When we hear the name Aligarh, most people think of locks and keys, but this historic city has another identity – one woven with threads of tradition and royal elegance. Since 1947, when India gained independence, Mehdi Hasan Tailor has been creating more than just clothing; they’ve been crafting symbols of dignity, culture, and heritage. The sherwani here isn’t just a garment – it’s a piece of living history that has adorned some of India’s most distinguished personalities.
From former Presidents Dr. Zakir Hussain, Pranab Mukherjee, and Ram Nath Kovind to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, countless dignitaries have worn sherwanis crafted by this legendary establishment. Even film stars like Saif Ali Khan have personally visited to get their measurements taken. This isn’t just a tailor shop – it’s a guardian of Indian cultural heritage, where every stitch tells a story of excellence, tradition, and unmatched craftsmanship that has survived and thrived through generations.
The Royal Heritage: From Turkish Roots to Indian Elegance
The sherwani has truly royal blood running through its fabric. Initially inspired by Turkish Ottoman Empire clothing, this regal attire was traditionally worn by kings, nawabs, and royalty. It wasn’t meant for ordinary people – only celebrities and dignitaries could afford such luxury. The sherwani’s journey in modern India began with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the first to adopt this Turkish-inspired coat in independent India. When the Indian Union was formed in 1947, there were approximately 556 princely states, and every single nawab and raja wore sherwanis as their royal attire.
The story of Mehdi Hasan Tailor begins in 1944 when the founder shifted from Rampur to Aligarh. Their first big break came through Nawab Abdul Sami Khan of Talib Nagar, who was tired of travelling to Delhi for his sherwanis from a British ranking company. Someone suggested trying the local talented tailor, and when the founder stitched his first sherwani – taking a whole month to complete – the nawab was so impressed that he forgot about the Delhi company entirely. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would dress Presidents and Prime Ministers.
Presidential Connections: 17 Years of Distinguished Service
The real breakthrough came when Dr. Zakir Hussain, then Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia, started wearing sherwanis crafted by Mehdi Hasan Tailor. This relationship lasted an incredible 17 years, through Dr. Hussain’s journey from Vice-Chancellor of Aligarh Muslim University to Governor of Bihar, then Vice-President, and finally President of India. Engineer Anwar Mehdi, the current owner, recalls that his father served Dr. Hussain so faithfully that when the President passed away, his father was present even for preparing the final rituals and kafan.
After Dr. Hussain, the tradition continued with subsequent Presidents – V.V. Giri, Sanjeeva Reddy, Dr. Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and Giani Zail Singh, all wore Mehdi Hasan’s sherwanis. When Engineer Anwar took over the business, despite being a mechanical engineer with a master’s degree and having served as an assistant professor, he chose to leave his academic career to continue this artistic legacy. Under his leadership, Presidents Pranab Mukherjee, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and Ram Nath Kovind continued the tradition. The shop even has a remarkable story of Dr. Hussain having 120 sherwanis that needed alteration at one time – showing the Presidential wardrobe’s scale and the tailor’s trusted relationship.
Bollywood to Business: Modern Celebrity Clientele
The legacy hasn’t been limited to politicians and dignitaries. When Saif Ali Khan needed sherwanis, Sharmila Tagore personally called Engineer Anwar. The dedication to service led Anwar to travel to Lucknow’s Taj Hotel to take measurements personally, then to Mumbai for fittings, ultimately creating seven to eight sherwanis for the Bollywood star. This personal touch and commitment to excellence, regardless of the client’s location, have become hallmarks of Mehdi Hasan Tailor.
The business philosophy has always been about understanding each client’s unique requirements. Whether it’s adjusting for different body structures, accommodating specific design requests, or ensuring that the sherwani enhances the wearer’s personality, every piece is customised. International orders pour in from Dubai, the USA, Canada, and Gulf countries, proving that the craftsmanship transcends geographical boundaries. The shop creates approximately 20-22 different types of sherwanis, each designed to meet varying tastes and occasions, from simple formal wear to heavily embroidered wedding attire with zardozi work.
