In a world where hair trends come and go, the man-bun has not only stayed—it’s thrived, especially on the big screen. Far from being a passing fad, it has emerged as a cinematic symbol of power, rebellion, and character depth. In Bollywood, where visual storytelling reigns supreme, leading men have used the man-bun not just as a style choice but as a narrative device—defining who their characters are at a glance.
From Shah Rukh Khan’s poised mastermind in Don to Ranveer Singh’s savage warrior in Dhurandhar, the man-bun has carried moods, moods have carried films—and films have influenced millions. As this hair-raising style once again takes center stage with Ranveer’s explosive return, we take a nostalgic journey through some of Bollywood’s most iconic man-bun moments.
Ranveer Singh in Dhurandhar: The Return of the Alpha-Bun
Ranveer Singh has never shied away from bold transformations, and in Dhurandhar, he delivers yet another knockout. His character—a battle-hardened, lone-wolf vigilante—is all fire, fury, and finesse, and his tight, fierce man-bun amplifies every bit of it.
Set against the gritty urban chaos of Mumbai’s underworld, Dhurandhar is a symphony of action and intensity. Ranveer’s look, complete with tattoos, rugged stubble, and blood-soaked shirts, is rounded off perfectly by the high man-bun—a choice that signifies both discipline and danger.
It’s a style statement, yes—but also a cinematic tool. The bun holds back the wildness, just barely. It’s the visual tension of a man trying to control his demons, and no one brings that to life quite like Ranveer. With Dhurandhar, he doesn’t just bring the man-bun back—he weaponizes it.
Shahid Kapoor in Udta Punjab: The Rockstar Rebellion
Long before Dhurandhar, it was Shahid Kapoor’s chaotic Tommy Singh who shocked audiences and brought an edgy, punk-rock version of the man-bun to the mainstream. As the cocaine-fueled pop star spiraling through Punjab’s drug crisis in Udta Punjab, Shahid’s performance was as manic as it was magnetic—and so was his hair.
Messy, unkempt, and thrown into a loose bun, his hair was a mirror to his mental state: unraveled but defiant. The man-bun here wasn’t polished or pretentious—it was part of a larger statement about youth, fame, and identity lost in excess.
Tommy Singh didn’t care about looking good. He cared about being loud, different, and uncontrollable. His man-bun became part of a larger cultural moment, inspiring fans and memes alike, and signaling a new kind of masculinity—raw, vulnerable, and unpredictable.
Shah Rukh Khan in Don: Slick, Sophisticated, and Deadly
When Don hit theaters in 2006, Shah Rukh Khan’s reinvention of the iconic antihero came with a style upgrade no one saw coming—a sleek, minimal man-bun that screamed suave danger.
This wasn’t your typical laid-back bun. It was tailored, tight, and calculated, just like Don himself. Paired with tailored suits, brooding eyes, and a villainous smirk, SRK’s look redefined how the man-bun could be perceived in Bollywood—it wasn’t just cool, it was deadly elegant.
In many ways, Don’s man-bun was about control. Every strand was in place, much like the moves in his criminal chessboard. Style met strategy, and the result was an aesthetic that continues to influence Bollywood villains and suave antiheroes to this day.
Farhan Akhtar in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag: From Chaos to Control
In stark contrast to the chaos of Tommy Singh or the chill of Don, Farhan Akhtar’s man-bun in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag tells a story of growth, focus, and inner transformation.
As he trained—physically and emotionally—to portray India’s legendary sprinter Milkha Singh, Farhan’s look evolved with the character. At the beginning, his wild, flowing hair signified trauma, displacement, and unrest. But as Milkha finds discipline and purpose, the hair is pulled back, often tied into a bun or ponytail during intense training montages.
The man-bun here isn’t about style—it’s symbolic of structure and sacrifice. Farhan’s performance, coupled with his athletic transformation, was widely applauded, but so was the realism and emotional depth his appearance added to the narrative. The man-bun wasn’t just practical for a runner—it was part of Milkha’s evolution from a refugee to a national hero.
Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo Daro: Ancient Warrior Vibes
In Mohenjo Daro, Hrithik Roshan plays Sarman, a brave yet gentle warrior from a bygone civilization. While the film may have had a mixed reception, Hrithik’s stylized warrior-bun undeniably caught attention.
The look blended myth, masculinity, and mystique. With flowing locks tied back in a rustic bun, paired with tribal attire and bronzed skin, Hrithik brought an almost god-like aesthetic to the ancient-set epic.
In a genre that often leans heavily into fantasy and dramatization, the man-bun gave his character a visual authenticity—something raw, primal, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether on the battlefield or in romantic scenes, it added to his on-screen magnetism.
Bonus Mentions: Man-Buns That Made a Statement
While the above list features landmark moments, other actors have also flirted with the man-bun on-screen and off. Here’s a quick roundup:
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Ranbir Kapoor sported a disheveled bun in Jagga Jasoos for certain scenes, adding to his quirky charm.
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Ayushmann Khurrana, known for experimenting with both roles and style, has been seen rocking the bun off-screen—often adding to his urban intellectual vibe.
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Arjun Rampal, in various roles (especially Ra.One), brought a rock-and-roll aesthetic with his signature man-bun and leather ensembles.
The Cultural Shift: Man-Bun as More Than Just Hair
What makes the man-bun such a recurring motif in Bollywood? The answer lies in its versatility. Whether you’re depicting:
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A tortured artist
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A ruthless don
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A focused athlete
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A mythic warrior
—the bun adapts. It allows the character’s intensity to simmer beneath the surface, keeping their energy in check. It’s both masculine and meditative.
In a film industry where looks are often the first language of storytelling, the man-bun speaks volumes—about evolution, emotion, and edge.
Closing Thoughts: Tied Hair, Untamed Spirit
From Ranveer Singh’s aggressive warrior in Dhurandhar to Farhan Akhtar’s disciplined Milkha, the man-bun has journeyed through genres and generations. It’s been sleek, savage, serene, and spiritual—changing with every character, yet remaining iconic in every form.
As Bollywood continues to evolve, expect more such moments where a simple bun says more than pages of dialogue. One thing’s for sure: in the language of style and cinema, the man-bun speaks loud and clear.
