Well, we should say Sridevi's favourite, hence he's featured often on this blog. He is one of the few she referred to as her best-friend in the industry bar none! Manish Malhotra worked with Sridevi from the early 90s till her final days. Colleagues, turned friends turned almost-family, we have such admiration for the dazzling work and work ethic of Manish who elevated the art of film costume to an award-winning level. He created industry, he created jobs, he created a generation of those who aspire to achieve what he has. Before him, film styling was loud, garish and what can be done most with the smallest budget. Over hyped darzis who got no credit, often no money, and certainly no recognition from critics. This bright spark ignited the Best Costume category in Filmfare, and that's a privilege no one can take from him historically.
Over the decades, Malhotra has faced loses, detractors and a few back-stabbers too (google away), but look where he is and what he's achieved, while his critics are nowhere in the horizon.
Have had the privilege of meeting him a few times (he won't remember - his life is peopled and oversubscribed!), and have to say he treats all well. When he was in Hong Kong, he didn't realise the press was there and we all saw how kindly he spoke to the HK staff, the people who worked at the hotel where he was presenting his show, and how much he loved those who loved his work. Kindness begets kindness. There are some horrific egos in the fashion world, and Manish (apart from the occasional fall out!) is defo the kinder of the lot.
When Sridevi passed so suddenly and so shockingly, a quote from him resonates for us till date; "I'll never get over this loss." A feeling we still have all these years later.
As Manish turns of certain age, we wish the designer well - and hope he finally fulfills his hitherto unfulfilled dream of directing a film. Hey, if Tom Ford can do it (the Hollywood designer to the stars turned director), then so can Bollywood's own!
Happy days Manish!
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