Darshan Yewalekar on Salman Khan: “I was terrified after nicking his ear, but he didn’t lose his cool”
Darshan Yewalekar, one of Bollywood’s most sought-after celebrity hairstylists, has an inspiring journey from humble beginnings to styling some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. In a recent interview with Anandabazar Online, he shared heartwarming anecdotes about his long association with Salman Khan — revealing the superstar’s generosity, calm nature, and larger-than-life personality.
Yewalekar first entered the world of Bollywood through Salman Khan’s film Yuvvraaj, an opportunity that marked the start of his professional rise. Since then, he has worked with stars like Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, and Ananya Panday, crafting iconic looks in blockbuster films like Padmaavat, Bajirao Mastani, and Bad Newz.
But among all his clients, his bond with Salman Khan stands out as truly special. Darshan fondly recalls how the superstar supported him at every step, even gifting him a pair of Harley-Davidson shoes — a gesture that left the young stylist deeply touched.
The incident that terrified Darshan Yewalekar
In the interview, Darshan narrated a memorable yet nerve-wracking experience during an early haircut session with Salman Khan. He accidentally hurt the actor’s ear while trimming his hair — a mistake that could easily have angered anyone.
“I unintentionally hurt his ear. During those days, trimmers were not as advanced as they are now. I was very scared how he would react. But Salman Khan didn’t lose his temper. I was sweating in apprehension. But Salman Sir didn’t make any fuss,” Darshan said.
This incident left a lasting impression on Yewalekar. He learned that beneath Salman’s superstar persona lies an incredibly patient and understanding individual who treats people with kindness and respect.
Salman Khan’s generosity: “Pick a suit from my wardrobe”
Darshan also recalled a special moment when Salman Khan personally asked him to accompany him to the unveiling of his wax statue at Madame Tussauds in London. Concerned about how Darshan would present himself at such a prestigious event, Salman offered him a suit from his own wardrobe.
“Salman Sir called me and asked if I had good clothes to wear to the unveiling. When I said no, he asked me to pick a suit from his wardrobe. That’s the kind of man he is — big-hearted and thoughtful,” Darshan shared.
Such gestures, Yewalekar says, are not rare for Salman Khan, who is known for supporting upcoming talents both on-screen and off-screen.
Journey from humble beginnings to styling Bollywood’s elite
Darshan Yewalekar’s life is a story of grit, passion, and ambition. Coming from a modest background, he worked tirelessly to build a name in the competitive world of Bollywood grooming and hairstyling. Over the years, he has worked on numerous high-profile projects, styling leading men and women with signature looks that fans instantly recognize.
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He was Ranveer Singh’s personal hairstylist for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani and Padmaavat, helping craft the actor’s royal Maratha warrior look.
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He designed Vicky Kaushal’s appearance in several films, earning praise for bringing sharpness and authenticity to his roles.
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Recently, Darshan styled Ananya Panday for her look in Kesari Chapter 2, further solidifying his reputation in Bollywood.
With years of experience under his belt, Darshan now dreams of working with top actresses like Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt, and Taapsee Pannu, who feature prominently on his wishlist.
The superstar who inspires discipline and humility
According to Darshan, Salman Khan’s unwavering dedication to fitness and work has been a source of personal motivation. “His discipline inspires everyone around him. He has been a fitness icon for decades, and yet he continues to push his limits daily,” Darshan noted.
His association with Salman has not just been professional but also deeply personal. Over seven years, he has come to see the actor not only as a client but as a mentor figure who encourages him to dream bigger and work harder.
Conclusion: More than just a stylist — a trusted friend
For Darshan Yewalekar, working with Salman Khan has been much more than just a job. From helping him pick clothes for global events to forgiving an accidental injury during a haircut, Salman’s warmth has shaped Darshan’s outlook on life and success.
Today, Darshan stands as one of Bollywood’s top celebrity hairstylists — an artist whose journey reflects resilience, gratitude, and the importance of relationships in showbiz. And as he continues to set new benchmarks in styling, his bond with Salman Khan remains one of the brightest chapters of his career.
