Celebrity hairstylist Javed Habib, who has worked with stars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya RaiKareena Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is a prominent name in the industry. With a successful chain of salons, it has built a strong reputation over the years. Recently, he spoke about his grandfather, Nazir Ahmed, a professional barber who worked at the president’s house. Javed also shared that his grandfather once worked as a barber Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Javed Habib about his grandfather’s estate at Rashtrapati Bhavan
In a candid interaction with The Lallantop, Javed spoke about his family’s long heritage of cutting hair, following in the footsteps of his grandfather. He shared that his grandfather started working at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1935, when it was known as the Governor’s House, and was part of the night department. Recalling his grandfather’s role, Javed said he used to cut everyone’s hair in the President’s house. “My grandfather started working at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1935. At that time it was called the governor’s house. He got a job in the night department. So whoever came there, they cut their hair. Sabki gardan mere dada ke saamne jhukti thi (Everyone had to bow their heads before my grandfather). It was there until 1972, I was the only one born there. I saw him go there every day in a cycle. He had a box with a razor, scissors and a towel. He kept it very clean. I still remember those memories of my grandfather,” he shared.The hairdresser continued: “My grandfather was the first person in our family to take up this profession. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My father worked in a small salon. My grandfather’s father never worked as a barber.”
Javed Habib cutting Gandhi and Nehru hair on his grandfather
In the same interview, Javed spoke about his grandfather’s association with important historical figures, revealing that he cut the hair of Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. Sharing the anecdote, Javed said, “Mahatma Gandhi also got his hair cut. He had hair at one point in his life. We have a very strong history. My grandfather told my father that he had a lot of hair and he got it cut. Nehru sahab was his regular customer. He also shaved, and came every week. He had very little hair.”He added: “I remember an incident when Nehru sahab was going to Russia. So he asked my grandfather if he wanted anything from there. He told him that he doesn’t have a watch. He got a watch as a gift for my grandfather, he fulfilled a small wish of his barber. He was so worried. Status was not important at that time, they were all friends.”
Javed Habib why his father chose a different path
The famous hairdresser also spoke about his father’s decision not to take up a position in the President’s household, despite being offered a position after his grandfather’s retirement. He explained that his father chose to follow a different path and pursue bigger ambitions. “My father was not working there, but he was getting a job at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after my grandfather’s retirement. But, my father declined that offer as he had other dreams. He went to London, and was encouraged by Lord Mountbatten. It helped so much, and maybe that was the foundation for all of us growing up. He did a hairdressing course there for a year and then joined the Oberoi Group.’
