Wife: Shano Hanspal
Hometown: Kairana, Shamli, Uttar Pradesh
Age: 39 Years
The Barber Who Became a Legend
Aalim Hakim Kairanvi, popularly known as Aalim Hakim, is not just a hairstylist; he is a magician who transforms hair into works of art. His journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to styling the tresses of Bollywood’s biggest stars is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s delve into the life, loves, and legacy of this iconic hairdresser.
The Early Years
Aalim Hakim was born on August 25, 1974, in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He hails from Kairana, Shamli, Uttar Pradesh. His early years were marked by the influence of his father, Hakim Kairanvi, who is regarded as India’s first hairstylist. His father’s salon was a haven for celebrities, and Aalim grew up watching legends like Vinod Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan, and Bruce Lee trust his father’s scissors.
A Shaved Path
After his father’s untimely demise when Aalim was just nine years old, the family faced financial challenges, with only Rs 13 in their bank account. Aalim Hakim stepped into the world of hairdressing under the guidance of his mother, Zebunnisa. By the age of 10, he was already cutting hair, and by 16, he had set up a makeshift salon on his balcony, charging a modest Rs 20 for haircuts.
The Visionary
Aalim’s dreams went beyond his balcony salon. Inspired by his father’s vision, he yearned to turn his father’s legacy into a formidable brand. His determination led him to set up salons in different parts of Mumbai, which later evolved into the Hakim’s Aalim salon chain. His Bohemian-inspired luxury salons became the go-to places for celebrities and trendsetters.
Bollywood’s Favorite Barber
Aalim Hakim’s talent transcended local boundaries. He ventured into Bollywood, where he styled the hair of numerous A-list actors and actresses. From Rajinikanth and Amitabh Bachchan to Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor, his scissors have touched the locks of the biggest stars. His hairstyling contributions to films like “Khakee,” “Once Upon a Time in Mumbai,” and “Sanju” have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Shaping the Future
Not content with just making stars shine, Aalim Hakim founded the Hakim’s Aalim (HA) Hair Academy in Versova, Mumbai. This academy has trained over 1 lakh barbers, equipping them with the skills needed to create stunning hairstyles. From basic to advanced courses, Aalim’s academy has been a game-changer in the world of hairstyling education.
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The Personal Touch
Aalim’s success isn’t just about his skills with scissors; it’s also about his personal touch. His tattooed chest proudly displays the names of his children, Sky and Star. He has a ‘crown’ inked on his chest, a testament to his reign in the hairstyling world. His ‘lips’ tattoo and four stars symbolize his passion and the heights he has reached.
A Man of Principles
Aalim Hakim is a man of principles, respecting all religions and beliefs. He follows Islam but firmly believes that no one should impose their religious practices on others. His wife, Shano Hanspal, is Sikh, and he never compelled her to change her religious beliefs. In a remarkable gesture, when their son was born in June 2018, he registered the child’s religion as “Humanity.”
Beyond Hairdressing
Aalim Hakim’s influence extends beyond hairstyling. In 2017, when a maulana issued a fatwa against singer Sonu Nigam, Aalim Hakim shaved Sonu’s head in solidarity. He urged the maulana to donate Rs 10 lakhs to charity, emphasizing that Sonu Nigam’s remarks were not against any religion but focused on loudspeakers.
Legacy of Excellence
Today, Aalim Hakim stands as a beacon of excellence in the hairstyling industry. From humble beginnings to shaping the styles of Bollywood’s elite, he has left an indomitable legacy. His Bohemian-inspired salons and commitment to education have elevated hairstyling to an art form. Aalim Hakim is not just a hairstylist; he is an icon, a visionary, and an inspiration to aspiring hairdressers worldwide.