Celebrated Bollywood fashion icon Manish Malhotra, who recently turned 59, has shared a candid glimpse into the challenging beginnings of his illustrious career. In a recent interview, the designer, known for creating some of Hindi cinema's most memorable looks, reflected on the strict financial constraints he faced and the philosophy that has guided his work for decades.
The Rs 2,500 Budget Challenge
Recalling a specific incident from his early days, Manish Malhotra revealed a significant hurdle. He was given a mere budget of Rs 2,500 for a costume but ended up spending Rs 5,000 to achieve his creative vision. For the young designer, compromising on quality to save a small amount was never an option. His primary focus was always on delivering exceptional work that would ensure actors and filmmakers would want to collaborate with him again.
"To me, in the beginning of my career, it was never about adjusting Rs 500 myself and then working on my costume," Malhotra explained. His driving principle was simple: "The actor should call me back. They should like my work that much." This client-centric and quality-first approach became the cornerstone of his reputation.
A Mindset That Endures
Remarkably, Manish Malhotra continues to operate with the same dedication today. He shared a recent example from a fitting session where he insisted on adding more intricate work to a garment, despite his assistants worrying about time constraints. "I'm very true to what I'm seeing," he stated, emphasizing that his creative instinct still overrides practical concerns. This unwavering commitment to his craft is what has kept him at the pinnacle of Bollywood fashion for over three decades.
When Glamour Overshadows Craft
While Manish Malhotra is synonymous with glamorous screen moments like Kareena Kapoor's iconic 'Bole Chudiyan' look in 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham', his portfolio is also rich with critically acclaimed, nuanced work. He pointed to the raw authenticity of Urmila Matondkar's costumes in 'Satya' and the subtle styling for Rani Mukerji in 'Yuva' as examples of his strong craft beyond glitz.
However, he acknowledges that glamour naturally commands more attention. "Glamour will always overshadow it," he said, referring to more understated design work. He noted that he has been fortunate to be part of many major films where the costumes themselves gained fame, ensuring his legacy is secure.
Malhotra believes that even if he stopped designing for films entirely to focus on his brand, his costume work would remain his lasting imprint. Some things become branded and stamped for life, he mused, expressing complete comfort with this idea. He feels he has received ample credit for his diverse contributions and does not mind being primarily remembered for the dazzling visual spectacles he has created for Indian cinema.
