Pankaj Tripathi’s fashion surprise of the year: Is it AI or bold style makeover? – The Times of India
Pankaj Tripathi’s recent Instagram post has sent ripples through fashion and entertainment circles and for all the right reasons as it showcases a daring and striking new look that fans and celebrities alike can’t stop talking about. Celebrated for his intense performances and effortless screen presence, Tripathi surprised everyone by unveiling an outfit that blends vintage Indian royalty with contemporary high-fashion drama. The actor is known for his natural charm rather than flashy style hence, it is no wonder that his latest post has left fans and fashion enthusiasts buzzing, prompting questions about whether the images are real or AI-generated. Regardless, the actor’s daring fashion statement cannot be ignored.Taking to his Instagram handle this Friday, Tripathi a series of visually captivating images and captioned them, “A new beginning. This is the beginning of something interesting. How’s the vibe? #EkNayaUpgrade (sic)”, hinting at a possible collaboration or an upcoming announcement. The actor’s outfit is a masterclass in blending vintage Indian royalty with contemporary high-fashion aesthetics.
The outfit breakdown
The images are widely speculated to be AI-generated but are nonetheless impactful as Tripathi dons a deep emerald green velvet coat richly embroidered with golden floral motifs. His ensemble centers on a long emerald green velvet coat, structured with sharp vertical lines that lend both elegance and drama. Golden embroidery adorns the lapels, cuffs and sleeves, featuring intricate floral motifs that balance the richness of the velvet fabric. This sharply structured, long coat adds both elegance and regality to the ensemble.Beneath the coat, he sports a sheer black shirt with delicate floral embroidery, its see-through texture adding a bold, fashion-forward contrast. A slightly unbuttoned collar lends the look a relaxed and effortlessly casual vibe.Adding a vibrant pop of colour and being the ensemble’s standout piece is the bright red dhoti-style trousers, woven from luxurious brocade fabric with gold floral patterns, exuding festive grandeur and regal energy. Golden embellished loafers with heavy stud detailing harmonise perfectly with the coat’s ornate accents, tying the look together in royal fashion.Adding a playful but unexpected twist is a checkered flat cap, a British-inspired street style earthy accessory that counters the otherwise opulent Indian ensemble. The result is a look that straddles Indian royalty, modern couture and vintage street style, which is a combination rarely seen on the actor but executed flawlessly.The look not only highlights his willingness to experiment with style but also bridges the gap between heritage and modernity, tradition and innovation. The Internet’s response was electric.
Celebrity and Internet reactions
The fashion world and Tripathi’s fanbase responded instantly. Actor Ranveer Singh humorously commented, “Arre! Yeh kya, Guruji?! Hum sudhar gaye, aur aap bigad gaye?” (Oh, what’s this, sir? I improved and you got spoilt?). Fellow actor Tisca Chopra dubbed it “Peaky Blinders India sneak peek,” further amplifying the buzz. Fans debated whether the images were real or AI creations, praising the youthful energy and boldness of the look with comments ranging from “Yeh photo AI kyu lag raha hai?” to “This man is getting younger!” Others described the look as “Adbhut” and likened it to an alternate universe version of Tripathi.
Why it works
What makes this fashion moment remarkable is Tripathi’s ability to step outside his usual understated style and embrace a bold, statement-making aesthetic. The blend of textures, colours and cultural motifs makes the outfit a lesson in balancing tradition with avant-garde fashion. Real or AI-enhanced, Pankaj Tripathi has delivered a style statement that will be discussed for weeks, proving that even the most grounded actors can leave an indelible mark on the fashion world.His royal makeover of mixing Indian cultural elements with an avant-garde silhouette and streetwise accessories marks a refreshing departure from his usual understated fashion. It demonstrates a fearless embrace of style innovation, sparking conversations on tradition, technology and the power of reinvention in celebrity fashion. Whether real or digitally enhanced, this dramatic transformation cements Pankaj Tripathi yet again as a captivating force, both on screen and in style.
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