Giving a touch of style to Bollywood heroes (and villains) for the last five decades

Bollywood: At the Fashion Design Council of India’s Wedding Weekend, which took place in the Capital on August 3 and 4, bespoke tailor Madhav Agasti unveiled his latest groom collection.

The collection epitomises sophistication, elegance and modernity, specifically designed for the discerning groom. It reflects his design philosophy of harmoniously merging cultural heritage with contemporary trends.

Known for his expertise in power dressing for over fifty years, Agasti skilfully adapts to changing fashion trends and serves a distinguished clientele, including Prime Ministers, Presidents and top business leaders. His legacy includes nearly 400 cinematic masterpieces, showcasing his impeccable craftsmanship in dressing Bollywood stars.

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“Style is a choice one makes to look the part, so to be given the responsibility to create something that contributes to one’s style is an honour,” said Agasti.

Renowned for his iconic costume designs and sartorial mastery, Agasti has been serving distinguished gentlemen since 1975 through his store, Madhav Agasti, located in Mumbai.

Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Agasti ensures each costume not only fits the character but also enhances the narrative. His ability to blend rich aesthetics with understated fabrics has set him apart in the world of high fashion. Each piece is crafted with great care, ensuring a flawless fit and exceptional quality. The focus is on creating timeless garments that exude elegance and confidence. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design, Agasti delivers a truly unique and refined bespoke experience.

“I love creating classic, timeless pieces with a modern twist. My favourite designs include bespoke Bandhgala suits and khadi kurta pyjamas,” he said.

A trailblazer in the fashion industry, he is celebrated for his innovative designs and flawless craftsmanship. His illustrious career includes creating the iconic ‘Mogambo’ costume for the classic film Mr India as well as designing for cinematic masterpieces such as Andaz Apna, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Ghulam, Agneepath, Aashiqui and Hera Pheri. His exceptional talent and dedication have made a significant impact in both Bollywood and south Indian cinema, with over 350 films to his credit.

When asked how he manages to keep himself relevant for the younger generation, he explained, “Travel, meeting new people every day and reading keeps me updated with current demands and style.”

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In addition to his contributions to the film industry, Agasti is a favoured designer among political figures, earning acclaim from leaders such as Sharad Pawar, Farooq Abdullah, LK Advani, Nitish Kumar, Rajnath Singh and late Pranab Mukherjee. Some of his other favourite clients in the past include Amrish Puri and Om Birla.

Talking about one of his most challenging projects, he recalled, “The suits created for the swearing-in ceremony of former President of India, Ramnath Kovind, where the timeline was short and the fit had to be perfect, was one of the many projects I loved working on.”

Currently, Agasti is working on a line of clothes for the upcoming wedding season as well as a project with the khadi material. Talking about his connection to the capital city, Agasti said, “I love New Delhi and travel here almost every other week to meet my clients, a habit I’ve been following for almost 20 years.”