For actor Akshay Singh, known for his work in films like 'Ghayal Once Again', 'Baat Bann Gayi', 'Vikalp', 'Vash', 'Pinky Beauty Parlour' and TV shows such as 'Kashmeer', 'Aandhi', and 'Kehta Hai Dil', a significant change in his appearance was far more than a simple style update. It represented a profound creative evolution, moving him away from the stereotypical 'hero' image into more nuanced territory.
The Chocolate Boy Era and the Need for Change
Akshay Singh began his on-screen career sporting a clean-shaven look that audiences adored. He recalls being admired for his 'chocolate boy' charm since his school and college days, a perception that continued with his debut in the serial 'Kashmeer' opposite Gul Panag and in subsequent projects. "I had to maintain the clean-shaven look for some time due to the chocolatey and cute good-looking heroic characters I was getting to play," Akshay explained. However, a desire to explore characters with grey shades prompted him to consider a change.
As soon as opportunities for different kinds of roles emerged, he decided to experiment. "However, as soon as I got to divert into other kinds of characters with grey shades, I decided to experiment with my look," the actor added. This decision marked the beginning of a new phase in his career.
The Bearded Revelation and OTT Advantage
What started as an experiment soon became a revelation. Akshay began enjoying the process, trying out various styles like a goatee, French beard, moustache, and even a retro cap look. The full, grown beard made its first appearance for his recent web series, 'Naam Gum Jayega'. "The bearded look started purely as a character choice, keeping with the kind of rugged intensity the role demanded," he stated.
The reaction from others, and even his own reflection, surprised him. People consistently told him the look suited him, and Akshay himself felt it unveiled a new side of his personality. He mischievously notes that a beard adds "a rustic charm, a bit of mystery, and a bit of gravitas to one’s personality," something he has come to love. He believes this look works particularly well in the OTT space. "A beard can make one look like someone who has seen the world and lived a few stories. That maturity helps in bagging certain roles, especially on OTT, where characters are imperfect and not just typical hero types," Akshay elaborated.
No Emotional Attachment: The Character Comes First
Despite embracing his bearded avatar, Akshay Singh holds no emotional attachment to it. For him, the character's needs are paramount. "Tomorrow, if the actor in me feels that a role demands me to go clean-shaven, I’ll happily bid farewell to the beard. After all, the look should always serve the character and not the other way around," he stressed.
He views his transformation as a tool for his craft. Sometimes a beard helps him disappear into roles like a cop or a drifter, while a clean-shaven face can project vulnerability. "So, it’s never about getting more or fewer roles; it’s about bagging the right kind of roles," Akshay concluded, highlighting that his journey from a chocolate boy to a bearded actor is ultimately about creative freedom and finding the perfect look for every story.
