For Manish Malhotra Celebrity Costume Designer Cinema was ‘First Love
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For the celebrity costume designer Manish Malhotra, Cinema has always been his first and only love, which first inspired him to emerge as a celebrated costume designer and now a filmmaker, eagerly awaiting with bated breath for the release of his maiden production venture “Gustaakh Ishq: Kucch Pehle Jaisa”.For Malhotra, venturing into film production marks the realisation of a dream he first nurtured as a six-year-old child in love with movies.
He says he is that odd child born in love with movies. From the age of six, he was very fond of films. He didn’t pursue his studies as he loved films and he owes a debt of gratitude to his mother for never stopping him. me. He has watched a lot of films everything from their music to their clothes to lifestyle.
It was when he watched the Manmohan Desai directorial ‘Naseeb’, where Amitabh Bachchan sings ‘John Jani Janardhan’, and he remembers thinking in the theatre, ‘Will he ever be at a party like that?’ And when he watched Yash Chopra’s ‘Silsila’ in 1981, he.noticed every minute detail. That’s why he always loved clothes and wanted to get into costumes.
Malhotra embarked on his career as a costume designer in the early 1990s, emerging as one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stylists. He was praised for redefining on-screen fashion through films such as “Rangeela”, “Dil To Pagal Hai”, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”.
He later launched his own couture label, which grew into a leading fashion house acknowledged for its craftsmanship and celebrity clientele.
As a movie lover, Malhotra always wanted to “write, direct and produce” but got busy with his career.
He has never had a day without work, had film after film, then launched his brand. He always wanted to get into production and direction but the brand took over his time.
It was amidst the COVID-19 pandemic when he thought of eventually dabbling into filmmaking.
He felt that if he doesn’t do it now, he won’t get the time later. People keep personal time for themselves, but he used that time to make film. He was like, he has to do this now. His movie “Gustaakh Ishq”, set to be released in theatres on November 28, is described as a tribute to old-school romance, blends poetry, nostalgia and the timeless charm of classic love stories.
It features an ensemble cast of Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sharib Hashmi.
Directed by Vibhu Puri, the story unfolds across the bylanes of Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab, exploring themes of passion and unspoken desire.
Amidst his chat with the media he said that he was attracted to the world of ‘Gustaakh Ishq’, loved the poetry, the Delhi-rooted world and the cinematic tone since he believed that as a producer, one must encourage the director to realise his vision.
Adding further that where you come in with experience is script, length, costumes and art. Vibhu has a keen eye for art, he has a style, and you must allow that. You have to be honest to the world you’re creating; you cannot drag it elsewhere.
Malhotra also spoke about roping in Shah for the project, someone he has known and admired for years.
This was his first meeting to discuss his fee. It was a Sunday evening, his house is 5�7 minutes away, and he kept thinking, ‘How will he discuss with him his fee?’ Then he told himself — he is a producer now, he has to do it’. The meeting was lovely. It was great working with him because Vibhu already knew him. One day he received a text from him that Manish was one of the best producers he has worked with’. That meant everything.”
“Gustaakh Ishq” also features the song “Aap is Dhoop Mein”, penned by cinema icon Gulzar, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and sung by Arijit Singh.
“When Vibhu first mentioned Vishal ji and Gulzar sahib, Manish was like — he loves them but he didn’t know them. But felt the film needed them. Working with Vishal ji was a cherished memory. He was so receptive and understanding. He would love to work with him again
Recalling his first meeting with Gulzar, Malhotra said he had gone in with a simple request — a song built around the word ‘musafir’.
When he met Gulzar he told him he wanted a song around the word ‘musafir’. They went to his house, and he reminded him of ‘Musafir Hoon Yaaron’ from ‘Parichay’ and a song from ‘Namkeen’. Even Vishal ji said, ‘ remember ‘Namkeen’ songs?’ That’s how deeply he loved RD Burman – Gulzar music.
Malhotra further said he was struck by the legendary writer’s warmth and openness.
“At 91, he is so open. He said, ‘First drink tea, then we’ll discuss’. Manish loves open-minded people — even his interns have a voice. Creativity needs openness. That’s why he has survived 35 years. Recently Vishal ji said, Manish, you’re a very good producer. He wants to direct a film, let’s make a small one’. He said, ‘Let’s make a big one!”
Besides “Gustaakh Ishq”, Malhotra’s banner is ready with two more movies — “Bun Tikki”, featuring Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman and Abhay Deol, and “Saali Mohabbat”, which marks the directorial debut of actor Tisca Chopra.
It”s his desire to make different films. All his first three films are different from each other.
News Edit KV Raman
