Celebrity designer turned producer Manish Malhotra has confirmed that he is no longer directing the much-awaited biopic of legendary actress Meena Kumari. Speaking at the premiere of his film Saali Mohabbat at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, Malhotra shared details about his decision and his aspirations as a filmmaker.

He said, “I am not directing a Meena Kumari (biopic), but I will make something else soon.” He said, “I am inspired by Yash ji (Yash Chopra) and want to direct a romance one day.”

However, the reason why he left the project earlier this year has been kept under wraps. Sidharth P. Malhotra had announced a different projectKamal Aur Meena focuses on Meena Kumari’s relationship with Kamal Amrohi.

Manish Malhotra was initially supposed to direct Meena Kumari’s biopic, starring Kriti Sanon in the lead role. However, reports also emerged suggesting discontent Tajdar Amrohi, step son of Meena Kumari, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposed project and hinted at possible legal action.

Stepping away from directing the Meena Kumari biopic, Malhotra has made his debut as a filmmaker with his own company, Stage 5. Her first film, Saali Mohabbat, premiered at IFFI and stars Tisca Chopra, Radhika Apte, Divyendu and Anurag Kashyap. The film focuses on strong female characters.

“When Tisca narrated the story to me, I immediately said yes. I loved the fact that the female character in the story was so strong. It was not about her beauty but her inner strengths and self-confidence,” Malhotra shared.

The renowned designer also revealed his plans for future productions. Stage 5’s lineup includes Ban Tikki marks the comeback of Zeenat Aman with Shabana Azmi and Abhay Deol, and Ul Jalul Ishq, starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Verma and Fatima Sana Shaikh.

Malhotra credited his close friend Karan Johar for providing emotional support, but stressed his desire to create an independent identity for Stage 5.

He said, “Everyone is asking me if I reach out to my friends for advice. As friends, they are protective of me. They may not always agree with my choices, but I “I want to be the personal voice of my company.”

Despite his venture into film production, Malhotra confirmed that financial gain is not his priority. He said, “I am not worried about making profits from these films. There is only one thing in my mind that the right films should be screened there. After all, the script is most important,” he concludes.