How Akshaye Khanna’s Dhurandhar 'Sher-e-Baloch' look went viral: Costume designer reveals the black magic behind Rehman Dakait’s swagger

Akshaye Khanna’s brief but electrifying entry clip in Dhurandhar has become one of the film’s most shared moments on social media. Set to the pulsating Arabic rap track FA9LA by Bahraini artist Flipperachi, the clip shows Khanna stepping in as gangster Rehman Dakait with quiet menace and unmistakable swagger. Now, costume designer Smriti Chauhan has revealed how that striking look came together.

Why the look had to dominate the frame

In a recent Instagram video, Chauhan explained that the visual philosophy was clear from the start. Khanna had to command attention the moment he appeared. To achieve this, the team committed to a full black ensemble. The only deliberate contrast was the white bhagdi. According to Chauhan, this sharp black and white combination ensured the character stood out against the busy, colour filled surroundings of the scene.

Rooted in Baluchi identity, refined for cinema

Cultural grounding was central to the design. Chauhan said the silhouette was inspired by traditional Baluchi attire, reflecting Rehman Dakait’s Lyari roots and his “Sher-e-Baloch” persona. Instead of a fully traditional Baluchi salwar that can use up to 20 metres of fabric, the team opted for a six metre semi Baluchi salwar, tailored specifically to suit Khanna’s frame and movement on screen.

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Details that quietly signal power

The outfit layers were carefully engineered. Khanna wears a slim fit Chinese collared kurta with shirt style cuffs. Subtle suede piping along the collar and button placket, leather detailing on the cuffs and pocket, and matte black metallic buttons add texture without drawing overt attention. Chauhan revealed that the entire Pathani was made from a silk wool blend suiting fabric, chosen for its weight and structure. Traditional silks were avoided to keep the look sharp and grounded.

The finishing touches that made it viral

The final layers were understated yet decisive. A black pashmina stole, soft and fluid, moves with the wind and amplifies the character’s restrained swagger. The look is completed with Gigi Studio sunglasses, which Chauhan jokingly described as sealing the “alpha” energy of the character. She added that the entire ensemble was created intuitively, allowing the character’s presence to guide each choice.

A designer behind some of cinema’s most talked about looks

Smriti Chauhan has steadily built a reputation for character driven costume design. She previously earned acclaim for Tumbbad, receiving a Filmfare nomination for its historical detailing, and worked on Angrezi Medium, Irrfan Khan’s final film. Her recent work on Dhurandhar, a major 2025 blockbuster, has placed her firmly in the spotlight, especially for the viral looks of Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna.

As fan edits and reels continue to flood social media, Chauhan’s breakdown offers a rare glimpse into how cultural nuance, fabric choice and restraint can combine to create a cinematic moment that resonates far beyond the screen.