Akshaye Khanna's 'Sher-E-Baloch' Look in 'Dhurandhar' Sparks Trend: Costume Designer Reveals Inspiration

Akshaye Khanna's portrayal in the recent film 'Dhurandhar' has resonated deeply with audiences, and one particular element is creating a significant buzz: his 'Sher-E-Baloch' look from the song 'FA9LA'. The film itself is experiencing phenomenal success, breaking box office records and generating widespread online discussion about its various artistic aspects. Among these, Khanna's character and especially his appearance in the Bahraini hip-hop track by Flipperachi, has become a major talking point, spawning trends and captivating viewers. Costume designer Smriti Chauhan recently offered a detailed explanation of the creative process behind this now-iconic look in a social media post.

Chauhan emphasized the intention to make Khanna the undeniable focus of the sequence. The decision to go with an all-black ensemble was deliberate, designed to amplify the character's powerful presence. This choice immediately sets him apart, drawing the eye and reinforcing his dominant role within the scene. The starkness of the black also contributes to a sense of gravitas and authority.

One of the most striking features of the 'Sher-E-Baloch' look is the contrast between the black attire and a crisp white pagri (turban). Chauhan revealed that the team initially debated the turban's color. Ultimately, the classic black-and-white pairing was chosen to create a visual anchor. The white turban cuts through the surrounding color palette, ensuring Khanna remains the central figure and adds a touch of regal elegance to the otherwise dark ensemble.

To authentically represent the essence of Balochistan, Chauhan and her team aimed for a traditional attire with a contemporary twist. They opted for a slim-fit, Chinese collar black kurta, complete with shirt cuffs on the sleeves. This was paired with a bandhgala (a close-fitting, high-necked coat), adding a layer of sophistication and formality to the overall design. The material choice was also carefully considered. Rather than using traditional silks, Chauhan selected a silk-wool blend. This was to achieve the desired sturdiness and weight typically associated with 'suti' (cotton) material, while still retaining a level of refinement. The intention was to avoid the often-delicate drape of silk, opting for a fabric that conveyed strength and resilience.

The lower portion of the outfit features a semi-Balochi salwar, crafted with approximately six meters of fabric. This was a conscious departure from the traditional Balochi salwar, which can require upwards of 15-20 meters of cloth. Chauhan explained that this modification was made to better suit Akshaye Khanna's physique, ensuring the garment complemented his frame without overwhelming it. This attention to detail demonstrates the designer's commitment to both authenticity and flattering the actor's appearance.

Finally, a pashmina scarf completes the ensemble. Chauhan highlighted the scarf's soft texture and the way it adds to Khanna's understated swagger as it moves with the air. This seemingly minor detail ties the entire look together, adding a touch of luxury and visual interest.

The success of the 'Sher-E-Baloch' look is a testament to the collaborative effort between Akshaye Khanna's performance and Smriti Chauhan's meticulous costume design. It demonstrates how thoughtful design choices can significantly enhance a character's portrayal and contribute to a film's overall impact. This look has not only captivated audiences but also sparked a trend, proving the enduring power of costume design in shaping cinematic narratives and influencing popular culture.