Aalim Hakim: From ₹13 In Bank To Charging ₹1 Lakh For Celebrity Haircuts

India's top celebrity hairdresser, Aalim Hakim, has become a household name in the entertainment industry. Known for styling stars like Ranbir Kapoor, MS Dhoni, Vicky Kaushal, and Virat Kohli, he is the preferred choice for many celebrities. His journey to success is as fascinating as his client list.

Hakim's story began with a desire to honour his father's legacy. His father, Hakim Karianvi, was a renowned hairstylist who worked with legends like Dilip Kumar and Amitabh Bachchan. After his father's untimely death at 39, young Aalim took on the responsibility of continuing the family tradition. At that time, they had only Rs 13 in their bank account.

Aalim shared on Maniesh Paul's podcast, "I wanted to carry forward my father's name. I wanted to do start from where he stopped. He was Hakim. I wanted to add my name to him - Hakim's Aalim, and make it a brand." This determination led him to transform his humble beginnings into a thriving business.

In an interview with Brut, Aalim recounted his early struggles: "I used to go back my home and work... which was in the balcony of my house and there was only one small fan." He saved money to buy a second-hand air conditioner for Rs 30,000, paying monthly installments of Rs 2,000 or Rs 3,000. Completing these payments made him feel accomplished.

Aalim Hakim's clientele includes Bollywood stars like Ranbir Kapoor and Hrithik Roshan as well as South Indian actors Mahesh Babu and Prabhas. Cricketers such as MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli also seek his expertise. His unique styles often capture attention online.

Reports suggest that Aalim charges a minimum of Rs 1 lakh for a haircut. In an interview, he confirmed this by stating, "My fee is very simple which everybody know How much I charge. So, it starts from Rs 1 lakh. That's the minimum."

Aalim's journey from working in a small balcony space to becoming India's richest celebrity hairstylist is inspiring. His dedication to preserving his father's legacy while building his brand has earned him respect and recognition in the industry.