Celebrated designer Manish Malhotra steps into filmmaking

Cinema has always been Manish Malhotra’s first and only love, which first inspired him to become a celebrated costume designer and now a filmmaker, eagerly awaiting the release of his maiden production venture Gustaakh Ishq: Kucch Pehle Jaisa.

For Malhotra, the foray into production marks the realisation of a dream he nurtured as a six-year-old child in love with movies. “I’m that odd child who was born in love with movies. From the age of six, I was very fond of films. I didn’t study as much as I loved films. I’m very grateful to my mother that she never stopped me. I watched a lot of films — everything from their music to their clothes to lifestyle.

Malhotra began his career as a costume designer in the early 1990s, becoming 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 known for its craftsmanship and celebrity clientele.

As a movie lover, Malhotra said he always wanted to “write, direct and produce” but got busy with his career. “I have never had a day without work. I had film after film, then I launched my brand. I always wanted to get into production and direction but the brand took over my time,” he added. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when he thought of finally taking a plunge into filmmaking.

Gustaakh Ishq, which is 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.

Malhotra spoke about roping in Shah for the project, someone he has known and admired for years. “This was my first meeting to discuss his fee. It was a Sunday evening, his house is 5–7 minutes away, and I kept thinking, ‘How will I discuss with him his fee?’ Then I told myself — ‘You’re a producer now, you have to do it’. The meeting was lovely. It was great working with him because Vibhu already knew him. One day I got a text from him: ‘You’re one of the best producers I’ve 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, I was like — I love them but I don’t know them. But I felt the film needed them. Working with Vishal ji was a cherished memory. He was so receptive and understanding,” he added.

Recalling his first meeting with Gulzar, Malhotra said he had gone in with a simple request. “When I met Gulzar sahib… I told him I wanted a song around the word ‘musafir’. We went to his house, and I reminded him of Musafir Hoon Yaaron from Parichay. Malhotra said he was struck by the legendary writer’s warmth and openness. “At 91, he is so open.”

Besides Gustaakh Ishq, Malhotra’s banner is ready with two more movies — Bun Tikki, starring Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman and Abhay Deol, and Saali Mohabbat, which marks the directorial debut of actor Tisca Chopra. “All my first three films are different from each other,” Malhotra said.

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