Shahid Kapoor's new look

By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Shahid Kapoor has donned the look of a corporate executive in director Imtiaz Ali's untitled film (produced by Ashtavinayak Films), styled by his personal designer-stylist Shabina Khan. Says Shabina, who has been designing for Shahid since Fida (2004), "Kareena (his co-star in the film) plays a typical Punjabi girl from Patiala, while Shahid plays a rich young industrialist. He's never portrayed in such a role before. It's not the typical boy-next-door he usually plays."

Talking about the character brief, Shabina says his character goes through a low phase in the film so his clothes and styling had to be subdued. "Shahid gelled and coloured his hair for the first time. Dilshad Pastakia styled his hair. He had grown it out to get the look."

Shabina adds that it was Shahid who had to convince her about the hair colouring. "The hair colouring was Shahid's own contribution. In fact, we even fought over it. Whenever we try a new look or costume, there is no argument or discussion between Shahid and me.

It's always an outright fight," laughs Shabina, adding, "Both of us are strong-headed so we even throw costumes at each other during our fights. Shahid's very fashion-conscious and attuned with current trends."

Once the look was finalised, picking up the right clothes wasn't a problem. Says Shabina, "Imtiaz was clear about Shahid's look, so we picked up formal suits from brands like Hugo Boss and Armani. Shahid has also worn pathani suits and jootis for the first time in the film, as his character comes to stay at a farmhouse in Ludhiana."

Shabina remembers one particular outfit Shahid and she fought over a lot. "It was for the Punjabi song Mauja re mauja, where Shahid insisted on wearing a long jacket while I wanted a shorter one. So we compromised and got a thigh-length one!"