From Shah Rukh Khan to Akshay Kumar: These B-Town dads are redefining ‘Daddy cool’

Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Anil Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, and Saif Ali Khan have something in common. They look remarkable for their age (or is that an understatement?). Given their commitment to working out and adherence to a strict diet regimen — they’ve continued to sparkle year after year, movie after movie, appearance after appearance. Stylist Divyak D’Souza shares, “They have carved their own niche. They’ve continued to stay relevant and of-the-moment, no matter what.”

Most of them have followed the principle of — early to bed and early to rise — throughout their careers. In an interview with this newspaper, stylist Rhea Kapoor had shared about her dad Anil’s commitment to working out and eating right. “My mom and dad have no social lives at all. They don’t drink, eat very little and they make us feel guilty about eating and drinking. My mom enjoys a little salad and soup while my dad has a grilled fish. They go to sleep by 10.15 pm. God! So boring,” she had said. Stylist Akshay Tyagi observes that all these actors are aware that fit is the new style trend. “As long as you’re fit, everything works out,” he says.

Early-Morning Inspo
Akshay Kumar

He is infamous for his early morning wake-up calls. Getting up at the crack of dawn has been the Bollywood superstar’s life-long mantra along with an undying passion for working out and fitness. The black belt holder is rarely seen at late night events unless it’s concerning his work. All this combined with his armour of optimism makes him the fittest and coolest dad in business. Designer and stylist Kunal Rawal comments, “It’s all to do with the fact that he takes such great care of himself. His healthy and disciplined lifestyle reflects on his body. Day in and day out, he’s dedicated a specific time to his body. His fitness regimen is inspiring.”

Stylist Eshaa Amiin, who has worked with Akshay, sees him as a strict, punctual and ethical man. “Mostly known for his martial arts, the actor has never been a fashion icon, but his sense of style has dramatically evolved over the years. Everybody admires him for his fitness, and his physique allows him the perfect canvas to express his personal style,” she adds.

Agelessness redefined
Anil Kapoor

If the phrase ‘Daddy Cool’ suited anyone to the T, it’s got to be the inimitable Anil Kapoor. He’s ageless, season-less and always in style. Check out his latest salt and pepper mane and he looks as dishy as ever. One can safely deduce that daughters — Sonam’s and Rhea’s incredible style evolution has also influenced Anil’s personal style considerably and rarely does one see AK out of step with style. Be it his suits or sporty attires, he’s always dapper and elegantly turned out. “AK has defied age and has always been eye candy. It’s his face, his eyes — he still has that bad-ass Lakhan vibe,” says stylist Isha Bhansali.

Dad goals
Suniel Shetty

Just have a look at all his airport images and he looks flawless, thanks to his unmitigated love for fitness and working out. Snug body-con T-shirts, jumpers and impeccably groomed beard — SS never gives a bad pap pic, shoot him from any angle. He doesn’t drink and has also inspired his kids Athiya and Ahan into working out and overall fitness. A family man at heart and also a businessman, Suniel doubles up as a philanthropist and being a backbone in wife Mana’s charity initiatives like Araaish. Check his images on his Instagram account and you’d know what we’re talking about. “Suniel believes age is just a number and he is more than happy about the fact that the younger generation is getting increasingly focused on fitness,” says Eshaa.

Daddy on duty
Saif Ali Khan

The Nawab of Pataudi may not have struck gold at the BO of late, but that doesn’t take away from his suave and sophisticated charm. Whether he’s in his Raghavendra Rathore bandhgalas or basic kurta-pyjamas — he’s always radiating old-world charm and elegance. His nerdy eye wear, bandi jackets and pocket squares — everything says effortless style which transcends age, trends and seasons. Whether he’s cradling son Taimur in the Swiss Alps or accompanying wife Kareena at the airport — Saif proves that style and panache is something, which comes to him inherently and can’t be acquired or imitated. Stylist Akshay Tyagi, who’s worked with Saif, underscores the Nawab’s nonchalance and always on-point stance. “When Saif is on duty mode, he’s stately and sophisticated. But essentially, he’s a chilled out guy who doesn’t need any validation,” says Akshay.

Mr DILF
Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan is a synonym for effortless style and just refuses to age which makes him the coolest B-Town dad ever. SRK is one of the few actors who is always impossibly chic — whether he’s rocking a traditional pathani suit during the Eid festivities or setting the red carpet ablaze in a three-piece suit and a bow-tie or driving around town with super cute AbRam. Shredded T-shirts, hoodies, sporty jumpers, chunky knits, camouflage track-pants — there’s nothing that Mr Khan can’t own and make unmistakably his own.

The Shapeshifter
Aamir Khan

He’s a true shapeshifter in every sense of the word. Over the decades, the alchemist has morphed his body — from being Ghajini’s eight-pack stud-muffin to 3 Idiots’ nerd bod to Dangal’s pehalwan physique. Aamir is India’s answer to Christian Bale. “He can just take over any personality,” says stylist Akshay Tyagi. While the actor has never really been known for his distinctive sense of style — he comes across as a charming family man who’s always smiling.

Soccer dad
Hrithik Roshan

He’s always a striking figure — whether he’s taking his boys — Hrehaan and Hridhaan to the movies or chilling with them on a holiday. Hrithik’s  tracksuits, leather jackets, baseball caps and sneakers bring out his sporty side and his untiring dedication to working out. When he is on the red carpet, the actor doesn’t shy away from going all out — recently he was seen in a velvet evening jacket worn with a pair of white denims and a bow tie. Towering, athletic and polished — the Roshan gene is all about turning heads and doing the balancing act — juggling work and personal life, film events and family movie outings, shoot schedules and holidays like a pro.