As Eid approaches, a fashion trend inspired by Salman Khan’s upcoming film ‘Sikandar’ is taking markets by storm, particularly among young Muslim men. The black kurta-pajama worn by the actor in the popular song "Zohra Zabee" from the film has become a sought-after festive outfit, with many eager to replicate the look for Eid celebrations.
Featuring vibrant embroidery along the neckline, shoulders, and upper back, the kurta has struck a chord with fashion-conscious buyers preparing for Eid, which is expected to fall on March 31 or April 1, depending on the sighting of the moon. The film itself is set to release on March 30, adding to the buzz around Salman Khan’s onscreen look.
In Old Delhi’s Chitli Qabar area, Faheem of SM Collections shared that the exact fabric resembling the black kurta-pajama seen in the film recently became available in the market and was quickly embraced by customers. He noted that the price of this fabric is considerably higher than standard options, with the embroidered version selling for as much as Rs. 2,800, compared to the typical Rs. 1,000–1,500 range for simpler designs.
As per agency report, other shopkeepers, like Mohammad Salman from the Matia Mahal area, observed a simultaneous surge in demand for "Pakistani style" kurta-pajama fabrics. Despite being manufactured in Surat, Gujarat, these intricately embroidered fabrics are popularly referred to as Pakistani due to their design aesthetics. These are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns and are priced between Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 1,500.
In the Indian subcontinent, kurta-pajama has long been a traditional outfit, and Islamic customs encourage wearing clean, fragrant, and well-prepared clothes on Eid, making this ensemble a preferred choice for men during the festival’s special prayers.
With high demand and limited time before Eid, most tailors have stopped accepting new orders. Buyers who typically prefer custom-stitched outfits are now turning to readymade options. In Jafrabad, tailor Naved mentioned that he is focusing on completing existing orders before the festival, noting that tailors too wish to celebrate Eid with their families.
However, Rais Ahmed, who runs a tailoring shop in Vijay Park, Maujpur, is still taking new orders. He has hired seven additional craftsmen working up to 16 hours a day. According to Ahmed, stitching a single kurta-pajama takes around three hours.
Meanwhile, Altamash, who operates both online and offline kurta-pajama sales from Jafrabad, reported receiving more than 120 online orders daily, with 60–65 offline sales as well. He confirmed that the highest demand is for the Pakistani-style kurta-pajamas, starting at Rs. 1,500, while heavily embroidered versions can cost up to Rs. 2,500.
This seasonal fashion wave, driven by cinematic influence and traditional customs, has added a vibrant buzz to pre-Eid shopping scenes across the capital.