The Art of Perfect Fitting: Science Behind the Craft
What sets Mehdi Hasan Tailor apart is their understanding that a sherwani isn’t just about measurement – it’s about body architecture. Every person has unique shoulders – some sloping down, others upright. The back might be curved or straight, the chest might be broad or narrow, and the waist measurements vary greatly. Engineer Anwar explains that no two sherwanis can be cut from the same pattern because everybody is different. This is why their fitting is legendary.
The process begins with detailed measurement-taking, analysing the customer’s complete body structure. The cutting is done personally by the master tailors, never delegated to assistants. During the stitching process, they continuously guide the artisans on specific requirements – how to set the collar, shape the garment, and achieve that perfect drape. The result is a sherwani that doesn’t just fit the body but enhances its natural contours, creating an elegant silhouette that speaks of royal bearing and sophisticated taste.
Sir Syed Day: When Aligarh Dresses in Black
The most magical time at Mehdi Hasan Tailor comes during Sir Syed Day at Aligarh Muslim University. The entire university transforms into a sea of black sherwanis, with every student required to wear this formal attire. The atmosphere becomes festival-like, comparable to Eid celebrations, with students displaying their love and attachment to the university through this uniform elegance. The shop receives orders for 1000-1500 sherwanis within just one and a half months, creating an incredible workload that the entire team tackles with dedication.
Umair Anwar, Engineer Anwar’s son, who has been working in the business for 23 years, describes how new students, especially, get excited about wearing sherwanis. The tradition creates a sense of belonging and pride that goes beyond mere clothing. It’s about carrying forward the university’s rich heritage and maintaining the dignity that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan envisioned for his educational institution. The black sherwani has become synonymous with Aligarh’s identity, and the Mehdi Hasan workshop becomes the centre of this cultural celebration.
Craftsmanship Through Generations: The 15-Year Journey
Creating a master sherwani artisan isn’t a quick process. Anees Ahmad Khan, who has been working with the shop for 40 years, explains that it takes approximately 15 years to train a complete sherwani artisan. A young apprentice starting at 12-15 years of age becomes a master artisan only by the age of 30. This long apprenticeship ensures that every nuance of the craft – from understanding different fabrics to mastering various stitching techniques – is thoroughly learned.
The work involves multiple skills: hand stitching, machine work, pressing, creating buttonholes, attaching buttons, and finishing touches like piping. Each sherwani requires different treatments based on the fabric, design, and client requirements. Some need heavy embroidery work, others require simple, elegant lines. The artisans must master traditional techniques while adapting to modern design requirements. The shop has maintained some craftsmen from the founder’s era, and their disciples continue the legacy, ensuring that the traditional skills are preserved while embracing contemporary innovations that enhance the sherwani’s appeal.
Global Recognition: From Aligarh to the World
Today, the name Mehdi Hasan Tailor has reached every corner of the world where Indians live. Orders come from Canada, Europe, the USA, Australia, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf countries. The emotional connection people feel when wearing these sherwanis is particularly strong among British customers and overseas Indians who want to maintain their cultural connection. Engineer Anwar shares touching stories of international clients becoming genuinely emotional and excited when they receive their sherwanis.
The shop even provides free sherwanis to deserving students, ensuring that the tradition remains accessible and the love for this cultural attire continues among younger generations. This philanthropic approach demonstrates that for Mehdi Hasan Tailor, preserving cultural heritage is more critical than just commercial success. The legacy that started with independence continues to grow, representing not just Aligarh’s craftsmanship but India’s rich cultural tradition that has found appreciation across the globe, making every wearer feel connected to their roots and heritage.
Also Read: Talib Chakwali: A Life Woven in Words, Loss, and the Search for Meaning
You can connect with DNN24 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
