At a time when fashion favours the thin, pale and polished, Ahan Shetty stands apart, championing a rugged masculinity. Leather jackets, denim and boots may be his staples, but don’t mistake him for a Yellowstone wannabe—he’s just as at home in a sleek all-black ensemble.
The point is, Shetty’s approach to fashion—where modern flair meets old-school charm—says a lot about the man himself. Three years after his debut with Tadap, he’s taking on grittier roles. His second film, Border 2, currently in production, sees him stepping back into familiar territory, but with a twist. Opting for a franchise his father, Suniel Shetty, once led shows a quiet confidence and a willingness to leave his own mark on a well-trodden path.
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We catch up with the actor to talk fashion idols, the struggle to find the perfect pair of jeans, and how style truly runs in the family.
How is 2025 shaping up so far?
Very well. The shoot for Border 2 has started in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. Varun [Dhawan] is filming now, and I’ll join them in a month’s time. I’m excited. I want to be able to show the world what I can do through this film.
What's it about acting that you love?
Being an actor allows me to release a lot of my pent-up feelings. Being able to play different personalities and different characters is what I enjoy the most about acting.
What does personal style mean to you?
For me, it is all about comfort and what feels good. I don’t wear too many clothes with prominent brand logos. During the day, when I’m stepping out to go to the gym, or to martial arts or dance classes, I keep it minimal, comfy and baggy. But I do dress up for events and premieres.
Is there a look from your dad’s ’90s wardrobe that you would like to bring back?
I have seen a few photos of him wearing cropped T-shirts and that is coming back now. Oversized suits are also stylish again.
You seem to enjoy layering solid colour vests with dress jackets. Would you call that your signature style?
Yes, it is. Whether it’s a leather jacket, denim jacket or flannel shirt, I like to wear vests underneath because if it gets too hot you can just take the jacket or shirt off! I love layering, though it’s not always easy to do in a warm country like ours.
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Do you have a favourite accessory?
If you’d consider WHOOP an accessory, then yes—I tend to wear it with everything, even to weddings. Besides that, I wear a gold chain and a nice watch. I wear my Rolex Day-Date very frequently.
Who are some of your style inspirations?
Definitely my dad. Shahid Kapoor dresses up very well. I also look up to David Beckham, Chris Hemsworth and Henry Cavill.
As a tall person, what would you say is a fashion challenge?
Finding the right fit with jeans can be a real challenge. It’s tough to find the right waist and length combination. I’m a 32 waist with a 34-inch length, but most of the time, I only find 32-32 or 32-36 sizes.
What are some of the most recent purchases you've made and loved?
I was in Dubai recently and picked up some New Balance shoes for my workouts and Abercrombie jeans. The quality and fit are really good.
What are you still on the hunt for?
I’ve been looking for nice, cropped jackets in leather and denim.
Your sister Athiya is quite a fashionista. Does she shop for you?
Whenever Athiya and KL [Rahul, cricketer; her husband] are shopping together, they always buy something for me. KL understands my likes and dislikes very well. He loves to shop. They were recently in Australia and bought a few oversized shirts for me that I quite like.
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What are the things you enjoy doing during your downtime?
I love playing cricket and football. I’m also a gamer and I play FIFA and Call of Duty. I enjoy spending time with family—pets Brodie (Siberian Husky), Atlas and Alpha (Great Danes), and travelling to new
cities. I have been visiting and discovering Bali a lot.
If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it consist of?
It would be an all-black outfit—T-shirt, jeans and Converse shoes.
Photographs: House Of Pixels
Styled by: Rahul Vijay
Assisted by: Mayuri Srivastava
Grooming: Team Hakim's Aalim (Hair) and Indra Deo Thakur (Make-Up)