BORNE LEGACY

Celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim talks about the nature of business with Eden Noronha

- Eden Noronha

Crafting an identity synonymous with hairstyling, celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim is a popular name in the Indian industry and cinema alike. From having just one barber chair to expanding the business into a chain of salons across the country, the man has carved a special place for himself that is coveted from every angle. He talks to us about his journey of close to thirty years in the industry and the values he maintains that go hand-in-hand with the profession.

What inspired you to become a hairstylist?

I became a hairdresser at the age of 16. My father (late Kairanvi Hakim) was a famous hairdresser. He’s actually one of the first celebrity hairstylists of our country. He has styled almost everyone, including Amitabh Bachchan, Sunil Dutt, Dilip Kumar, and Shashi Kapoor. All of Bachchan’s looks in his movies from Sholay and Deewaar to Sharaabi was created by my dad. He also styled Bruce Lee, Muhammad Ali, and Richard Harris.