Arjun Bijlani

He who has bagged some intense and successful roles in the past few years, Arjun Bijlani, has leveled up from being the chocolate boy of the television industry to the boy-next-door, winning hearts and accolades with his impeccable performance. We at CANdYMAG dived deep into this charming young man’s world of fashion and the art of styling.

Indeed, good looking, smart and an absolute stunner, Arjun Bijlani is an actor who has proved himself. Rose to fame with memorable characters in Left Right Left, Miley Jab Hum Tum, Naagin among others, no wonder there are innumerous fan- followers driven by the actor’s charm. Having aced the skill of dancing, he has left the audience awestruck several times on the stage of the dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. “I was a decent dancer but worked on myself to be a good dancer,” he says with a cap of humbleness.

While he continues to be on the peak on the professional front, Arjun has been setting major style goals and his sense of fashion is something the netizens go crazy on. From suave suits to smart casuals, this dapper dude is a style maven with a versatile wardrobe and surely knows to turn tables in statement-making styles. Whining a little about how men’s choices are far limited compared to women, Arjun says he is super experimental when it comes to clothing and loves to prioritize comfort over anything. With a face like that it’s no surprise he can pull off anything and look like a Greek god! Arjun gets candid with CANdYMAG as he opens his door of thoughts on fashion, passion and finding himself intertwined with it.

Being in the industry for about a decade now, tell your journey conquering the Indian TV screens by being an actor, dancer, model, host and whatnot.

‘Conquering’ is a very big word (laughs). I think I have been blessed to have received such immense love from the audience. It is their support that has kept me going. When I marked my acting debut with Kartika back in 2004, little did I know that I would receive so much love! Shows like Remix and Miley Jab Hum Tum proved to be game-changers of my life. It opened up other avenues in a way I could not have imagined. As for dancing, I have been fond of it right since my childhood days. Dancing is like a stress buster to me and it makes me very happy. I am glad that the audience has accepted me in so many roles. I hope I can keep making them proud. 

From your very first show to one trending now, how has your fashion game evolved?

Fashion is one thing that’s very personal. Everyone has a different approach to it. Earlier, I would just blindly follow my stylists. But over the years, I guess I have developed an innate sense of style and I have become more involved with the entire process of creating a character that includes fashion and style. Fashion has become an important part of my personal and professional life. I am not afraid 

to experiment with fashion anymore and I love playing around with unconventional prints. The best part is that there are no rules to fashion and styling and I love that. It’s all about how you carry yourself.

Who is your style inspiration?

I would say Saif Ali Khan is my style inspiration. Be it a funky t-shirt, a pair of white kurtas and pyjama, or a tuxedo, he aces every look. There is an understated elegance about the way he styles himself. He makes any cool look coolest and a sharp look sharpest! Inspirations are almost everywhere and coming to fashion in particular it’s about experimenting with different looks on yourself until you build a personal style goal.

Sunglasses are a quintessential style statement and you have been spotted rocking many. What are your favorite accessories to style up with?

I love sunglasses and cufflinks. While sunglasses can make anyone look cool, cufflinks add a dash of elegance to the formal outfits that you sport. Other than that, I also have an affinity towards caps. Caps is something that never gets boring be it any season. Depending on what I am wearing I love to accessorize and hats, monkey caps do have a special corner in my heart. 

What do Arjun Bijlani’s wardrobe staples look like?

My wardrobe is a combination of everything funky, calm, casual and colorful (laughs). I think a lot of times I dress up according to my moods. Though most men are hesitant to wear pink, I totally dig the color. So, my wardrobe houses formal suits, tuxedos, ties, crisp shirts and athleisure wear. I have a separate collection of gym wear which makes my work-out hours easy. It’s interesting how your attitude also changes according to how you dress. Fashion does a lot to one’s personality.

Fashion has been an ever-changing game. As a celebrity how do you keep up with the swinging fashion pendulum?

My stylist helps to sport the game of trend. Also, I believe that it is not necessary to keep up with the latest trends. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. And with confidence, you can pull off anything. 

Being a style maven for many, what are your key picks when it comes to men’s styling?

If you have a crisp white shirt and a pair of blue denim pants, you are good to go. Be it dinner, a date or some gathering with your friends, you can sport that look and grab the limelight. According to my, what is also important is to not try too hard.

Do you love shopping? Tell us a bit about your shopping choices.

I absolutely love shopping. You can find me ordering something online if I am not occupied with any other work. Neha (Arjun’s wife) keeps telling me you got a parcel today, you got a parcel today, you got a parcel today(laughs). It’s quite a stress-buster and I enjoy doing it. Coming to choices, as I mentioned before, it depends on my mood, though usually, I rock casual tees and trousers at home. Ayann (Arjun’s son) and I love to coordinate wearing dad-son duo shirts. I think it’s enjoyable!

Living in the era of making sustainable choices and uplifting homegrown brands, how significant is being ‘vocal for local’ is, in challenging times like now?

It is very important. In fact, it has always been. The lockdown came harshly on everyone and especially the daily wage earners across sectors including textile industries. Our local weavers, designers and artisans are ex

tremely talented, but they are living on a hand-to-mouth income. I think it is high time that we come forward and help them get back to their feet. 

As for sustainable fashion, it is the only way to prevent the atrocities committed against animals. It is our responsibility to shift towards vegan clothing and outfits made from eco-friendly materials and fabric so that we don’t harm the environment. 

If you could describe your fashion in one line…

My fashion is an extension of my personality and mind. And comfort is the utmost priority.

‘When you look good, you feel good’, What’s your take on the phrase?

I agree. If you are confident, you will look good in anything that you wear which in turn will make you feel good. This also goes well with my workout wardrobe. Wearing the same every day gets boring and the need to put yourself into something that makes you feel good and energetic is necessary.

One thing that you avoid or is hesitant about when it comes to fashion…

I am pretty much open to experimenting with new stuff, there is nothing that would go to the avoid list. I love trying on new styles and breaking away from the usualness. 

Yet say no to wearing fur and leather. The process of creating fur is way too cruel and cruelty against animals is something that I am staunchly against. I am against anything that stems from causing harm to animals. 

Having mastered the game of layering, what are your ideal go-to essentials of the season?

A cardigan or a jacket over a t-shirt or a shirt is my go-to essential. I envy women, they are lucky with a variety of options with makeup and fashion. Our options are pretty much limited and all we can go about is to play around with colours and style up with layering.

Quick picks

Prints on prints or solid colours – It’s totally on the mood. I am somebody who is totally moody so I am saying both.

Winter hoodies or Summer florals – Winter hoodies

Crazy desi or calm suits – 

Calm Suits

Sporty sneakers or royal brogues – Sporty Sneakers

Casual or Extravagant – 

Casual

Colour blocks or monochromes – 

I love playing around with colours, so colour blocking is 

something I think is cool and the elegance of monochromes is 

undeniable!

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Photographer: Denzil Christian 

Creative Director: Farrah Kader

Fashion Stylist: Hemlataa Pariwal

Makeup Artist: Zoya Khan

Hair Stylist: Arbaz Shaikh

Assistant Stylist: Drashti Jasani, Shikha Goel, 

Afsana Khan, Jhalak Jain

Words by: P R Gayathri

Media Consultant: Raindrop Alter Ego

Location: Radisson Mumbai Andheri MIDC

Coordinations: Sadhana Jennifer