Happy Birthday Amitabh Bachchan: Decoding Big B's style bulletin

Big B is like a Hublot timepiece. He’ll always be en vogue. From his suede moccasins to the on-trend sporty sneakers, there’s a strong sense of evolved personal style and a distinctive personality he lends to every ensemble. Perhaps that’s what makes his every appearance such a talking point in the glamour galaxy. Stating that Mr Bachchan’s red carpet style has been the synonym for sprezzatura would be saying the obvious. There’s a charming insouciance which comes out in the way he pieces together any ensemble under the Sun. Effortless style which is ageless, season-less and trend-neutral — these phrases strike the mind when one sits down to dissect Amitabh Bachchan’s brush with fashion, which has inspired and continues to inspire actors, stylists, artists and everyone across the social spectrum.

Who can forget Mr Bachchan’s statement-making hoodie sweatshirt with a skeleton print he sported a while ago? This subversive look brought out the fun side of the veteran actor. He completed his look with a pair of black tailored trousers and matching loafers flashing a hint of his ankles.

He likes teaming his white pathan suits with the au courant bandis and completes his look with chic eyewear. He always owns the Indian kurta, pyjama look given his tall and towering frame. On the eve of his 75th birthday, After Hrs speaks to a few menswear specialist designers and stylists on his charming and inimitable style, which always manages to command attention and awe — whether he’s at a Hollywood soiree in a natty tux or channeling athelisure at the airport. He’s often gravitated towards designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s classic pieces, which bring out the best in him. He’s been seen cutting a fine figure in AJSK label on occasions like Diwali and also at fashion weeks. In fact, he had also chosen one of their designs on his 73rd birthday. One can always picture him draping an elegant pashmina across his kurta, looking every bit the Bollywood royalty that he is. 

‘Mr Bachchan is the Style Evolution’ — Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla, Designers 

Designer Abu Jani of the label Abu Jani — Sandeep Khosla says, “Mr Bachchan is the Style Evolution. He is a constant work in progress. And that progress isn’t dictated by anything or anyone on the outside, but is instead an expression of what and who he is. 

Many moods, multiple avatars, all of which reside together in perfect harmony. From the classic to the avant-garde. Western, Indian, there are no boundaries or limits. It’s just one magnificent man having a lot of fun and looking fabulous while he’s at it. He is a designer’s dream come true. He possesses immense respect and regard for another person’s artistic talent and is always open to experimentation and doing things in an entirely new way. He’s a natural when it comes to carrying off the most elaborate ensembles and no matter what he wears, it is always the man who maketh the man. He owns it and the room. That’s what style is.

‘Mr Bachchan has always been an effortless style icon’ – Nachiket Barve, Designer

Designer Nachiket Barve, who’s worked with Big B on several occasions says, “His iconic looks in films like Deewar, Trishul or Don sparked off trends that trickled down to the streets over the decades. Off screen, he remains an enduring style figure who can sport a bespoke Tux, a bandhgala or even a kurta worn with the most elegant shawls with panache. His love for accessories, be it statement shoes or watches completes his style. Style becomes iconic when there is a personalisation of elements and when the person sporting it towers over the outfit. Mr Bachchan certainly epitomises this and continues to stand tall, literally and figuratively in the style stakes. I have had the privilege of dressing Mr Bachchan for some of his ad campaigns and his personal wardrobe. He has a sharp eye for detail, is extremely meticulous and most generous when it comes to trusting a professional to do their job well. I distinctly remember being nervous on set for the first ad campaign I styled for him, and him being so wonderfully supportive that it calmed my nerves down. Here’s an example of his process; I requested he carry an option for footwear from his wardrobe, and he brought along a couple of dozen shoes for me to choose from… for a shot that didn’t even have his feet in the frame. I always learn something new from him and his enthusiasm and professionalism is awe inspiring and such a brilliant inspiration!”

‘Amitabh Bachchan is a true style icon’ —Shiraz Siddique, Stylist 

From the 70s to now, he’s always made a mark as the most stylish man.

Stylist Shiraz Siddique says, “Amitabh Bachchan is truly a style icon. I feel style and fashion is not about what you wear only. It’s about your mindset and how you carry it. The way he looks at things — his spirit and enthusiasm is unmatched and so is his discipline and work ethics. He is inherently charged to make things so perfect. The way he carries himself, the way he dresses is inspiring. What strikes me about him is that he’s so young in his outlook to life in general which translates into his sense of fashion. I have worked with him in commercials and also as a costume assistant for Kabhie Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna and he was amazing to work with. In 2015, I styled him for a Stardust cover, which was a memorable and enjoyable experience when he wore a white shirt teamed with a black bow-tie. I didn’t even get to do a trial with him but he was outstanding. We did six changes and finished the shoot in 45 minutes. He was polite and accommodating and never put his point across and pressured me. He is open to new ideas and always respectful. As far as his style evolution goes, he’s been very progressive and never looked dated in his sense of style. In KBC he looks like a 25 year old, looking natty with lapel pins and pocket square.”

‘A love of suits’ — Troy Costa Designer 

Troy Costa recalls shooting for HELLO! magazine with him. He says, “I did the HELLO! cover with him. The measurements came from his tailor and we created two looks and the fittings happened at his residence. It was perfect. His left shoulder is down by two inches and we knew that already and there were no alterations required and the shoot was like a breeze and he was fabulous. After he wore the second outfit, he took a selfie with me. This was two years ago and back then I didn’t even know how take selfies. He’s complimented me on how well the clothes fitted, he is a complete clothes horse and is in best shape. In the 70s, he was super lean and exuded swagger and now he dresses his age, very elegantly. It’s been a great evolution from 80s and 90s. He’s always been a lover of suits.”

‘Epitome of ageless fashion’ —Isha Bhansali 

Stylist Isha Bhansali recalls Big B in a trucker jacket which he sported a while ago. “I loved it. He’s still got the perfect physique for a super stylish man. He’s the epitome of ageless fashion. Firstly, his swag with ounces of elegance is his biggest fashion statement, which l many of the younger studs don’t have. But I must say, he’s moved on with times. From bell bottoms in the 70s to the lush leather jackets in the 90s to the sharp tailored blazers (Agneepath) in the 90s, he’s definitely a fashion icon every man should idolise as well.”