Birthday Special: Tracing Manish Malhotra’s journey beyond the glimmer, shimmer and jazz

By Bollywood Reporter

on December 05, 2018

Glimmer, shimmer and sparkle - words as such remind us of glamorous outfits sported by celebrities on celluloid – be it Preity Zinta’s summery salwar suits in Veer Zaara or Rani Mukerji’s sequined sarees in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna. If you are pondering upon the reason behind this discourse, please note that it’s a good day to discuss it since the aforementioned ensembles were designed by Manish Malhotra and as he turned 52 on December 5, we thought of dedicating this piece to the designer and his immense contribution to the industry.

While in college, Manish began his career as a model in Mumbai but it’s only after he failed to succeed, did he decide to venture into designing clothes. And the rest is history, as they say.

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In 1990, Manish, then 25, designed Juhi Chawla’s costumes for her film Swarg but his big break arrived in the form of Rangeela as he styled Urmila Matondkar in the 1995 film and also won the Filmfare Costume Award for his work. On Instagram, in fact, Manish posted a picture of himself from the award ceremony as he received the honour from veteran actress Rekha.

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Being honoured with the Filmfare Award was a turning point in his career as Manish, soon after, worked with A-list stars including Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Madhuri Dixit and Kareena Kapoor on blockbusters such as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and Kal Ho Naa Ho. Not just that, Manish also won several other awards for his work.

[caption id="attachment_176480" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Kajol in a still from DDLJ, styled by Manish Malhotra.[/caption]

In 1998, Manish established his store Reverie - Manish Malhotra and launched his label under his name in 2005 with two stores in Mumbai and New Delhi. Boutiques in Dubai also retail Manish Malhotra clothes.

Manish, simultaneously, continued designing for stars in their films as well as he styled Shilpa Shetty (Dhadkan), Karisma Kapoor (Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya), Sushmita Sen (Main Hoon Naa), Priyanka Chopra (Krrish), Alia Bhatt (Student Of The Year), Katrina Kaif and Anushka Sharma (Jab Tak Hai Jaan), Madhuri Dixit, Deepika Padukone and Kalki Koechlin (Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani) and Sridevi (MOM).

[caption id="attachment_176515" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Sushmita Sen in a still from Main Hoon Na, styled by Manish Malhotra.[/caption]

The designer, in fact, has also started working with the gen-next stars as he was responsible for Janhvi Kapoor’s costumes in Dhadak.

[caption id="attachment_176516" align="aligncenter" width="647"] Janhvi Kapoor in a still from Dhadak, styled by Manish Malhotra.[/caption]

Considering the fact that Manish has worked with top stars in his career incessantly, it shouldn’t be surprising to note that his fashion shows are attended by A-list celebrities and are more Bollywood and filmy in nature.

Manish, in fact, also designs for celebs on their personal occasions – for example, ummm….read on.

The pastel blue embellished suit that Priyanka wore for the puja in Mumbai ahead of her wedding to Nick Jonas.

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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s and her daughter Aaradhya’s white ensembles on the child’s birthday.

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Jacqueline Fernandez’s Diwali outfit was courtesy of Manish as well.

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As was Kajol’s yellow saree:

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This apart, Manish has also involved himself with several social events. He promotes regional handicrafts and workmanship from rural India through his collaboration with the Mijwan Welfare Society - a non-governmental organisation founded by Late Kaifi Azmi and headed by Shabana Azmi and Namrata Goyal.

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In 2014, Manish displayed his collections at a show in Muscat, organized in association with Oman Cancer Association and Dar Al’ Atta’a to support cancer awareness while the funds raised during the event was donated to the association.

Manish has also paid tribute to Kashmiri karigars by working in close association with the craftsmen in the state and displaying work from his Kashmiri Heritage Collection at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week.

Apart from clothes, Manish has collaborated with premium European make-up brand MyGlamm to launch a new line. The collection is titled Manish Malhotra Haute Couture Makeup.

Happy Birthday, Manish Malhotra!