Manish Malhotra and his Muses: Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Sridevi, Shilpa Shetty, Urmila Matondkar and Kareena Kapoor

 

Manish Malhotra and his Muses: Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Sridevi, Shilpa Shetty, Urmila Matondkar and Kareena Kapoor

Manish Malhotra revolutionised Bollywood costume design by bridging high fashion and mainstream Indian cinema.

The First Star He Designed For

Manish Malhotra made his entry into film costume design in 1990 styling Juhi Chawla for the film Swarg. That same year, he began styling iconic photo shoots for Sridevi, leading to his full costume design work for her in Gumrah (1993). Sridevi became one of his most cherished muses and a pivotal figure in launching his career in Indian cinema. Sridevi in turn has repeatedly stated in innumerable interviews that apart from being a work colleague and collaborator, she famously named him as her "best friend" in the industry. A title he cherished I'm sure. We have innumerable pics of the two together in the archive. But lets not forget there have been other celebrity collaborations that have worked in his (and the star's) favour. 

Top Muses & Frequent Collaborators

Over three decades, Malhotra has styled generations of leading ladies. From Sridevi onwards, his most frequent collaborators and muses include:

• Urmila Matondkar: Transformed her screen image in Rangeela (1995), establishing the concept of modern movie styling in Hindi cinema. The colour palette of saris is so mesmerising in Tu maange dil in Aflatoon [an otherwise terrible movie], note how differently he styled Sridevi and Urmila in Judaai. 

• Karisma Kapoor: Reimagined her sartorial identity in Raja Hindustani (1996) and Dil To Pagal Hai (1997). 

• Kajol: Designed her defining looks across classics like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998), and Fanaa (2006).

• Kareena Kapoor Khan: One of his closest long-time muses, famously styled as "Poo" in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... (2001) and in Jab We Met (2007).

• Rani Mukerji & Preity Zinta: Created signature late-90s and 2000s looks for them in films like Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006). Perhaps we should state that his collaborations with Karan Johar ipso facto Johar's leading ladies, get the Malhotra makeover. In many cases he refines the looks, tones it down - competing with the maximalism of over-shimmering Bollywood. 

• Rekha: Since the unfortunate, untimely passing of Sridevi, Rekha has stepped in and stepped up as the icon in the Manish Malhotra repertoire. Embracing pure Indian aesthetics, traditional jewellery, he's eliminated Rekha's perchance for excess on more than one occasion. His collab with her for Vogue Arabia is one for the ages. 

• Newer Generation Muses: Continues to frequently style and mentor stars like Alia Bhatt, Janhvi Kapoor, Kiara Advani, and Katrina Kaif on screen, on red carpets, and as fashion showstoppers.

Most Memorable Movies

Year	Film	Key Styling Highlights
1995	Rangeela	Earned him the first Filmfare Award for Costume Design; redefined contemporary Bollywood fashion.
1995	Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge	Iconic bridal and western ensembles for Kajol.
1997	Dil To Pagal Hai	Trendsetting athleisure and minimal monochrome ethnic wear.
1998	Kuch Kuch Hota Hai	Defined 90s pop-culture fashion with sportswear, bandanas, and sleek chiffons.
2001	Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham...	Opulent high-fashion wardrobe for Kareena Kapoor ("Poo") and traditional couture.
2003	Kal Ho Naa Ho	Elegant New York urban wear and the iconic "Maahi Ve" lehenga.
2013	Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani	Popularized Deepika Padukone’s famous royal-blue saree look.