Fashion critic Sufi Motiwala is making waves again, this time with his candid remarks about the state of Bollywood styling, particularly concerning young male actors. Known for his sharp tongue and unafraid opinions, Motiwala has built a following by dissecting celebrity fashion choices, and his recent comments suggest that some male stars in the industry need a serious upgrade in their style departments.
Motiwala's critique isn't just about individual outfits; it's a broader observation about the apparent lack of effort and innovation in menswear within Bollywood. He believes that male actors are lagging significantly behind their female counterparts when it comes to fashion, stating that they aren't even doing 10% of what female stars are achieving. This disparity, according to Motiwala, points to a need for these actors to reconsider their approach to style and potentially seek guidance from new stylists who can bring fresh perspectives.
In an interview with Curly Tales, Motiwala expressed his disappointment with the fashion choices of some newer-generation actors. When asked about male actors who need a makeover, he replied, "Unse toh hum ummeed hi nahi kar rahe, matlab mard log kuch kar rahe hain aisi aasha rakh raha hai desh hamara abhi bhi!". This translates to, "We don't even have expectations from them; the country is still hoping that men are doing something!". This statement underscores his belief that there's a significant gap in the effort and experimentation put into male celebrity styling compared to female stars in Bollywood.
Motiwala didn't hold back when discussing specific instances of what he considers to be fashion missteps. He famously criticized Shah Rukh Khan's Met Gala look, deeming it a "boring" black suit. Motiwala said, “Karan completely overshadowed Shah Rukh in this one...I famously hated Shah Rukh's look, and I think everybody knows that. What really went wrong with Mr. Khan here is that the theme was Black Dandies. Now, dandyism is all about rebellion while still being subversive and fashionable—none of which comes through in his outfit". He has also commented on Tiger Shroff's tendency to wear sleeveless outfits even at formal events, suggesting that if the goal is simply to showcase his physique, there's little point in wearing clothes at all.
Motiwala's comments often spark debate and sometimes controversy. He received backlash for critiquing Pakistani actor Mawra Hocane's wedding lehenga, with some accusing him of lacking an understanding of subcontinental fashion history and sentimental value. Despite the occasional controversy, Motiwala remains steadfast in his mission to make fashion accessible and entertaining for everyone. He aims to provide commentary that resonates even with the "chacha selling vada pav on the street," ensuring that his critiques are delivered with humor and wit.
Whether his opinions are loved or loathed, Sufi Motiwala's voice is undoubtedly making an impact on the Bollywood fashion scene. By calling attention to the perceived shortcomings in the styling of young male actors, he's encouraging a much-needed conversation about the evolution of menswear in the industry. Only time will tell if Bollywood's young male brigade will heed his advice and seek out stylists who can help them redefine their style narratives.
