Soorma. Taveez. Pathan suit: Why Muslim men in Hindi cinema need a totally new wardrobe

Soorma. Spot the difference. Hint: there are none. (Source: YouTube screengrabs. Artwork: DailyO)

The year 2018 began with a bang called Padmaavat — and the menacing Alauddin Khilji, essayed by Ranveer Singh. A 13th-century barbaric ruler — who also had kohl-lined eyes.

Has nothing changed in all these centuries?

Clearly not.

From Sher Khan (Pran) in Zanjeer (1973) to Raees Alam (Shah Rukh Khan) in Raees (2017), from Tariq (Aditya Roy Kapur) in Daawat-e-Ishq (2014) to Emperor Akbar (Hrithik Roshan) in Jodhaa Akbar (2008), periods have changed, so have the characters and what they stand for — the kohl, however, has remained. 

Funnily, however, even the top three Khans who dominate Bollywood — Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan — and add Saif Ali Khan to that, too, have never been spotted in kohl-lined eyes.

So, where are the filmmakers getting this idea from?

Why always so Kajrare naina, guys?  

Also read: No costume drama: 'Gully Boy' and being Muslim in Bollywood today