Celebrity hairstylist Javed Habib, who has worked with stars like Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Kareena Kapoor, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is a prominent name in the industry. With a highly successful salon chain to his credit, he 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 served as a barber to Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Javed Habib on his grandfather’s legacy at Rashtrapati Bhavan
In a candid interaction with The Lallantop, Javed spoke about his family’s long-standing legacy in hair cutting, tracing it back to his grandfather. He shared that his grandfather began 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 hair for everyone at the President’s house. “My grandfather started working at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1935. It was called the governor’s house at that time. He got a job in the night department. So whoever came there, used to get their hair cut from him. Sabki gardan mere dada ke saamne jhukti thi (Everyone had to bow their head in front of my grandfather). He stayed there till 1972, I was born there only. I used to see him going there on a cycle everyday. He used to have a box – with a razor, scissors, and towel. He used to keep it very clean. I still have those memories of my grandfather in my mind,” he shared.The hairstylist continued, “My grandfather was the first person in our family to take up this occupation. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My father used to work in a small salon. My grandfather’s father never did a barber’s job.”
Javed Habib on his grandfather cutting Gandhi’s and Nehru’s hair
In the same interview, Javed opened up about his grandfather’s association with prominent historical figures, revealing that he had cut the hair of both Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. Sharing the anecdote, Javed said, “He has cut Mahatma Gandhi’s hair as well. He had hair at one point of time in life. We have a very strong history. My grandfather told my father that he had a lot of hair and he cut it. Nehru sahab was his regular client. He used to shave as well, and came in weekly. He had very little hair”.He added, “I remember one incident when Nehru sahab was going to Russia. So, he asked my grandfather if he wanted something from there. He told him that he doesn’t have a watch. He got a watch as a gift for my grandfather, he fulfilled such a small wish of his barber. He was so much concerned. Status wasn’t important at that time, everyone was friends with each other.”
Javed Habib on why his father chose a different path
The celebrity hairstylist also spoke about his father’s decision to not take up a role at the President’s house, 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 didn’t work there, but he was getting a job at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after my grandfather’s retirement. But, my father refused that offer because he had other dreams. He went to London, and it was sponsored by Lord Mountbatten. He supported so much, and maybe that was the foundation for all of us while growing up. He did a hairdressing course there for a year and then joined the Oberoi Group.”
