No Shave MOVies novEMBER

        For this No Shave November, I have compiled a list of a few characters from the movie world whose facial hair are a symbol of something profound. So, hold on to your beards and read on...

     Tom Hanks (Cast Away – 2000 film) - Chuck Noland

This movie was one of the most brilliant performances by the legendary actor Tom Hanks. He is the kind of actor who can make you feel the humanness of the soul. In this movie, he starred as a FedEx employee who got stranded on an uninhabited island after a plane crash. It is directed by Robert Zemeckis of “Back to the Future” film series fame. The whole movie is carried by the remarkable acting of Hanks who is the solitary character. The insanity, silence, chaos and forlornness are some of the heartfelt emotions portrayed in the movie. This beard depicts his castaway from civilization and the straw to hold onto reality. It is one hell of a movie.

Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover – 2009 film) - Alan Garner

As hard as it is to pronounce this weird comic’s unusual name, his beard is one eye-catcher. We all know him as that disgusting, socially inept and an eerie maniac from “The Hangover” film series. He has portrayed a lot of funny roles over his career like in Due Date (along with Robert Downey Jr.) and The Campaign (along with Will Ferrell) but his beard has been a constant. He is an amazing comic whom we won’t ever miss by any chance.

Shahid Kapoor (Haider – 2014 film) - Haider

Shahid Kapoor was magnificent as the titular protagonist in this ardent tragedy by Vishal Bhardwaj. Every once in a while, Bollywood churns out a notable film and this is it. This movie is set amidst the insurgency hit Kashmir conflicts of 1995 and civil disappearances. The story, music, acting, directing and cinematography is sensational. This look of Haider gives us the insight into mind which is devolving into chaos at the thin line between saneness and insanity. It gives us an insight into the mind of a son who cannot control the circumstances, his force to find his father and the irateness of the revenge from his uncle. This is one of the bold looks and character portrayed by Shahid Kapoor.

Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln – 2012 film) – Abraham Lincoln

This was one of the iconic roles portrayed by the marvellous Daniel Day-Lewis in his role of President Abraham Lincoln directed by genius Steven Spielberg. Day-Lewis is considered to be a method actor who spends months preparing and researching for his roles. His devotion to the character often becomes so strong that he remains completely in character during the shooting of his films often leading to ill-health. He is the recipient of three Academy Awards for Best Actor, a feat that makes him the only male actor in history to garner three wins in the lead actor category. Even being an English actor of Irish descent, he portrayed the role of an American President with utmost passion and dynamism. He has established his work as a paragon and is one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation. This beard is a symbol of the great work done by Abraham Lincoln who preserved the Union, abolished slavery, strengthened the federal government and modernized the economy. He was one of the greatest U.S. presidents.