Ranveer Singh's Hairstylist Unveils the Making of His Fearsome Khilji Look in ‘Padmaavat’
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Synopsis
In an exclusive interview, hairstylist Darshan reveals how he crafted Ranveer Singh's fierce Khilji look in 'Padmaavat', detailing the process of styling his beard and long hair to depict the ruthless character of Sultan Alauddin Khilji.
Key Takeaways
- Ranveer Singh portrayed Sultan Alauddin Khilji in 'Padmaavat'
- Darshan, the hairstylist, detailed the creation of Khilji's look
- The process involved growing a distinctive beard
- Long hair was chosen to enhance Khilji's ferocity
- Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali played a vital role in the character's styling
Mumbai, Feb 12 (NationPress) Ranveer Singh's exceptional portrayal of Sultan Alauddin Khilji in 'Padmaavat' has left a lasting impression on viewers, largely due to the character’s audacious and fierce appearance.
Now, hairstylist Darshan is sharing the secrets behind crafting Khilji's intimidating look, from his carefully groomed beard to his impressive long hair. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Darshan has disclosed the detailed process that transformed Singh into the formidable Khilji.
Discussing the method, the actor’s hairstylist noted that the first step involved grasping the essence of Khilji’s character. Darshan stated, “The first thing I heard about this character was that he resembled a Mughal king who is destructive and ruthless. So, we prioritized the beard; we had to grow it for almost one hour, three months, perhaps slightly more.”
“On the day of the look test, we knew from our experience with Bajirao, where he was bald, that we wanted to push the boundaries. We thought about giving him long hair, making him look even more menacing like a lion with a mane, reflecting his power and ferocity. This is when the concept of long hair emerged. The prosthetic artist, Preeti Sheel, was on the same page, and we began working with extensions designed for this character, allowing us to lengthen his hair. I recall at the first look test, the entire team was aligned; we trimmed the beard to create that distinctive Khilji look and kept the hair long, experimenting with four or five styles. The initial look test was spot on, and we achieved our goals right away,” Darshan elaborated.
He also highlighted that the director Sanjay Leela Bhansali played a crucial role in shaping Ranveer Singh’s Khilji appearance in 'Padmaavat'. According to him, Bhansali was key in exploring various iterations of the character's look.
“I believe Sanjay sir was present, guiding the variations. We explored the possibilities of this king sporting different styles. All departments collaborated, and we tried variations, including two small braids and a half bun while he was seated, adorned with half gulal on his face. This was something we created spontaneously during filming. Sanjay sir encourages innovation and gives you the freedom to present something distinct and original,” Darshan further explained.
Set in 1303 AD during medieval India, 'Padmaavat' narrates the courageous tale of Queen Padmavati, portrayed by Deepika Padukone, and her struggle against the merciless Sultan Alauddin Khilji (Ranveer Singh). The film showcases her unwavering strength in safeguarding her kingdom and honor from Khilji’s nefarious aspirations.
Featuring Shahid Kapoor as well, this historical action thriller was re-released in theaters on January 24.
