APJ Abdul Kalam Inspired His Iconic Look in ‘Tere Naam’ on The Great Indian Kapil Show

KKN Gurugram Desk | Bollywood megastar Salman Khan made a striking revelation on the latest episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show streaming on Netflix, stating that his iconic look in the 2003 film Tere Naam was inspired by none other than former President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

The episode marked a grand return of comedy star Kapil Sharma to Netflix, and featured Salman Khan as the show’s first guest in this new season. The interaction was filled with light-hearted banter, nostalgic moments, and some never-heard-before secrets from Salman’s life and film career.

Salman Khan’s Shocking Revelation: Dr. Kalam Inspired ‘Tere Naam’ Hairstyle

During the conversation, the Tiger 3 actor spoke candidly about the origins of his unforgettable hairstyle from Tere Naam, which featured long hair parted from the middle — a look that became a cultural phenomenon across India in the early 2000s.

Salman said, “The look of Radhe Mohan in Tere Naam was actually inspired by Abdul Kalam Saab. At that time, Rahul Roy also had a similar hairstyle, but for me, the real inspiration came from Dr. Kalam. I always felt that small-town heroes usually have longer hair. Even the classic Bollywood heroes from earlier times had long hair. That’s where the idea came from.”

This unexpected connection between a romantic tragedy film and India’s “Missile Man” left both the live audience and co-panelists like Archana Puran Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu visibly surprised.

Tere Naam Look: A Hair Trend That Took India by Storm

When Tere Naam released in 2003, it wasn’t just the heartbreaking love story that struck a chord with audiences, but also Salman Khan’s brooding, emotional portrayal of Radhe — a deeply sensitive, aggressive lover. The long-haired look quickly became a fashion trend among youth across India.

Barbershops in towns and cities alike reported a sharp rise in customers demanding the “Tere Naam hairstyle.” The look was especially popular among college students and small-town youth, who saw Radhe’s style as rebellious, romantic, and emotionally raw.

Many credited the film for defining an era of intense love stories, with Tere Naam often called Salman Khan’s most emotionally charged performance till date. But few knew, until now, that the visual influence behind the character’s look came from a scientist and statesman, not a stylist or Bollywood reference.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: An Unlikely Bollywood Style Icon

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007, was not only revered for his scientific achievements and inspirational speeches but also known for his distinctive hairstyle — long, wavy hair swept to the sides.

While Kalam never considered himself a style icon, his image left a deep impression on millions, including, as it turns out, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Salman Khan’s nod to Kalam reflects how far the late President’s influence reached — beyond classrooms and laboratories, all the way to mainstream cinema.

This unusual revelation also highlights how public figures can shape pop culture in unexpected ways, blending lines between politics, science, and entertainment.

Kapil Sharma’s Return: ‘The Great Indian Kapil Show’ Season 3 Begins with a Bang

Salman Khan’s appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show marked a strong start to Season 3 of the hit Netflix series. Kapil Sharma, known for his impeccable comic timing, once again delivered a laughter-packed episode featuring candid celebrity moments, witty exchanges, and a few shocking secrets.

The set buzzed with laughter and applause as Salman joked, reminisced, and engaged with fans in his usual charming style. Archana Puran Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu — both known for their long association with Kapil’s comedy shows — were also present, adding to the nostalgia factor.

Fans on social media were quick to react, with hashtags like #SalmanOnKapil, #TereNaamRevelation, and #APJKalamInspiration trending within hours of the episode’s release.

Tere Naam’s Enduring Legacy in Indian Pop Culture

More than two decades after its release, Tere Naam continues to enjoy a cult status among Bollywood fans. Directed by Satish Kaushik, the film told a story of unrequited love, mental health, and social norms, wrapped in melodious music and raw emotion.

With songs like “Tere Naam,” “Tumse Milna,” and “Odhni” becoming timeless classics, the film’s impact was not just cinematic, but also cultural. The hairstyle, the attitude, and the tragic narrative etched Radhe Mohan into the memory of an entire generation.

Now, with Salman Khan revealing that Dr. Kalam’s personality inspired that unforgettable visual, fans have one more reason to revisit the movie — this time with a new lens.

What’s Next on Kapil Sharma’s Netflix Series?

As The Great Indian Kapil Show continues its third season, curiosity is running high about the upcoming guests. While the production team remains tight-lipped, industry buzz suggests appearances from top actors, OTT stars, and even sports personalities in future episodes.

The show’s unique blend of comedy, celebrity confessions, and emotional storytelling has kept viewers hooked across its previous seasons, and the addition of Netflix’s global platform has only amplified its reach.

Salman Khan’s candid revelation on a comedy show ended up creating headlines in both entertainment and political circles. The idea that a Bollywood character’s style was influenced by India’s “People’s President” is a testament to the interconnected nature of art, leadership, and influence.

It reminds us that icons like Dr. Kalam continue to inspire across fields, including those far removed from their own — such as the glamour of Bollywood.

As Kapil Sharma Show viewers laughed and applauded, they also received an unexpected insight: true inspiration can come from the most sincere souls — not always from fashion, but from integrity, humility, and intellect.