Mumbai, March 28 (NationPress) Renowned hairstylist Aalim Hakim shared insights into the enduring legacy of his late father, Hakim Kairanvi. He disclosed how his father's last haircut for the legendary Amitabh Bachchan in the 1985 film Mard transformed into a historic marker in the realm of hairdressing.

Aalim took to Instagram to honor his father on the 42nd anniversary of his passing, reminiscing about the numerous celebrities he styled, including Bruce Lee, Mohammad Ali, Dilip Kumar, Vinod Khanna, Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra, and Shatrughan Sinha.

He shared a nostalgic photo collage showcasing moments of his father working on the hair of Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Dilip Kumar, and others, alongside old magazine articles that celebrated his father's craftsmanship.

Reflecting on his father's untimely death at 39, Aalim shared, “March 28, 1984… the day my world shifted irrevocably. I was just 9 when my father, Hakim Kairanvi, departed from us. Yet, not a single day goes by without his guiding presence. To me, he will always remain my Hero, my inspiration, my foundation.”

Aalim portrayed Hakim Kairanvi not merely as a hairstylist but as a visionary who revolutionized the art of hairdressing during the 1960s, 70s, and early 80s, collaborating with both global and Indian legends.

“He wasn't just a hairstylist; he was a visionary. A man who transformed hairdressing in the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. From legends like Bruce Lee and Mohammad Ali to crafting the iconic looks of Amitabh Bachchan, Dilip Kumar, Vinod Khanna, Sunil Dutt, Shashi Kapoor, Jeetendra, and Shatrughan Sinha… his hands shaped history.”

Among his many influences, Aalim pointed out that his father's last haircut for Big B in Mard became an unintentional milestone in his legacy.

“His final haircut for Mr. Bachchan in Mard unknowingly became a legacy.”

Mard, directed by Manmohan Desai, also featured Amrita Singh and Dara Singh. This film was inspired by the American comic character Phantom, or its Indian equivalent, Betaal. It became the second-highest-grossing film of 1985.

“Beyond his greatness, he was revered for his kind heart. He didn’t hoard wealth; he sought love. Family and friends were his everything.”

Aalim also reflected on the challenges he faced in pursuing the same career path, recalling how he was ridiculed in college for wanting to be a barber. However, he began his journey in a modest setup, starting with a single chair in a small balcony and gradually building his brand.

“When he left us, my life changed instantly. In college, I felt lost... Yet, I knew I had to honor his name. People laughed at my aspiration to become a 'Barber'... but I persevered.”

“From a single chair in a small balcony, equipped with just a fan and a basin, I embarked on my journey. Step by step, Hakim’s Aalim emerged. Today, we span across cities… but it all traces back to that balcony and to him. He believed in one religion — Humanity. That is our guiding principle.”

He attributes his success to his father's values, particularly his commitment to humanity above all. Aalim expressed that even after all these years since his father's passing, he continues to embody his legacy through each haircut, every aspiration, and every principle they uphold.

“Today marks his 42nd death anniversary… But I refuse to allow his memory to fade. He lives on in every haircut, each dream, and every value we uphold. As he always said — believe in Humanity. We are all united under the same sky. Our children, Sky and Star, are following the same path of Humanity. Long Live Dad - Your son, Aalim Hakim.