan from Hum Saath Saath Hain
We don’t even need to say it ourselves: Shakti Kapoor as Anwar in Sooraj Barjatya’s Hum Saath Saath Hain says it best when he tells all those kids that just appear for all family events what he will wear to ammi jaan aka Reema Lagoo’s birthday celebration: “reshmi achkan aur Lucknawi topi”. And then he does indeed turn up in a white shimmering silk affair to the event, ready to throw it down.
For your OOTDs: Akbar from Amar Akbar Anthony
Akbar also errs on the side of gaudy when dressing for important occasions like his qawwali shows where he antagonizes his love interest’s father, which btw is only tolerable because Rishi Kapoor was super cute, but his daily lewk is a lot more practical and trendy. And timeless. During the day Akbar favors shirts worn over his vest in sheer fabrics like chiffon or georgette, in bright colors like red. Even if chiffon is not for you, pick a soft fabric like muslin and layer it up or down according to the weather, and look as eye-catching as Akbar does every day.
For that smoldering Muslim look on a Muslim celebration: That guy Siddharth Malhotra plays in Mission Majnu
Full disclosure, haven’t really watched this one as closely as the above (or as many times, for that matter) but love the whole kohled eyes, amulet pendant thing Siddharth Malhotra has going on. So desi. So sufi. So malang. Are we sure YBQ didn’t style him? Anyway, boys and girls, if it’s a traditional event, you can’t go wrong with loads of kajal, or as much as your eyes can support, and sure, everyone will think you’re wearing a taweez, but the amulet pendants have forever been cute.
If someone asks just sing ‘Chaiyyan Chaiyyan’ at them from the, ‘taweez bana ke pehnoon’ to the ‘yaar misaal e ous chaley’, verse. There, now you aren’t just the hot one at the party, you are the entertainment too.
