Sanjay Sir Wanted a Look That Would Command Attention: Yewalekar
Darshan Yewalekar reveals the artistry behind Ranveer Singh’s menacing transformation into Alauddin Khilji in Padmaavat
When it comes to creating iconic characters in Bollywood, few names shine as brightly as that of Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose films are known for their grandeur and meticulous detail. One of the most striking elements in Bhansali’s Padmaavat was the transformation of Ranveer Singh into the ruthless Alauddin Khilji, a role that required an extraordinary attention to detail. The mastermind behind this fierce avatar was Darshan Yewalekar, a renowned hairstylist who has worked with Bhansali on multiple projects, including Saawariya and Bajirao Mastani.
Yewalekar recalls that the first brief he received for Khilji’s look was centered around power and animalistic aggression. “Sanjay Sir wanted Khilji to be a ruthless, almost animalistic force of nature,” says Yewalekar. “That’s where the idea of his long, mane-like hair came from. It had to symbolize power, ferocity, and unpredictability—just like his character.” But achieving the right look wasn’t a simple task. The process involved over three months of growing Ranveer Singh’s beard and hair, complemented by extensions to perfect the volume and texture required for Khilji’s striking appearance.
Bhansali, known for his relentless pursuit of perfection, encouraged Yewalekar to push the boundaries of creativity. “He always pushes you to go beyond, to explore and experiment with what else can be done,” Yewalekar explains. This collaboration resulted in several variations of Khilji’s look, each tailored to match the character’s evolving moods. From the half-bun style with gulal smeared across Singh’s face to the warrior-inspired dual-braid look, every style served a specific purpose in bringing Khilji to life on screen.
This collaboration between Yewalekar and Bhansali has borne fruit in films like Bajirao Mastani, where a bold bald look for Bajirao was met with success. However, Padmaavat was all about excess and intensity, with Yewalekar crafting an extravagant and fierce look that would capture the essence of Khilji.
With Padmaavat back on the big screen, audiences are once again reminded of the magic behind the meticulous craftsmanship that brought this larger-than-life character to life. Yewalekar’s work proves that even the smallest details, like a strand of hair, can tell an entire story.