Manish Malhotra is one of the most prominent fashion designers in the country and the Hindi film industry is crazy about his outfits. He decided to step into film production by making a biopic of veteran actress Meena Kumar. However, he recently stepped back from it and clarified that he will not be going ahead with the project and will look for some other story to step into the role of director.
In a new conversation with Mid-Day, Manish Malhotra shared the announcement confirming the speculations that the much-awaited biopic has been shelved. However, the designer who has significantly influenced costume designing in Bollywood is still determined to fulfill his aspiration of making a film and will look for some other subject for the same.
He said, “I am not doing biopics now. I will direct something else. Direction is a dream that remains unfulfilled.”
Additionally, the fashion designer spoke at length about her passion for filmmaking and admitted that not every fashion designer has a natural film sense. Nevertheless, for him it was a major part of his childhood. He grew up watching classics that influenced him and he is eagerly trying to learn more about it.
In his words, “Watching classic films like Mughal-e-Azam and the works of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt had a deep impact on me. I am immersed in films, and that’s why I understand how it works,”
Earlier, Mid-Day had reported that Do Patti fame Kriti Sanon was finalized to play the central role of Meena Kumari. Before Malhotra’s confirmation, the film was delayed several times to 2023. However, the team set out to recreate every detail of the costumes and sets of Meena Kumari’s films of the 60s and 70s.
Additionally, Bilal Amrohi, grandson of the legendary actress’ husband Kamal Amrohi, also suggested a plan to make a biopic on Kumari, known as ‘The Tragedy Queen’ in Hindi cinema, with a production house. Still, no further announcement has been made regarding this.
Apart from direction, Manish has already forayed into film production and recently his film Saali Mohabbat starring Tisca Chopra, Radhika Apte, Divyendu and Anurag Kashyap premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
