Javed Habib revealed that his grandfather Nazir Ahmed worked at Rashtrapati Bhavan and worked as a barber for Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He remembered his shared legacy and stories, including Nehru gifting him a watch. Habib also said that his father refused to take on a similar role, choosing to pursue training in London instead.
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 very successful salon chain to his credit, he has built a solid reputation over the years.
He recently spoke about his grandfather Nazir Ahmed, a professional barber who worked at the president’s residence. Javed also shared that his grandfather once worked as a barber for Mahatma Gandhi and
Jawaharlal Nehru
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Javed Habib about his grandfather’s legacy Rashtrapati Bhavan
In a candid interaction with The Lallantop, Javed spoke about his family’s long-standing haircutting legacy, tracing it back to his grandfather. He mentioned 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 management.
Recalling his grandfather’s role, Javed said he used to cut everyone’s hair at the president’s house. “My grandfather started working at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1935.
It was called the governor’s house at that time. He got a job in the night department. Whoever came there would have his hair cut. Sabki gardan mere dada ke saamne jhukti thi (Everyone had to bow their heads before my grandfather). He remained there until 1972, and was only born there.
I used to see him going there by bike every day. He had a box with a razor, scissors and a towel. He kept it very clean. “I still have the memories of my grandfather in my mind.”The hairdresser continued: “My grandfather was the first person in our family to take up this profession. I did not know what I wanted to do. My father worked in a small salon, but my grandfather’s father never worked in the barber profession.”
Javed Habib about his grandfather cutting the hair of Gandhi and Nehru
In the same interview, Javed spoke about his grandfather’s connection to prominent historical figures, revealing that he cut the hair of both Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi. Sharing the anecdote, Javed said, “He also cut Mahatma Gandhi’s hair. 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 cut it. Nehru Sahab was his regular client. He had very long hair.”
He also shaved, and came weekly. He had very little hair.”He added, “I remember one incident when Nehru Sahab was going to Russia. He asked my grandfather if he wanted something from there. He told him that he did not have a watch. He had got a watch as a gift for my grandfather, and he had a small wish granted by his barber. He was very worried. Status was not important at that time. Everyone was friends with each other,” he added.
Javed Habib talks about why his father chose a different path
The celebrity hairstylist also spoke about his father’s decision not to take on any role in the president’s household, despite being offered the position after his grandfather retired. He explained that his father chose to follow a different path and pursue greater ambitions. “My father did not work there, but he was getting a job at Rashtrapati Bhavan, after my grandfather retired. But my father rejected this offer as he had other dreams.
He went to London, and was sponsored by Lord Mountbatten. He supported us so much, and that was probably the foundation for all of us growing up. He did a hairdressing course there for a year and then joined the Oberoi Group.
