Happy Movember! This lovely time of year is a month when men around the world grow out their mustaches to change the face of men’s healthcare–such as through raising awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. Read more about the Movember Foundation here!
Inspired by this movement, today we present a definitive ranking of men’s facial hair in classic Bollywood films, a photographic indulgence of every important mustache and beard that hit the silver screens of Bombay and then bounced straight into our souls. And God knows we needed something this in our lives after that f*$&ing insane apocalypse difficult election week. But be forewarned, some of these manes can bite–and others might make you suddenly feel itchy. Most of all, that fluttering sensation in your chest like a fluffy mustache tickling your heart–that’s called love.
A Definitive Ranking of Men’s Facial Hair in Classic Bollywood Films
15. Kishore Kumar’s waxed perfection in Padosan (1968)
14. Shashi Kapoor’s deadly combo in Chor Sipahee (1979)
13. Amitabh Bachhan’s full coverage in Do Anjaane (1976)
12. Pradeep Kumar’s Mughal-style beard in Taj Mahal (1963)
11. Rishi Kapoor’s bad boy scruff in Laila Manju (1979)
10. Pran’s proud Pathan mane in Zanjeer (1973)
9. Vinod Khanna’s caterpillar mustache in Amar, Akbar, Anthony (1977)
8. Shammi Kapoor’s fluffy goatee in Professor (1962)
7. Jeetendra’s provocative chevron mustache in Parichay (1972)
6. Dev Anand’s curly mustache in Hum Dono (1961)
5. Manoj Kumar’s patriotic handlebar in Shaheed (1965)
4. Raj Kapoor’s pyramidal mustache in Awaara (1951)
3. Rajesh Khanna’s hipster beard in Do Raaste (1969)
2. Guru Dutt’s emotional mustache in Pyaasa (1957)
1. WINNER: Rajkumar’s devastating pencil mustache in Pakeezah (1972)
Men, time to take a hard look in the mirror and evaluate if you’re really bringing your full potential to the world. And remember, just because we all love to see a little facial hair in November, it is NEVER OK to flash your chest hair in public in broad daylight à la Amitabh Bachhan, even if it’s just an unsightly tuft from your too-many-buttons-unbuttoned polo shirt. The 70s are over. These things are not equivalent. I just felt like that had to be said.
You’re welcome.
– Mrs. 55
The next question is naturally, real or fake? An excellent group for sure but I still think clean shaven is best! Sorry gentlemen.
Sorry I love my beard. Love me love my beard.imagine Anil kapoor, Raj Kumar without a beard un lovable almost.
Some pretty boys there. You forgot one
Amjad Khan. So devastating that his beard even make naram Dharam vow to drink the blood of a dog
Kutte, main tera khoon pee jaoonga
It seems also that facial hair was fashionable regardless of age. Maybe today, it is more common for older actors to have facial hair.
Interesting! 🙂 🙂
I feel like there’s been an oversight, Rajesh Khanna’s ‘stache in Dushman was pretty killer. But I definitely agree with the pick of Raj Kumar for number one!
Then there’s “Badhti ka Naam Daadhi.” Produced and directed by Kishore Kumar, with him also playing the comic protagonist…