Never-Say-Dye Legends of Bollywood

Aamir Khan recently chose to stop dyeing his hair because he simply got bored of the continuous maintenance routine. At the Celebrate Cinema Festival 2026, the 61-year-old superstar proudly debuted a natural salt-and-pepper look.

While director Subhash Ghai jokingly teased that it might be prep for an upcoming role, Aamir clarified it is strictly a personal lifestyle choice.

Aamir now joins a distinguished league of Bollywood legends who have confidently ditched the dye to flaunt their natural grey, silver, or salt-and-pepper hair.

SLB’s grey truth

Sanjay Leela Bhansali, whose hair had prematurely greyed at 50, says he gave up dyeing his hair after trying it for a few years. “It was liberating. I felt very uncomfortable dyeing my hair. When I looked in the mirror, I felt I was looking at a stranger. Plus, the process of dyeing is very cumbersome. I am very comfortable with my natural hair.”

Big B’s silver swag

Amitabh Bachchan transitioned to a refined salt-and-pepper look in his later career phase. He famously matched his silver beard and hair for iconic television stints like Kaun Banega Crorepati and various path-breaking film roles.

‘Jhakaas’ also goes grey!

Known as the “ageless” star of Bollywood, Anil Kapoor famously disrupted his pitch-black hair image by showcasing a stunning, sharp salt-and-pepper look for movies like Dil Dhadakne Do and Animal, often keeping his natural greys visible in real life.

Silver legends

As pillars of parallel and mainstream cinema, Naseeruddin and Pankaj Kapur have long abandoned artificial dyes, letting their completely silver and white hair naturally reflect their wisdom, age and cinematic stature.

Jaya’s grey glory

Jaya Bachchan, also prefers to let her hair remain naturally grey. “I never even considered artificial colouring. I think ageing is a natural and beautiful process. One should embrace it.”

Highlight: Ghai teased that it might be prep for an upcoming role, Aamir clarified it is strictly personal lifestyle choice