Manish Malhotra Expands His Horizons: From Fashion Icon to Film Producer
Mumbai: When you think of Bollywood glamour, the name that instantly pops up is Manish Malhotra. The designer has created timeless, iconic looks for some of the industry’s biggest stars, from Sridevi to Kareena Kapoor Khan. But now, after 35 years of ruling the fashion world, Malhotra is stepping into a brand-new role – that of a film producer. And yes, he’s still bringing his love for storytelling with him.
Known for creating jaw-dropping couture for A-list stars, Manish Malhotra has always had a keen interest in cinema. In fact, he admits his fascination with film began when he was just six years old. So, when the opportunity to move from fashion to film production arose, it felt like a natural progression for him. During an intimate conversation at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI, Malhotra shared his thoughts on why this new chapter excites him so much. “I’ve always wanted to do something that’s not directly related to clothes,” he said with his signature passion. “For me, it was films. Movies are about stories, and stories have always been at the heart of my work.”
Malhotra launched his production banner, Stage5 Productions, in September 2023, and he’s already making waves. His first project under the banner is Saali Mohabbat, a suspense drama marking the directorial debut of actor Tisca Chopra. But that’s just the beginning. He’s also working on Bun Tikki, a film starring Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, and Abhay Deol, and Ul-jalool Ishq, which features a stellar cast, including Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Naseeruddin Shah.
Despite being widely known as the designer who blended star power with fashion, Manish Malhotra’s heart has always been drawn to the art of storytelling. Reflecting on his 35-year journey in the industry, Manish Malhotra shared that over the years, he’s closely observed directors and producers, and his interest in screenplays has always remained strong. For him, films have always felt like home.
Of course, Malhotra’s foray into film production wasn’t without a without a few doubters. He recalled an actress friend who initially questioned his decision, saying, “This is not you.” To which he confidently responded, “That’s exactly why I want to do this.” It’s clear that Malhotra isn’t just interested in making glamorous movies; he wants to tell stories that break the mold and challenge the norm. “As a producer, I want to make films that you might not expect from me. It’s about backing a story that deserves to be told, regardless of whether it’s small or intimate,” he added.
Manish Malhotra expressed that for him, filmmaking is not about making money, but about supporting great storytellers and creating meaningful content. He shared that his approach to production is very personal, as he enjoys being involved in every aspect, from costume design to casting and dialogues. He emphasized that his focus is on curating the entire experience and telling a story that resonates.
While many designers may have shied away from taking the plunge into film production, Manish Malhotra has always been one to embrace risks. He mentioned that his desire to create films came to him during the pandemic, a time when industries across the board had to reevaluate and reinvent themselves. “After COVID, everything changed, and we all became more open to new ideas,” he said. “I think people are more willing to accept that a designer can make films, or that fashion can evolve in new ways.”
Manish Malhotra, who first entered the industry as a model at 17, has experienced his fair share of ups and downs. But that hasn’t stopped him from taking risks and following his dreams. “It’s okay to fail. We all make mistakes. What matters is learning from them,” he shared, with a thoughtful smile. Reflecting on his career, Manish Malhotra revealed that he never originally planned to start a fashion business. “At one point, I thought, ‘Why not?’” he said.