Behind the Hair: Darshan talks about Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya’s Sky Force looks

When it comes to crafting memorable hair designs in cinema, Darshan Yewalekar is a name that stands out. Renowned for his ability to blend creativity with authenticity, Yewalekar once again showcases his mastery as the hair designer for the highly anticipated film Sky Force. Tasked with recreating the look of an era while celebrating India’s aviation heroes, his work on the film has received widespread acclaim.
“The brief was clear—stay true to the time period while ensuring each character had a distinctive identity,” Yewalekar explained. For a story set in a bygone era, his process began with thorough research. “Photographs from that time were scarce, so I had to rely heavily on references and my creative instincts to design hairstyles that felt authentic and relevant to the narrative,” he added.
A highlight of the project for Yewalekar was working closely with Akshay Kumar, who leads the film’s stellar cast. “Akshay sir is incredible to collaborate with,” Yewalekar shared. “He places immense trust in your vision, but his insights always add depth to the character. For Sky Force, we worked on subtle hair transitions to reflect his character’s journey over time.”
The film also marks the debut of Veer Pahariya, who plays a pivotal role. Designing his look presented a unique opportunity. “Veer was a blank canvas,” said Yewalekar. “He was open to experimentation, especially with his moustache. We explored several styles before finalizing the perfect look for his character.”
Designing hairstyles for a military film comes with its own set of challenges. “We had to adhere to the strict grooming standards of Air Force officers, which meant avoiding anything overly dramatic or stylized,” Yewalekar explained. Despite these constraints, he managed to create distinctive looks for each character, ensuring their personalities shone through.
The entire cast, including Sara Ali Khan, Nimrat Kaur, and the ensemble, benefited from Yewalekar’s meticulous attention to detail. His designs seamlessly blended historical authenticity with cinematic flair, bringing each character to life in a way that resonated with the audience.
As Sky Force continues to earn rave reviews, Yewalekar’s work stands as a testament to his expertise in combining storytelling with visual artistry. His ability to create hair designs that are both meaningful and memorable ensures that the film’s characters remain etched in the hearts of viewers long after the credits roll.