A mechanical engineer now leads Mehdi Hasan Tailors in Aligarh, crafting iconic sherwanis for India’s presidents, Bollywood stars, and cultural elite
ALIGARH/NEW DELHI — In the bustling lanes of Picture Mahal in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh, Anwar Mehdi stands at the heart of Mehdi Hasan Tailors, his scissors gliding through black fabric with the precision of a seasoned artisan. Each cut reflects decades of mastery, a craft he embraced after leaving a promising career in mechanical engineering to preserve his father’s legacy.
“I was a lecturer in mechanical engineering at Aligarh Muslim University,” Anwar shares, his voice steady but warm. “But when my father passed away in 1995, I knew I had to carry forward his vision. Tailoring became my calling not just a trade, but a way to honour our heritage.”
For over eight decades, Mehdi Hasan Tailors has been a cornerstone of Aligarh’s cultural fabric, renowned for its exquisite sherwanis—the elegant, long coats synonymous with Indian tradition. From presidents and prime ministers to Bollywood icons, the shop has dressed India’s elite, cementing its reputation as a symbol of craftsmanship and prestige.
The story of Mehdi Hasan Tailors began in 1944 when Anwar’s father, Mehdi Hasan, a skilled tailor, ventured to Mumbai. There, he trained under the legendary sherwani craftsman Abdul Rais, mastering the art of tailoring. After Partition, Mehdi returned to Aligarh, establishing Hasan Tailors in 1947 at Picture Mahal. The shop, later renamed Mehdi Hasan Tailors, became a beacon of quality, drawing clients from across India and beyond.
Anwar, a product of Aligarh Muslim University, earned an MTech under the guidance of Prof Ihtesham Ahmad Nizami. Even as a student, he apprenticed with his father, honing his skills. “Engineering taught me precision,” Anwar says, “but tailoring demanded creativity and soul. When I took over, I brought both to the table.”
The sherwani, Anwar explains, is steeped in history. “Its roots trace back to Mughal and British influences, blending the Turkish coat with Indian elegance. By the late 19th century, it became the attire of nawabs, rajas, and elites—a symbol of dignity.”
In Aligarh, AMU’s scholarly and cultural milieu elevated the sherwani to an emblem of identity. “The ‘Aligarh Sherwani’ is more than clothing,” Anwar says. “It’s heritage, pride, and artistry.”
Mehdi Hasan Tailors has dressed luminaries across generations. “Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr Zakir Husain, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Pranab Mukherjee, and Ram Nath Kovind wore our sherwanis,” Anwar says proudly. “So did former prime minister Manmohan Singh, state chief ministers, governors, and Supreme Court judges.”
Bollywood, too, has embraced the shop’s craftsmanship. Anwar recalls a memorable commission: “Saif Ali Khan’s mother, Sharmila Tagore, requested a sherwani. I travelled to Lucknow, took his measurements, and oversaw the creation in Mumbai. The result was flawless.” Other Bollywood stalwarts, including Majrooh Sultanpuri, Javed Akhtar, and Raj Babbar, have also donned their designs.
At 75, Anwar’s passion remains undimmed. “The sherwani’s appeal endures,” he says, noting its popularity during AMU’s Sir Syed Day celebrations, where demand surges among students and alumni. “Young people still cherish it. It bridges generations, carrying stories of tradition and pride.”
The shop’s success lies in its meticulous process. Anwar oversees every detail, from fabric selection to intricate embroidery, ensuring each sherwani reflects the wearer’s stature. “Crafting a sherwani is like sculpting,” he says, his hands deftly shaping fabric. “It must fit the body and the soul.”
Mehdi Hasan Tailors stands as a testament to resilience, artistry, and cultural pride. Anwar’s transition from engineer to tailor reflects a deep commitment to family and tradition. “This shop is my father’s dream,” he says. “Every stitch keeps his memory alive.”
As Aligarh evolves, Mehdi Hasan Tailors remains a touchstone of heritage, dressing India’s past, present, and future. For Anwar Mehdi, the sherwani is not just fabric—it’s a legacy woven with skill, history, and heart.
