Bollywood is known for its iconic actors who have left a lasting impression on the silver screen with their unique looks and style. Among these actors are Sanjay Dutt, Anil Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar, all of whom are known for their natural body hair. While some actors embrace their body hair, others have opted to shave it off for certain roles. Recently, renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra shared an interesting anecdote about Akshay Kumar and his reaction to a grooming suggestion during the filming of the hit movie Dhadkan.
Manish Malhotra’s Revelation on YouTube
In a recent YouTube interview, Manish Malhotra revealed an amusing incident from the sets of Dhadkan, a film that starred Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty. The designer recalled a moment when he suggested that Akshay shave his chest hair for a particular song in the movie. According to Manish, the suggestion was met with an unexpected reaction from the actor.
Akshay Kumar’s Unexpected Reaction
Manish Malhotra explained that the suggestion came during the shooting of the song “Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se” in Switzerland. He had designed a white shirt for Akshay to wear in the scene and felt that the actor’s chest hair might not complement the look. When he asked Akshay to shave his chest hair, the actor was reportedly taken aback and even scared by the idea.
The designer mentioned that while women in the industry were usually very particular about their costumes and appearances, male actors at the time were less concerned. However, the film’s director, Dharmesh Darshan, supported Manish’s suggestion, reinforcing that it was the right call for the look of the song.
Impact on Their Relationship
While Manish Malhotra did not delve into how this incident affected his relationship with Akshay Kumar, he left the audience curious. The revelation provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes moments that shape the final product on screen. It also highlights the attention to detail that designers and filmmakers invest in creating the perfect look for a character.
Similar Experiences in Bollywood
This isn’t the first time that grooming and appearance have played a significant role in shaping a Bollywood character. In another instance, director Anurag Kashyap shared a story about his experience with Salman Khan during the making of Tere Naam. Anurag had suggested that Salman grow his chest hair for the role, but this suggestion led to his departure from the film. Anurag mentioned in an interview that after making the suggestion, he never heard back from the production team and wasn’t even informed when the shooting began.
Success of ‘Dhadkan’ and ‘Tere Naam’
Despite these behind-the-scenes stories, both Dhadkan and Tere Naam went on to become superhit films in Bollywood. Dhadkan, which starred Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, and Sunil Shetty, was a box office success and is still remembered for its memorable songs and powerful performances. The film featured a star-studded cast, including Mahima Chaudhary, Anupam Kher, and Sharmila Tagore.
Similarly, Tere Naam became one of Salman Khan’s most iconic films. The movie showcased Salman in a completely different avatar, and his hairstyle and character became a trendsetter. Paired with Bhumika Chawla, Salman delivered a performance that resonated with fans, making Tere Naam a major hit.
