Darshan Yewalekar: A Journey from Bhusawal to Bollywood

In the world of cinema, stories of 'accidental' actors are common, but Darshan Yewalekar stands out as an 'accidental' hair stylist. He has worked on major films like Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani, and Laal Kaptaan, styling renowned actors such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Vicky Kaushal, and Jaideep Ahlawat. Often referred to as the 'Hairdresser-in-Chief' for Ranveer Singh, Darshan's entry into the industry was serendipitous.

Originally from Bhusawal, Maharashtra, Darshan's aspiration was to pursue education in a metropolitan area. A suggestion from a family friend led his father to consider hair styling as a career path for him. With his mother already working in a beauty salon, the family embraced this idea. At just 17, Darshan moved to Pune to train under the esteemed Hakim Aalim, eventually making his way to film sets in Mumbai.

The Impact of Hairstyling on Character Development

Having collaborated with some of the industry's biggest names, Darshan quickly recognized the significant role a hairstylist plays in character portrayal. His partnership with Ranveer Singh has been particularly transformative. "Ranveer has elevated men's styling like no one else in recent years," he notes.

Reflecting on his work in Bajirao Mastani, Darshan recalls advocating for Ranveer to shave his head for the role. "Convincing a mainstream actor to go bald was a tall order, but I had faith in my vision, and we made it happen."

Evolving Character Creation in Film

Darshan is thrilled about the evolving landscape of character creation in cinema. "Now, I receive scripts and am involved in the entire creative process," he explains. From styling Ranbir Kapoor's messy hair in Saawariya to crafting Saif Ali Khan's dreadlocks in Laal Kaptaan, his portfolio has expanded significantly. He aspires to design looks for entire casts, stating, "In my upcoming projects, I plan to create styles for 70 to 80 characters with my team."

Challenges and Innovations in Hairstyling

Among his most demanding projects, Darshan cites the film '83' as a standout. "Creating the look for Ranveer as Kapil Dev was challenging, as Kapil is a living legend. While I trusted Ranveer to embody the character, achieving a resemblance was crucial."

Darshan is also enthusiastic about the role of AI in hairstyling. "When I began, references were essential. Now, creativity can flourish, allowing us to visualize our ideas thanks to AI technology."

Navigating Celebrity Quirks and Professionalism

Working with celebrities often comes with unique challenges. "Celebrities are not just defined by their looks; they are dedicated professionals who take their craft seriously," Darshan shares. He approaches his work with equal seriousness, emphasizing the importance of communication. "If a star disagrees with my vision, I ensure to explain my perspective on the character, which usually leads to a harmonious outcome."

The Future of Hair Styling in Indian Cinema

Darshan finds joy in the challenges posed by prosthetics, noting that while 80% of the vision is executed as planned, 20% relies on real-time adjustments. For Saif Ali Khan's look in Laal Kaptaan, they spent two hours on set finalizing the beard. He is particularly excited about his upcoming project, Yash-starrer Toxic, stating, "I am venturing into new territories. Each day brings the thrill of trying something innovative."

As the founder of D Barbershop in Mumbai, Darshan merges traditional techniques with modern flair. His ambition is clear: "I aim to elevate Indian hairstyling to international standards," he concludes.