Manish Malhotra Remains As Gung-ho As Ever Over Style And Fashion

Manish Malhotra remains as gung-ho as ever over style and fashion after 30 years as he was when he was starting out, finds Mayukh Mjumdar

- Mayukh Majumdar

Manish Malhotra's power lies in the fact that he is instantly recognisable. We're used to celebrities being mobbed by their fans but very few fashion designers enjoy the kind of fame that Manish has. He won Filmfare's inaugural Best Costume Design award in 1996 for Rangeela and you could credit him with seamlessly merging the twin worlds of fashion and film. Also, he brought about the death of the supermodel when he began getting his A-list celeb buddies to walk as showstoppers on the ramp. Much like his peer Sabyasachi, a Manish Malhotra outfit is instantly recognisable. You don't have to be a design student to know that the saree Katrina Kaif wore in the Tip tip barsa pani remake was by Manish Malhotra. High glamour has always been his mainstay. No wonder, then, that he counts Kareena Kapoor Khan and Karan Johar in his list of besties. Though he's just turned 55, he doesn't look a day over 40. He has his well-manicured fingers in multiple pies - movies, design, jewelry, beauty, technology, and now, film direction. We spoke to the maverick designer about all things fashion and style...

A designer, a costume designer, and now a director how do you manage to play so many roles?

I love what I do; ventures and collaborations are a part of the journey. I view fashion as an integrated look that encompasses design, styling, and makeup. My love for cinema enabled me to create some iconic looks on-screen while mounting a whole brand simultaneously. Now I'm fulfilling my childhood dream of sitting on a director's chair, bringing the magic of fashion, films, and fun to life.

You've had the kind of longevity in fashion and cinema that very few have - what do you think is your secret sauce?