Singer-Songwriter Ankur Tewari’s personal style is as singular as the life that shaped it. Born in Brussels and raised across Roorkee and Bhopal, he grew up on the IIT Roorkee campus, where his father taught. It was here that the award-winning composer, lyricist and audio architect—known for his music in Gully Boy (2019) and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023)—first developed his musical palette. Students from across the country arrived with mixtapes that cracked open entire universes: metal, rock, pop. At home, his parents’ vinyl shelves added everything from ghazals and Euro-pop to jazz. Naturally, the icons of the ’80s—Michael Jackson, George Michael, Tom Waits—left as much of a mark on his wardrobe as they did on his ears.
That crossover still holds. As Tewari tells Esquire India, his music and style speak the same language. We caught up with the ace singer-songwriter to decode his evolving sense of style, his shopping rituals and the designers he returns to again and again.
Was there a seminal moment in which you fell in love with music?
Back in school, I wrote and performed an original composition for the first time in front of an audience at the IIT Roorkee socials, the campus I grew up on. I won a bun samosa for it—an unexpectedly memorable prize that, in its small but significant way, gave me the confidence to keep writing. It pushed me to explore music more deeply, a path that eventually led me to pen Sabse Peeche Hum Khade on a train from Bhopal to Delhi after my first real heartbreak. That train ride is etched in my memory. It is these poignant, life-shaping moments that made me realise that music is what brings me utmost joy!
How much has your multi-layered upbringing and exposure to different cultures impacted your core personal style?
My personal style has been shaped largely by ’80s pop culture. I was born in Brussels, the birthplace of Tintin, and as a child, I often imagined myself as him, travelling the world with an imaginary Snowy by my side. On other days, my adventures took me into space aboard the Enterprise from Star Trek. Those early influences stayed with me, and fashion from the ’80s and ’90s has always felt like home. More recently, while spending time in Los Angeles working on new music, I found myself returning to those roots. I dug through the racks at a few amazing vintage stores and uncovered some gems, including a couple of beautiful Comme des Garçons pieces. I’m also blessed to have friends across the world who contribute
to my style. Kalpesh, a dear friend in London, has gifted me a few bleu de travail [French artisan/worker jackets] that have become wardrobe staples for me.
Any significant childhood outfit or accessory that has stayed with you?
My Casio watch, in fact, I still wear a version of it today.
How would you interpret your personal style, and how does it resonate with your work as a musician, singer, and composer?
What I wear is an amalgamation of everything unfolding around me—the music I’m listening to, the places I visit and the stories that inspire me. My music and style reflect each other deeply. Most of my songs have minimal arrangements, and my style follows the same principle. I believe that a single strong element can define a look. I’m a big proponent of how a statement jacket or a beautiful shawl can make an outfit.
Can you recall your first significant clothing purchase?
It started with a pair of fake Nikes, but I’m happy to say that now I have a modest yet prized collection of collectible Nikes that I wear religiously.
How has your personal style evolved over the years?
My personal style is profoundly influenced by the people I surround myself with. My partner, who is also an artist, has a great eye and has had a significant impact on my style, introducing me to the world of vintage fashion and emerging, lesser-known designers. Over time, I’ve also come to appreciate the value of handwoven materials, which reflect India’s incredible textile heritage. I still have much to learn in this field, but for now, I consciously choose to wear more home-grown brands, especially when performing on stage outside of India.
Are there any designers who inspire your style choices?
Good design shapes many facets of my life not just my style choices. I’m grateful to be surrounded by a remarkable cohort of artists and designers, many of who I am lucky to call friends. Studio Raw Material whose extraordinary furniture and lighting, grounds me even on my most stressful days. Sameer Kulavoor and Zeenat Kulavoor, the duo behind Bombay Duck Designs, have crafted several pieces of art on my musical journey. Somnath Bhatt who designed the album cover for my last release, Akela. Rashmi Varma whose beautiful textiles I’ve worn for years, is someone I’m especially excited to collaborate with for the cover of my upcoming album. Harago, Arsenic, Bodice, Rkive City and Znali, all of whose jackets
accompanied me throughout my US tour, brought me so much joy on stage. Ecru, a lifestyle brand and a family full of stories and ideas, has played a meaningful role in inspiring the music I create.
What do you like doing in your downtime?
Escape to nature with my guitar and a good book.
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What are three non-negotiable albums you think everybody should listen to?
Night Song by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Michael Brook, Abbey Road by The Beatles and Songs of Leonard Cohen by Leonard Cohen.
Three quirky things no one knows about you.
I can take a power nap pretty much anywhere. I make a mean butter chicken—shoutout to all my Institute of Hotel Management Bhopal buddies, who have been my mentors
over the years. I have a collection of pins and badges from around the world that I’m very proud of.
How often do you shop? Is it mood-driven or trend-based? Anything on your current sartorial wish list?
Honestly, ‘less is more’ for me but if and when I do buy something, it is entirely mood driven. I tend to shop while on vacation. It feels like bringing home a little piece of a place I’ve loved. Currently though I’ve got my eyes peeled for a fun stage look for my Lollapalooza gig this January in Mumbai. You should come!
Credits
Photographs by PRARTHNA SINGH
Styling by KOMAL SHETTY
Booking Editor VARUN SHAH
Artist Management: MISFITS INC
To read more stories from Esquire India's December 2025 issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest newspaper stand or bookstore. Or click here to subscribe to the magazine.