Actor Tanuj Virwani may be known for playing characters in Inside Edge, Code M, Cartel, Tandoor, and now JioHotstar’s Jumper, but when it comes to fashion, he isn't interested in following the script.
A self-confessed shopaholic, Virwani says he would rather build his own style than blindly chase whatever happens to be trending. For him, a good outfit is equal parts personality, practicality and a little bit of experimentation, particularly when you live in India’s decidedly unforgiving tropical weather.
In a candid conversation with HT Shop Now, Virwani opened up about his wardrobe staples, his love for sneakers and accessories, why he prefers trying clothes in person, his grooming essentials and the surprisingly minimal wardrobe he wore as Johnny Jumper. He also had some advice for men who want to make their wardrobes smarter without buying an entirely new one.
Q. How would you describe your personal style when you're not playing a character? Has it evolved over the years?
Tanuj Virwani: My personal style has definitely evolved, but I'm not someone who conforms to norms or what everyone else is doing. I like being a trendsetter myself. I like wearing things that accentuate who I am, my personality and what I want to convey.
Clothing, accessories and sneakers, in particular, are a wonderful way to communicate the kind of person you are. I don't really believe in dressing because a particular colour or silhouette is trending. Fashion has to be universal, but it also has to be fun, unique and efficient.
We largely live in tropical conditions, so practicality is important. Sometimes I see celebrities exiting airports dressed as if they're in Europe and I'm thinking, ‘Why are you doing this to yourself?’ It may look cool for the camera, but if you're sweating like crazy inside, what's the point?
Q. You love shopping. What are five wardrobe staples you think are actually worth investing in?
Tanuj Virwani: Definitely a good pair of jeans because they go a really long way. It's also a good reality check. You don't need to stand on a weighing scale — you wear your jeans, and depending on how they fit and whether the button shuts, you know whether you've gained weight or you're in good shape!
A black T-shirt and a white T-shirt are prerequisites. You can wear them on their own, to the gym or underneath an overshirt or jacket.
Then there are sneakers. I'm an old-school Jordan 1 guy. You can pair them with something casual, semi-formal or even a blazer or suit if you want to think outside the box.
A good pair of sunglasses is another essential, especially when you're out during the day, or when you're slightly underslept and want to look a little snazzier.
And for guys, I'd definitely say a good aftershave or trimmer. The way you take care of your beard can make you look sharp and aerodynamic or sluggish and messy. It depends on what you're going for.
Q. Is there a fashion trend you're loving right now, and one you think has had its time?
Tanuj Virwani: Honestly, I don't really keep up with fashion trends because I feel like you start getting very influenced. Why should we dress because someone else thinks something is cool or because the fashion gods have decided this is what's in?
I'm pretty basic. I like my sweatshirts, hoodies, overshirts and jackets. I'm half Punjabi and half Sindhi, so both sides of me like colour and things that are a little out there and loud. Although lately I've dialled it down a notch and sometimes go for basic, solid, darker or deeper colours.
I also like looking at fashion in places such as Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo because their fashion can be really quirky and interesting.
But there's one rule I follow: if you're wearing a snazzy pair of shoes, keep the rest of the outfit subtle so the shoes get their moment. If you're wearing a statement jacket, keep everything else understated. You don't have to go all the way with everything.
Q. What's one fashion or grooming purchase you've made recently that was genuinely worth the money? And one you regret?
Tanuj Virwani: Earlier, I used to be very lazy and would always go somewhere to get my beard taken care of. But when you're travelling, especially on a holiday, it's difficult to find someone to groom your beard.
I'm currently in Goa with my family, and a new trimmer someone gifted me has been fantastic. It just gets the job done.
As far as something I regret, I don't really have any fashion regrets, not in fashion and not in life!
I live in Mumbai near the sea, so the moisture affects clothes and especially shoes. I'm constantly trying to find better ways to deal with it. These days I'm using those little sneaker capsules that go inside the shoes and act as a bit of a dehumidifier.
Q. Your character Johnny Jumper has a very functional wardrobe. How did his clothes, hair and overall appearance help you get into character?
Tanuj Virwani: He literally has one main outfit in the entire film. He's as basic as basic can be: a denim jacket, a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt. Because of certain things that happen in the film, it later changes to a red T-shirt.
We wanted the clothes to be functional and efficient because he's literally jumping from one rooftop to another like Spider-Man and doing all this parkour. If his clothes were too elaborate, they wouldn't serve the purpose.
The screenplay also happens within a very finite period of time, so there wasn't much opportunity to play around with different looks. This may have been the one film where the costume budget was at its bare minimum!
