A pink shirt is not what you would usually see on Abir Chatterjee. Not until now. The Tolly hottie has upped his style game and it’s showing in his stride. “Touch wood!” says Abir, smiling that dimpled smile and settling down to chat with t2. 

Do you love dressing up?
Men do indulge these days. Initially, ektu chokhe lagto because we have been told from childhood that men don’t deck up. I feel it’s a very wrong concept. If you are comfortable, then there is nothing wrong in it. A few of my friends still laugh about it, but it’s time that we say goodbye to such a concept.

I am in a profession where I have to be conscious, but it’s not just about looking good. It’s about feeling good from within, looking proper and dressing appropriately for the occasion. It’s a confidence-booster. For films the look is very important, which we still don’t pay heed to. The interesting part is when we see Hindi and English films we love it, but we cannot put a finger on it. We are loving it because everything is pre-planned according to the scene, the character and the mood.  

What were your inhibitions? 
I had a lot of mental blocks. To start with, I used to think why am I indulging myself so much?! I have overcome a lot of it, but a lot is still there. You evolve with time. There was a time when I would literally wear pants chest downwards! My wardrobe bosses have given me the confidence, and definitely my fans and well-wishers too, who give me feedback. It’s nice to sometimes break the monotony. I also had a block about fittings. I would just wear anything. There wasn’t much thought that went into what I wore. That has changed. There was a love for watches somewhere in me, which has surfaced. I love what I am wearing right now… a Guess watch. I wear Tommy Hilfiger on a regular basis. There is a Rado, which is a prized possession. 

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Do you still have any mental blocks?
I am not yet too comfortable wearing low waist. I feel trousers with a low waist don’t serve the purpose of trousers! Since I have long legs, I just feel... ei bujhi gelo! (Laughs) Though I have started wearing tailored clothes, I am still not comfortable wearing clothes that are too fitted. It’s also because of the weather. You’d like to be comfortable when you are shooting long hours. But I am loving this new me! I have worked very hard for this… sacrificing food… (Laughs) 

Where do you train?
I train at Club Verde Vista (by Conclave) six days a week. It’s a mix of cardio and weight training, concentrating on each body part.

Are you aiming for a six pack?
No! 

What’s in your diet?
I eat everything that is made at home. And, I keep saying this to everyone… even if you have home-made biryani, it’s fine. I have a sweet tooth. So, I had to stop eating sweets. I know myself. The moment I give in to the temptation of popping one, I know I will eat two or three! Soft drinks, street food, snacks… I have stopped them all. What really helps is eating at regular intervals. I carry protein bars and I can survive on fruits. I also have yogurt and sprouts. I don’t eat rice if I am not at home. And no carbs for dinner. 

What has changed in your wardrobe since this shape shift?
There are more tees in my wardrobe now... that too ones with a V-neck. Earlier I wouldn’t wear V-necks. Now I am very fond of them. I have started wearing full-sleeved tees. I used to be a checks guy and may be the occasional stripe. That has changed. Linen is also another new-found love. 

What is your comfort clothing?  
Jeans and T-shirt. 

And something you will never try… 
Ties. They remind me of my corporate days. And I hate it. Even on screen… there are two things I hate… putting on a fake beard and ties. There was a time when I’d get ties as gifts. My wife (Nandini), who was then my girlfriend, had gifted me the proverbial red tie! I wore it back then.... Actually, I don’t want to go back to those days again. Corporate, interviews, GDs.… NO!

Saionee Chakraborty
Pictures: Rashbehari Das

What do you like about Abir’s style? Tell t2@abp.in