Manish Malhotra not to direct Meena Kumari biopic
Manish Malhotra not to direct Meena Kumari biopic
Celebrity fashion designer Manish Malhotra who was to direct biopic on Veteran actress Meena Kumari, now confirms that he will not be directing biopic, but expressed his desire to make a romantic film soon.
He is inspired by veteran director Yash Chopra to direct romantic films.
In a media interaction .at the sidelines of his film, Saali Mohabbat’s premiere at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Malhotra shared insights into his decision and his aspirations as a filmmaker.
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While details about why he exited the project remain under wraps, earlier this year filmmaker Siddharth
P. Malhotra had announced a separate project, Kamal Aur Meena, focusing on Meena Kumari’s relationship with Kamal Amrohi.
Manish Malhotra was initially set to helm the Meena Kumari biopic with Kriti Sanon in the titular role. However, reports also emerged suggesting discontent from Tajdar Amrohi, Meena Kumari’s stepson, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the proposed project and hinted at potential legal action.
While stepping away from directing Meena Kumari’s biopic, Malhotra has made his debut as a film producer with his company, Stage 5. His maiden venture, Saali Mohabbat, premiered at IFFI and features Tisca Chopra, Radhika Apte, Divyendu, and Anurag Kashyap. The film focuses on strong female characters.
“When Tisca narrated the story to him, he instantly said yes. He loved the fact that the female character in the story was so strong. It wasn’t about her beauty but her inner strengths and self-beliefs,” Malhotra shared.
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The celebrated designer also revealed his plans for future productions. Stage 5’s lineup includes Bun Tikki, marking Zeenat Aman’s return alongside Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol, and Ul Jalool Ishq, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Fatima Sana Shaikh.
Malhotra credited his close friend Karan Johar for providing emotional support but emphasised his desire for Stage 5 to have an independent identity.
“Everyone is asking him if he reached out to his friends for advice. As friends, they are protective towards him. They may not always agree with his choices, but he wants his company to have an individual voice.
Notwithstanding his venture into filmmaking, Malhotra affirmed that financial gains are not his priority. He isn’t bothered about making profits with these movies. The only thing on his mind is putting the right films out there.
At the end of the day, scripts are what’s most important he signed off.
News Edit KV Raman
