Zahan Kapoor on Fashion, Family Legacy, and Finding His Personal Style

Actor Zahan Kapoor, son of Kunal Kapoor and Sheena Sippy, and grandson of Shashi Kapoor and Ramesh Sippy, is a born storyteller. His narrative sensibility flows into his clothes — from a lungi and kimono-style wrap on the red carpet to his 15-year-old Doc Martens shoes. “My mom and dad both have an eye,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter India. His “old-money-meets-boho aesthetic” balances form and comfort, reflecting a man whose quiet, intentional style expresses exactly who he is.

Edited excerpts from the conversation:

THR India: You come from a long line of Kapoors with a unique sense of style. How do you carry that forward? 

Zahan Kapoor: Through a combination of form and functionality. I love a classic bandhgala or suit. But at home, I live in lungis. I love nice floral prints and interesting patterns. I like having synergy. I can go to a fancy dinner but also spend the day on the beach with nothing but a pair of sunglasses, an open shirt, and a pair of Havaianas. 

THR India: You focus a lot on storytelling through fashion. What is the overarching narrative you’re trying to convey? 

ZK: In the past year, I have made friends with an incredible bunch of young designers like Ateev Anand of Re-Ceremonial, Ritwik Khanna of Rkive City, Rohitash Notani of Rosani and Ruchika Sachdeva of Bodice. My friend, [creative director and fashion stylist] Ruhani Singh, is how I met them. I'm learning about how they approach their craft. 

THR INDIA: What do you opt for when you go for red-carpet events? 

ZK: Last night, I attended a big fashion event and wore a lungi wrap with a kimono-style top by Re-Ceremonial. I am also conscious of certain practicalities, and I don't believe fashion is a pain. Though people [showed up wearing] sherwanis with silk shawls, and even knee-high boots. I thought, “We're in Mumbai, guys. Relax!” 

THR INDIA: What’s the most cherished piece in your closet? 

ZK: My dad was an ad filmmaker and had a production house, so there were some costume boxes that were lying in the basement, and we had to get rid of them. I raided these and found a Hidesign leather jacket that must have been sourced for a shoot. My dad would wear Timberland or R.M. Williams boots, and I’ve inherited that preference with my Doc Martens. I also have two shirts and two pants from Bhaane, which was a really cool brand, but it no longer exists. I'm not a sneakerhead or a design freak, but I’m building my wardrobe.