TBT: Manish Malhotra: Sridevi was the best.

Q: Who is the most beautiful woman in the world according to you? And who best suits your dresses?

Sridevi in Laadla

Manish Malhotra: Leave aside the question of the most beautiful woman in the world. But I can tell you the best one whom I have worked with - Sridevi! I did Gumrah, Laadla, a little bit of Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, Army and Judaai. I love her professionally, I love her carriage 

Among the old stars, I loved Mumtaz. But you see, there are different definitions for beauty. I love Karishma Kapoor's body and enthusiasm. I love Urmila's sincerity and body. I love Shilpa Shetty's figure. I like Kajol the way she is. Manisha Koirala is beautiful and Raveena Tandon, attractive. Twinkle Khanna again is beautiful and attractive. Aishwarya Rai again is beautiful, I would love to work with Aishwarya.... There are lot of good good things in every person.

Is it true that you concentrate on women rather than men?

MM: Yes, I do more designing for female stars because there is a lot to do. Lot of experiments in terms of shopping, jewellery which I love shoes and so many things you can do. Among the male stars, I sometimes design for Shahrukh Khan, who is a good friend of mine. I am also working for Ishq, but only the publicity bit for Aamir Khan and Ajay Devgan.

Juhi Chawla with Shahrukh Khan in Yes Boss

You have got a lot of criticism for Juhi Chawla's dresses in Yes Boss. She looked very fat in her outfits.

MM: I did not work with Juhi in Yes Boss. It was Neeta Lulla. Also, Shaheed did the dresses for Manisha in Gupt. I didn't do it, as reported in some newspapers. At that time I was in London, shooting for London. I am the busiest fashion designer in the film industry. I do all Karishma's, Urmila's and Kajol's dresses. But not all of Raveena's and Manisha's.It is not possible.

What is your dream project?

(Thinks) I can't comment. I am very excited to do things. I sleep only five hours a day. All the time, I only think about clothes and how to design. Kajol thinks I am mad. I don't have any dream project in mind at this juncture

-- Excerpt from 1997

We have a vast - and I do mean vasssssssssssst archive of images and quotes featuring Manish Malhotra with Sridevi over the years here. Dec 5, Manish turns 55. 

Manish did mention in some interview that he'd like to direct a film... wonder why it hasn't taken off yet... hmm. Show business isn't easy... With his aesthetics, don't know if his film will be good or not, but it will be good looking... And really, that's all I want from Bollywood - gorgeous visuals and music.