Meet Bollywoods numero uno hairstylist, Adhuna Akhtar
It’s been 20 long years in the world of locks and tresses and Adhuna Bhabani’s energy is like that of a fresher wanting to prove something to the world. So, what keeps the numero uno hairstylist going? “You’re always being watched. There’s always an aspiring hairstylist, the members of our team who are watching me. I must always try and do better, The desire for continuous improvement keeps me going,” explains the baroness of BBlunt one of India’s most renowned hairstyling salons.
The dream took shape in the UK, when a young Adhuna would get intrigued by the ambience of a salon while accompanying her mother on her visits there. Soon she did a three-year long apprenticeship and learnt the ropes. She also participated in hairdressing competitions back there and emerged triumphant.
Passion, they say, has no boundaries. A half Bengali, half British Adhuna then moved to Mumbai and started her hairstyling career here. “I was working as a freelance stylist and did a lot of work in fashion for magazines here. My brother, Osh Bhabani, then suggested we launch a salon. On the first day itself Avan Contractor (famed hairstylist) came on board. Since then we’ve achieved many goals,” she smiles.
In 2002, BBLUNT collaborated with Excel Entertainment on their first ever project, Dil Chahta Hai. “At that time I was expecting our first daughter, so Avan spearheaded the team on the project,” she recalls. Incidently, DCH is known for its cult characters and their unique looks.
With 50 films right from DCH to the upcoming Baar Baar Dekho, she never really fit the ‘star wife’ bill. She’s been a success story in her own right ever since. Known for her impeccable (read quirky and funky) sartorial choices Adhuna became a regular on celebrity best-dressed lists.
Behind all the glitz and glam is tears and sweat and Adhuna agrees. “The look is never just about the hair and make-up, it’s about the director’s vision too. Often your actor is working on more than one project at a time. That limits what you can or do to create a look.”
Coming from an international space where people are open to experimenting with their locks, Adhuna says it took a while for people to get adventurous in India. “Since Caucasian hair is finer, you need a great haircut to make your hair look good. Hence the West loves to experiment. But long hair is part of Indian culture. It’s not a fashion thing,” she says adding, “The beauty of Indian hair lies in its abundance. Contrary to popular belief, I love long hair as far as it’s in a good and healthy condition. But yes it’s been a challenge… chip chipping away here. It’s only now that people are game to experiment with short hair.”
In the personal sphere, ‘mommy time’ is special for her. “I unwind with my girls Shakya and Akira. I plan my schedule according to their school timing. When the girls come home, we like to chill and talk.” And to keep her creative juices flowing she pursues an array of interests. “I’m constantly discovering. I’ve been practising yoga since the last 20 odd years. That helps me relax. Painting is a form of meditation too. I’m working hard on being aware of myself.”
BBlunt now has 16 salons, eight in-house and eight franchises making it the largest base when it comes to hair products. But she’s far from content. “You’re only good as your last hair cut,” is how she defines her constant drive for reinvention.
SHOW COMMENTS
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7p7XLpp2aqpVjsLC5jp%2Bcmqylp7K0e8yenK1lkqS5rcXWqKadq12jwq6x0ahkrqafYrWitdGsq7KkmajBbq3DoaynmV2WuKnAwKtkamxgan1vtNOmow%3D%3D