Amid entourage debate, Bollywood's biggest hairstylist says he charges Rs 1 lakh per sitting: ‘Plus Rs 18,000 GST'

Indian Express

3 days ago

Celebrity hairdresser Aalim Hakim, whose father was a renowned figure in the film industry as well, opened up about his hefty Rs 1 lakh per-session charges. He said that the price remains fixed regardless of the client, and that he makes sure to add an additional Rs 18,000 as GST as well. Aalim said that while he doesn't charge close friends, he follows proper paperwork when it comes to professional assignments, like movies and other projects. 'If they will earn through the project, then I have a right to earn as well,' he told Bollywood Bubble in an interview.
Asked if his Rs 1 lakh per-session price was accurate, Aalim said, 'This is the price for everyone. This is the minimum price, actually. If a person wants Aalim Hakim to cut their hair, Rs 1 lakh is minimum. This is a per-sitting cost. If I'm called for 10 or 15 sittings, then the cost goes up to Rs 10 lakh or Rs 15 lakh. It's a metre down situation. It's not like I'm forcing anybody to pay, but this is my consultation fee.'
Also read – 'My father died doing Amitabh Bachchan's haircut': Celebrity hairdresser Aalim Hakim reflects on losing dad at age 9
Aalim said that his clients would be willing to pay even Rs 3 lakh or Rs 5 lakh if he asked. 'They pay because they see the results on screen. If they weren't seeing the results, why would they pay? I'm not the only person in town. So many of my assistants have gone on to start their own businesses, and people hire them thinking that they've been trained by me. Everyone goes to school, but not everyone becomes iconic. If this were the case, everybody would become as talented as Amitabh Bachchan after watching his movies.'
Aalim said that his clients could be poached, but his talent cannot be taken away. 'It has taken so much hard work,' he said, adding that the younger generation is often driven by ego. He said that he knows of several young hairdressers who turn down work for various reasons, but he doesn't mind when people criticise his work or keep asking for new iterations. 'Nobody remembers who the richest star was five decades ago, but everyone remembers Dilip Kumar,' Aalim said, noting that the money one charges shouldn't be a reflection of their skill. 'I want people to remember me for my work,' he said.
Asked if he charges Rs 1 lakh to the average customer as well, Aalim said that he doesn't personally work at any of his salons, because then, people would only ask for him. If his services are required or requested, then he charges his quote. 'My salon is packed at all times, our prices start from around Rs 2500 and go up to around Rs 6000. It's not very expensive,' he said, adding, 'Think of it this way, would Manish Malhotra cater to every client himself?'
Aalim said that he doesn't charge friends unless they're working on a project through which they stand to earn money themselves. Aalim's comments come at a time when there has been a debate around extraneous costs that go into the production of a film. The Indian Express has reported widely on writers and other technicians being paid less than hairstylists and makeup artists on films. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, John Abraham said that stylists charging Rs 2 lakh per day is 'mental' and urged actors to introspect on the dire condition of an industry that is 'bleeding.'