Q. So how did you make such a simple outfit feel authentic rather than like clothes straight off a rack?
Tanuj Virwani: We kept it rugged and lived-in. Once we decided on the clothes, I started wearing them so they would take the shape of my body and I would feel more comfortable in them.
I wanted the denims to feel lived-in rather than brand new. The shoes were particularly important because they had to be functional and comfortable enough for me to run, do wire work and move across concrete rooftops. We even added an extra insole.
We also had three or four identical versions of the costume: a clean version, a dirty version and a really dirty version; depending on where we were in the story.
The last thing you want is for an audience member to think, ‘He just fell off a building. Why are his clothes clean?’ That continuity was extremely important.
Q. When you're shopping online, what makes you hit ‘Buy Now’: fabric, fit, reviews or simply ‘I love this’?
Tanuj Virwani: It's the mood, man. It's the mood!
I've had to put a lid on my shopaholic urges, especially online. I'm actually not a huge fan of online shopping because I'm a little old-school. I like to touch and feel something and actually wear it before purchasing it.
I've had bad experiences where something looks fantastic on the model on the website, but when you receive it and wear it, you're like, ‘Oh my God, no, no, no. You're looking like a buffoon!’
So I'd say, as much as possible, step out of the house. Go to your mall or a retail store. There's nothing like some good old-fashioned retail therapy.
Always try an outfit before buying it. There have been so many times when a stylist has suggested something, and I've thought, ‘I don't know if that's going to look nice.’ Then I try it and completely change my mind. And vice versa, something can look amazing on the hanger but just not work for you.
I'm a dedicated shopaholic. If I'm on holiday, they literally have to tie me down!
Q. What's your best advice for men who want to make their wardrobes smarter and more versatile?
Tanuj Virwani: Keep your basics aligned. Have a pair of good denims in black and blue, a white T-shirt and a black T-shirt. Definitely have a black pair of sneakers, a white pair and maybe one colourful pair. Even with three pairs, you can do a lot of mixing and matching.
I think accessories are very underrated. Living in Mumbai, I love going to places like Colaba Causeway because you can find so many interesting things like beads, bracelets, pendants, earrings, whatever you're into.
And sure, take inspiration from fashionistas, people you look up to on Instagram or actors in films. But remember that everyone has a different vibe, personality and body type.
You have to wear something that floats your boat. You may be able to carry off something the next person can't.
Instead of being part of the rat race, why don't you leap from the front so people are following you instead?
Don't be a follower. Be the one that is followed.
Shop the Tanuj Virwani-approved wardrobe
If Virwani's approach to fashion proves anything, it's that building a versatile wardrobe doesn't necessarily mean buying everything that's trending. Start with the pieces that do the heavy lifting: well-fitting jeans, black and white T-shirts, versatile sneakers, sunglasses and a few statement accessories.
For an everyday wardrobe, invest in neutral basics first and use shoes, watches, sunglasses, bags and jewellery to bring personality to an otherwise simple outfit. And if you're tempted by a viral fashion trend, Virwani's advice is worth remembering: you don't have to wear something just because everyone else does.
Tanuj Virwani's wardrobe checklist
Good denim: A pair of black and blue jeans can anchor everything from casual T-shirts to sharper jackets.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Black and white tees: The easiest layering pieces in a man's wardrobe.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Our Principles
Full Transparency
Every product review clearly lists the Pros and Cons, giving you a balanced view.
Brand Confidence
We focus on products from brands with a proven reputation and long-standing market trust.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Sneakers: Start with black and white, then add one statement pair.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Sunglasses: Equal parts practical and style-enhancing.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Grooming essentials: A reliable trimmer can make a surprisingly big difference.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Accessories: Bracelets, chains, pendants and earrings can transform a basic outfit.
{{#product}}{{/product}}
{{#product}}{{/product}}
Similar stories for you:
10 office tote bags that fit your laptop and daily essentials
Balloon Pants: Fashion risk or the coolest trouser trend right now? 8 picks to rock this style
- What are Tanuj Virwani's wardrobe essentials?
Tanuj Virwani recommends good-quality jeans, black and white T-shirts, versatile sneakers, sunglasses and grooming essentials such as a good trimmer.
- Is Tanuj Virwani a fan of online shopping?
Virwani describes himself as old-school when it comes to shopping and prefers trying clothes in person. He says fit and feel can be very different from how an outfit looks on a model online.
- What is Tanuj Virwani's advice for men's fashion?
His advice is to build a strong collection of basics, invest in versatile sneakers and use accessories to add personality. Most importantly, he encourages men to dress for themselves rather than simply following trends.
- Does Tanuj Virwani follow fashion trends?
Not particularly. Virwani says he prefers developing his own personal style rather than dressing according to whatever happens to be trending.
Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.
Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.