New Delhi, India (CNN) The Indian fighter pilot captured by Pakistan after his plane was shot down in a dogfight has become an unlikely fashion trendsetter following his return to India.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman became the unwitting face of cross-border tensions after crashing in Pakistani territory last week.

Hailed as a national hero, men across India have rushed to emulate his characteristic mustache in apparent tribute.

The look, a mix of a classic gunslinger with traits of the mutton chop beard, is now known throughout India as the "Abhinandan."

@reublic @majorgauravarya Just heard you saying handlebar moustaches will be back. Here is my tribute to Wing Commander #Abhinandan and #IAF pic.twitter.com/ISioYFy1wB — ŤíñŤíñ (@nbcrazy) March 1, 2019

India became gripped by Varthaman's capture after several videos showing him in custody were released by Pakistan's Information Ministry.

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