From Elvish Yadav to Boney Kapoor: Doctor behind Bollywood’s best-kept hair secrets speaks out | Exclusive 

Elvish Yadav, Boney Kapoor`s hair transformation. Pics via Instagram, AFP

The high-stakes world of Bollywood demands a flawless appearance, but beneath the perfect frames lies a strategic battle against hair loss for some of our favourite stars. For today's celebs, hair restoration is no longer a hidden cosmetic secret but an investment in career longevity. From stealth, paparazzi-proof logistics to designing age-appropriate hairlines, Dr Pradeep Sethi, co-founder of Eugenix Hair Sciences, tells mid-day, how high-profile stars discreetly navigate the science of hair transplants.

Get your basics sorted

Dr Sethi, whose clientele includes bigwigs such as Boney Kapoor, Elvish Yadav, and Anees Bazmee, to name a few, says that the common FAQs asked by such personalities are the following:

• Will anyone be able to tell?
• When can I get back on set?
• If I do this now at 35, will I have enough donor hair left if I need another procedure at 50?
• Can we do this without anyone knowing I'm here?

And while all these questions are addressed on a case-by-case basis, he maintains that there's been a remarkable cultural shift toward transplants. He explains, "Five years ago, every celebrity consultation came with the implicit understanding that we'd never acknowledge their visit. Today, about 40 per cent of our high-profile clients are comfortable with selective disclosure. The younger generation views hair restoration like fitness training or skincare: it's maintenance, not vanity. The stigma hasn't disappeared, but it's evolving."

Breaking stereotypes

So what's driving celebs to get the procedure done? Dr Sethi asserts that it is social media scrutiny. He elaborates, "Actors are photographed 24/7. Leading men are expected to stay ‘young' in their 40s and 50s, plus there's competition from younger talent."

However, on the brighter side, he also mentions that YouTubers such as Elvish Yadav being open about it has made it less of a taboo. "The openness is healthy, as it creates realistic expectations and reduces shame that prevented earlier generations from seeking help," he adds.

While it is common for a patient to turn down a doctor they're not satisfied with, it has also been the case with Dr Sethi, who had to take a tough call for some of his clients. "It's never comfortable," he says. The main reason? A juvenile hairline at a mature age, fastening the procedure, or prior medical conditions that make surgery high-risk. "I'd rather lose a client than compromise ethics or their long-term outcome," he adds.