Manish Malhotra was born on December 5, 1966, in London. Even as a young boy, he had a keen interest in fashion, often experimenting with styles and advising his mother on her outfits. Despite his father’s wishes for him to join the family business, Manish pursued his passion for fashion. He attended Elphinstone College in Mumbai, where he began his career as a model. Although he lacked formal training in fashion design, his talent for sketching and painting was apparent, even though he was only an average student academically.
Early Career
Manish Malhotra’s entry into the fashion world began at Equinox, a small fashion store in Mumbai’s Bandra locality. Here, he learned various aspects of the fashion business, including design, sales, and customer service. His breakthrough came at 25 when he designed costumes for Juhi Chawla in the movie Swarg. However, his real rise to fame was marked by his work on Urmila Matondkar’s costumes in Rangeela, which transformed her image and established him as a leading designer in Bollywood.
Rise to Fame
Manish Malhotra’s design sensibility quickly garnered acclaim across both the film and fashion industries. He is known for envisioning the perfect look for movie characters, creating pieces that reflect the actor’s personality and enhance their body structure. His clientele includes top Bollywood actresses like Preity Zinta, Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and international stars such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Demi Moore. He has also designed for Bollywood actors, including Shah Rukh Khan and Imran Khan, and created Kareena Kapoor’s wedding dress.
Major Milestones
In 2005, Manish Malhotra launched his eponymous label, a significant milestone in his career. By 2015, he celebrated 25 years in Hindi cinema and 10 years of his fashion label. His work has earned him numerous awards, including the Filmfare Award for Costume Design for Rangeela, several Zee Cine Awards, and IIFA Awards. His designs were showcased at prestigious events like Lakme Fashion Week and international platforms.
Awards & Recognition
- Manish Malhotra has received numerous accolades throughout his career:
- Filmfare Awards: Filmfare Award for Costume Design (Rangeela)
- Zee Cine Awards: Best Costume Design for Mohabbatein
- IIFA Awards: Best Costume Design for Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Kal Ho Naa Ho
- Elle Style Awards: Most Stylish Designer of the Year (1999)
- Bollywood Awards: Designer of the Year for films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
- Masala Awards: International Asian Designer of the Year (2010)
Expanding Horizons
Manish Malhotra’s ventures have expanded beyond fashion. With a net worth exceeding 230 crores, he has branched into home décor, jewelry, and content development. He has flagship stores in Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad and has collaborated with MyGlamm for a beauty collection. His Hyderabad store is part of his strategy to bring all his new verticals under one roof.
Contributions to Handicrafts
Manish Malhotra is committed to promoting regional handicrafts and craftsmanship. His association with the Mijwan Welfare Society, an NGO founded by Late Kaifi Azmi and headed by Shabana Azmi, aims to empower women by promoting Chikankari embroidery. This initiative helps generate employment and preserves traditional crafts, reflecting Manish’s dedication to social causes.
Personal Reflections
Despite his success, Manish Malhotra remains humble. He credits his mother for encouraging him to pursue his dreams and his love for Bollywood for fueling his passion for fashion. His journey from a young boy passionate about fashion to India’s most successful designer is a testament to his hard work, creativity, and vision. He continues to inspire future generations of designers with his dedication and innovative designs.
Manish Malhotra’s journey in the fashion industry spans over three decades, during which he has continually redefined Indian fashion. His ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design has made him a global icon. From his early days in a small boutique to becoming a celebrated designer, Manish Malhotra’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and unparalleled creativity.
