Forget the fountain of youth; Farhan Akhtar just swapped his oversized flannels for a tailor-made legacy, proving that style, much like a good single malt, only gets punchier with time.

Honestly, looking back at the 2000s, we were all a bit of a mess, weren't we? But Farhan Akhtar - the man who basically birthed the "cool urban Indian" trope with Dil Chahta Hai - seemed to embrace the chaos with a particular brand of baggy-shirted nonchalance.

He was the director-cool kid, often seen in cargo pants and shirts that looked like they’d survived a particularly rowdy band rehearsal. It wasn't about the label then; it was about the vibe, a sort of anti-fashion statement that made him the poster boy for Bandra’s creative elite.

The "Rock On" Transition

Then came Rock On!!, and suddenly, the hair got longer, the headbands appeared, and the aesthetic shifted toward a rugged, lived-in bohemianism. It was a period of trial and error, I believe, where he was shedding the skin of a behind-the-scenes technician to step into the blinding glare of the spotlight.

Those early red-carpet appearances? They were... let's say, experimental. He often looked like he’d rather be anywhere else, draped in silhouettes that didn't quite know if they wanted to be formal or "I-just-woke-up-like-this" casual.

Perhaps the real shift started when he stopped trying to look like a rockstar and started dressing like a mogul. The baggy flannels were slowly replaced by structured linens, and the messy curls were tamed into what would become a trademark suave man-bun or a slicked-back undercut. It was a masterclass in understanding one's own proportions.

The GQ God Era

By the time the mid-2010s rolled around, Farhan hadn't just changed his wardrobe; he’d overhauled his entire physical presence. His association with GQ India - gracing multiple covers with a razor-sharp jawline and even sharper tailoring - marked his official entry into the "God Tier" of Indian style. He moved from being "the guy who directs" to "the man who arrives."

Whether he’s sporting a tux on a global stage or a simple black Perona blazer for a quiet dinner, there’s a quiet luxury to his choices now. He’s ditched the loud graphics for monochromatic depth - navy, charcoal, and the occasional bold burgundy - that screams sophistication without needing to shout.

Farhan Akhtar wearing a Perona blazer.

It’s a bit of a slap in the face to the "forever young" crowd; he’s leaning into his fifties with a grace that makes aging look like a luxury upgrade.

Aging Like Fine Wine

(@fusionandfashion07/Instagram)

As he hits another birthday this January 9, 2026, at the age of 52, Farhan remains the ultimate style barometer for the modern Indian man. He’s proof that you don't need to chase every fleeting TikTok trend to stay relevant. You just need a damn good tailor and the confidence to own your wrinkles.

Is it perfect? Not always. Sometimes the experimental hats are a bit much, but that’s the human touch, isn't it? He’s not a mannequin; he’s a creator who understands that style is just another form of storytelling. And right now, he’s telling the best story of his career.