Vicky Kaushal's beard journey is the best grooming inspiration for desi men

Vicky Kaushal’s beard evolution is a masterclass in modern male grooming. From the rugged, sharply shaped beard in ‘Uri’ to the neat stubble in ‘Bad Newz’, and the long, royal beard in ‘Chhaava’, he’s shown how facial hair can define a character. Even his bold moustaches in ‘Sam Bahadur’ and ‘Raazi’ turned heads. Vicky's ever-changing looks mirror a larger grooming revolution, one where beards and stubble have gone mainstream. But it wasn’t always like this. Just over a decade ago, clean-shaven ruled. Now, with stars like Vicky leading the way, facial hair has become a bold, stylish form of self-expression.

In a bold move that’s turning heads across the grooming industry, Philips has launched a revolutionary product in India before introducing it anywhere else in the world. But what sparked this unexpected move?

According to Vidyut Kaul, Head of Personal Health at Philips India, the decision stemmed from a shift in perception. “India has traditionally been seen as a price-sensitive market,” he says. “But what we noticed over time is that Indian consumers, thanks to frequent international travel have been exposed to and purchasing high-end philips innovations abroad. So, we thought: why not bring that premium experience home?”

This wasn’t just about market opportunity. It was about reaffirming Philips’ core identity. “We are an innovation powerhouse,” Kaul emphasizes. “With tech adoption rising across every sector be it smartphones, EVs or personal care, this was the right time to bring our most advanced grooming technology to India. Shaving hasn’t changed much for decades. What we offer now isn’t just an upgrade it’s a revolution.”

The grooming boom

Philips has long been a player in the Indian grooming space. “We always said, ‘Grooming is booming,’” Kaul quips. “Back in 1995–96, we had none other than Sachin Tendulkar as our brand ambassador for shaving. But the market wasn’t quite ready.”

Everything changed in 2010 with the rise of the stubble movement. Bollywood actors, cricketers and everyday men began to ditch the clean shave in favor of well-groomed stubble. Philips was quick to capitalize on this trend, and their grooming business skyrocketed.

“Today, we offer solutions for every grooming need, whether it’s maintaining a thick beard, a stylish stubble or a smooth, clean-shaven look,” says Kaul. “What’s even more interesting is the return to shaving we’re now seeing especially among men over 30. That shift made it clear that India is ready for premium, tech-driven grooming solutions.”

The face of a new era

When asked about potential brand ambassadors for this high-end launch, Kaul hints at a thoughtful approach. “We’re exploring options. In the past, we’ve worked with Virat Kohli, Arjun Kapoor, John Abraham, and of course, Sachin Tendulkar. But this time, it’s about connecting with authentic India. Real, relatable men who reflect the aspirations of the modern Indian consumer.”

Innovation for her

Philips isn’t stopping with men. Big changes are coming for women’s grooming as well. “That future isn’t far, it’s almost here,” Kaul teases. The star product? IPL Intense Pulsed Light technology. “And no, it’s not the cricket league!” he laughs. “IPL is an at-home laser hair removal device that’s already a massive hit abroad. With just three uses, women can enjoy hair-free skin for over 12 months without pain, rashes, or the hassle of salon visits.”

Philips plans to bring IPL to India in the second half of the year, aiming to empower women with convenience, confidence, and cutting-edge technology.

With innovation at its core and an eye on evolving consumer behavior, Philips is once again proving that it’s not just about grooming—it’s about transforming the experience. From men rediscovering the art of shaving to women embracing tech-driven self-care, the grooming revolution in India is well underway. And Philips? They’re leading the charge.