Ranveer Singh's blockbuster 'Dhurandhar' continues its triumphant run at the box office, shattering records with each new day. Beyond its financial success, the film has ignited a cultural firestorm online, with every element—from intricate details to its catchy soundtrack—capturing the public's imagination. A significant part of this viral wave is the renewed stardom of actor Akshaye Khanna, whose performance and style have unlocked a massive new fanbase.
The Viral Phenomenon of FA9LA and the Sher-E-Baloch
While the entire movie is trending, one component has reached stratospheric popularity: the Bahraini hip-hop track 'FA9LA' by Flipperachi. The song is not just about its addictive beats; it's Akshaye Khanna's magnetic screen presence and his character Rehman Dakait's powerful 'Sher-E-Baloch' (Lion of Baloch) avatar that has everyone talking. The look has become a style benchmark, prompting costume designer Smriti Chauhan to take to social media and decode the thought process behind its creation.
The core vision was to make Akshaye Khanna the undeniable focal point of the sequence. "We wanted to give him a full black look for the sequence because we really wanted him to be the centre of attention, the focal point of the sequence," Smriti Chauhan explained in a detailed video breakdown. This deliberate choice set the foundation for a look that was both traditional and strikingly modern.
Deconstructing the Iconic Attire
The team faced the creative challenge of embodying the essence of Balochistan while maintaining a sleek, powerful silhouette. The solution was a traditional attire reimagined in black. The final ensemble consisted of a slim-fit black kurta with a Chinese collar and shirt-style cuffs, layered with a bandhgala for added finesse. Material selection was crucial; Chauhan opted for a silk-wool blend to achieve a certain sturdiness and weight, deliberately moving away from traditional silks to bring out the character's raw power.
The lower garment was a masterclass in adaptive design. Instead of a full Balochi salwar requiring 15-20 meters of fabric, the designer crafted a semi-Balochi salwar using just 6 meters. This decision was strategically made to complement Akshaye Khanna's physique, ensuring the look was imposing yet agile. The iconic white pagri (turban) was the final contrasting element. The black-and-white combination was chosen because it "cuts through the sea of colours we see around him, making him stand out," Chauhan shared.
The Finishing Touch: The Pashmina Scarf
No detail was too small. The feathery soft pashmina scarf, often seen flowing in the wind during the song, was instrumental in completing the character's quiet swag. "Its feathery soft texture adds so much to his quiet swag when it moves with the wind. It just completes the whole look," the designer mentioned. This accessory added a layer of fluidity and grace to the otherwise structured and powerful outfit.
When combined with Akshaye Khanna's innate acting prowess and screen presence, these carefully curated elements coalesced into a look that has not only defined a character but has also become a viral sensation for Bollywood and cinema enthusiasts worldwide. The 'Sher-E-Baloch' look is a testament to how thoughtful costume design can elevate a performance and capture the cultural zeitgeist.
