Draft:Akbar Shahpurwala

Akbar Shahpurwala (17 December 1943 - 21 May 2022) was an Indian fashion designer and the founder of Gabbana by Akbar. He designed for many Bollywood celebrities, including Amitabh Bachchan, Rishi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Jeetendra, and Govinda, and for films including Sholay (1975), Don (1978), Mr. Natwarlal (1979), Yaarana (1981), Agneepath (1990), Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001). His career spanned over 50 years. In 1991, he won a National Film Award for Best Costume Design for Lamhe. In 1993, Akbar Shahpurwala founded Gabbana, bringing well-known Italian brands to India.

Early life and family
Akbar Shahpurwala was born on 17 December 1943 in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh. He was brought up in Mumbai along with an elder sister and a younger brother (who died young). He studied at St. Mary's School, Mumbai, and later at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. Akbar Shahpurwala was an avid reader and a great admirer of the works of Russian-born American author and philosopher Ayn Rand. He also loved playing cricket and watching movies.

He grew up dreaming of being the best-dressed person in an era when clothing was considered a mere necessity. He had a passion for learning about the latest fashion and dressing trends, which led him to travel to Europe to study fashion and practice at a leading clothing store in Piccadilly Circus, London.

Akbar Shahpurwala's father died of a heart attack while he was quite young after which his paternal uncle took him under his wings. He joined his family retail business ‘Elegant’ which was then situated in Mohammed Ali Road, Mumbai.

Personal life
In 1963, following his mother's wish, Akbar Shahpurwala married Batul, at the mere age of 20. They had three children, two daughters Tasneem, and Sameena, and a son Abizar.

Career
Akbar Shahpurwala’s zeal and passion for creativity made him a self-taught tailor even prior to the opening of formal Institutions like NIFT and he perfected himself to work with the eyes rather than with measurements.

Akbar Shahpurwala started his career by joining his family business shop named ‘Elegant’ in 1960, which eventually led to the launch of ‘Kachins’ in 1973.

Later in 1993, Akbar Shahpurwala founded Gabbana. He brought well-known Italian brands like Pal Zileri, Gian Franco Ferre to India and made fine Italian tailoring accessible. He opened the first showroom in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, and a second one 10 years later in Khar, Mumbai. He also launched in-house labels such as British Khakis & Aqis in 1995 followed by Akbar & Akbar Sports in 2009, engineered to provide comfort, style, and fit in the world of readymade.

Shahpurwala and Bollywood
Akbar Shahpurwala’s popularity kept multiplying and he soon became the Fashion Icon of Indian Cinema and a thick friend of the Star of the Millennium Amitabh Bachchan, and a phrase rolled out “Amitabh made Akbar and Akbar made Amitabh.”

Mehmood had introduced Amitabh Bachchan to Akbar Shahpurwala during the filming of their movie Bombay to Goa (1972)

Akbar has designed most of Amitabh 'Bachchan's costumes for his films.

Akbar Shahpurwala made his costume designing debut with the film Bobby (1973), starring Rishi Kapoor and Dimple Kapadia. Wherein he designed costumes for Rishi Kapoor.

Tinnu Anand while in an interview recalls how Akbar Shahpurwala had designed a special black jacket without an arm, black leather pants, and a rope around his shoulder for Shahenshah. Who at the time would design all of Amitabh Bachchan's clothes.

It was utter chaos when India's leading superstars Amitabh Bachchan and Sachin Tendulkar, inaugurated the suburban outlet of the designer fashion store, Gabbana. Bachchan is a regular Gabbana patron, along with other corporate bigwigs like the Singhania's, Ambani's, and Tatas. Yash Chopra was also present at the occasion.

Bollywood and Gabbana's association began in 1973 when the latter introduced hip costumes in Raj Kapoor's youthful romance, Bobby. Gabbana also provided the wardrobe for Anil Kapoor in Taal, Hrithik Roshan in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai and AB and Dutt in Kaante.

Gabbana
Akbar Shahpurwala's dream was to make Gabbana a brand that epitomized the best of Indian tailoring, yet offered a global outlook. He worked towards providing exceptional personalized tailoring solutions to his clients. Gabbana created designs that better suited a particular individual. From fabric to the innermost workings and complexities of a suit.

He institutionalized his caliber and shaped the largest Fashion Studio in Mumbai as Gabbana to provide personalized Dressing Solutions for the elites of Progressing India, be it from the Trade Industry, Politics, Bureaucracy, or Artists from the creative world.

After Akbar Shahpurwala’s death, his legacy is now carried forward by his daughter, Tasneem Shahpurwala, and her cousin Umaima.

In 2018, Rishab World, a leading diversified textile and garment conglomerate, collaborated with Gabbana and moved the city store at Mahalaxmi, Mumbai, to a new location at Hughes Road, Mumbai, in 2022, providing exceptional customer experiences.

In a recent episode of Koffee With Karan, Aditya Roy Kapur graced the screen in a Gabbana by Akbar suit, marking his return to the iconic couch alongside Arjun Kapoor. His choice of a Gabbana ensemble speaks volumes about his refined taste and style evolution.

Awards and achievements

 * 1991 – National Award for Best Film Costumes for Lamhe

Death
Akbar Shahpurwala was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Due to his good exercise routine, it was diagnosed too late when it had reached its last stage. He died on 21 May 2022, at 79 years old.

His aura pulled many people into his life, including Karigars, Tailors, Masters, Designers, Stylists, and Artists who loved to remain his students forever.

After his death, many Bollywood celebrities mourned his demise as he was a renowned Bollywood Suit Stylist.

Abhishek Bachchan who was then at the Cannes received this news upon his arrival and the actor mourned his demise with a long, heartfelt note on Instagram. Many celebrities started pouring love into the post. Filmmakers like Karan Johar and Farah Khan also wrote heartfelt messages expressing their grief. Among others who commented were Bobby Deol, Nimrat Kaur, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Dabboo Ratnani, and Manish Malhotra.