“I remember the first time I entered the film industry, I was 23 years old. I’d just come out of modelling and [was] working in a boutique. I used to sketch and paint, and photographer Rakesh [Shrestha] sir took me to meet Sridevi. And at that time I just thought, ‘Sometime, somewhere, I’ll be able to change the look of movies.’”
Twenty-five years later, designer Manish Malhotra’s clothing isn’t just on every Indian bride’s must-wear list, it’s an integral part of every Bollywood star’s style journey. This month, Vogue India and cover stars Alia Bhatt, Kajol, Karisma Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sridevi celebrate the designer. Here’s what they had to say about him.
On wearing his designs to weddings
“Recently, actually, I wore a really cool lehenga with this boxy top with some work on it, and I got so many likes for that,” says Alia Bhatt.
On their favourite in-movie Manish Malhotra looks
“Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, the first half,” Kajol says without hesitation. “I loved that whole sporty, tomboy look. Even a tomboy-cum-wannabe-girl look. So I would have to say with the wig and everything, that was my favourite look of his. I think that’s what’s Manish’s strong point where film is concerned. That he doesn’t let his fashion sense overcome what the character should or should not be wearing.”
On his coolest qualities
“I think the best part about Manish is that he loves himself a lot,” says Kareena Kapoor Khan. “People who love themselves a lot, I think, somehow, they just want to strive to give their best because they’re competing with themselves. And I think that’s what sets him apart.”
On what keeps the man going
“I think his energy: he’s the first one up in the morning, at 6.00 am, at any shoot, fresh as a daisy always, even if he’s been working the whole night!” Karisma Kapoor says.
On why the country’s brides can’t get enough of him
It doesn’t get any simpler for Sridevi: “He’s the best! He’s so creative, he’s so innovative. I wish him all the best.”
“Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, the first half,” Kajol says without hesitation. “I loved that whole sporty, tomboy look. Even a tomboy-cum-wannabe-girl look. So I would have to say with the wig and everything, that was my favourite look of his. I think that’s what’s Manish’s strong point where film is concerned. That he doesn’t let his fashion sense overcome what the character should or should not be wearing.”
On his coolest qualities
“I think the best part about Manish is that he loves himself a lot,” says Kareena Kapoor Khan. “People who love themselves a lot, I think, somehow, they just want to strive to give their best because they’re competing with themselves. And I think that’s what sets him apart.”
On what keeps the man going
“I think his energy: he’s the first one up in the morning, at 6.00 am, at any shoot, fresh as a daisy always, even if he’s been working the whole night!” Karisma Kapoor says.
On why the country’s brides can’t get enough of him
It doesn’t get any simpler for Sridevi: “He’s the best! He’s so creative, he’s so innovative. I wish him all the best.”
