Manish Malhotra with Sridevi: "I'll never get over this loss"

Manish Malhotra turns 59 today - Sridevi often said he was her best friend in the industry. There isn't a single feature when he didn't praise or bring up Sridevi with respect and admiration. We wish the gifted and game-changing celebrity designer the very best. Happy Days Manish. 

Excerpt from 1998 interview with Z magazine;

Sridevi and Chiranjeevi

Q: Where did the Manish Malhotra Saga begin?

Manish: “… The first outfit I designed for a film was for Divya Bharati. However, the film directed by David Dhawan got shelved. After that, David called me to design Juhi’s outfit for a song in Swarg. But my real challenge came when Rakesh introduced me to Sridevi. She assigned me to design for her and Chiranjeevi in Aadmi Aur Apsara."

“Sridevi was my  favourite actress. There hasn’t been a real star after her. She was the best. She was really knowledgeable about the intricacies of a film costume. I really miss her..."
--Manish Malhotra

Sridevi wearing Manish Malhotra designs

Sridevi wearing Manish Malhotra designs. 

Sridevi - in her 50s - a model in her 20s wearing the same ensemble on the catwalk... But when a Goddess wears an outfit, it looks divine. 

Sridevi forever and ever... 

Manish Malhotra quotes about Sridevi over the years

Sridevi and Manish Malhotra catch up at an event. He has spoken to the press many times about his affection for Sridevi, "I love Sridevi, she's the best. Everyone should tell her to come back to movies." (Filmfare 2007).

Couldn't agree more.

Manish Malhotra, "Sridevi was a queen. I loved her. Many things she taught me about costume designing. She was such a diva. After designing for her, working for others is a cakewalk."


"Sridevi is my favourite actress in terms of dressing sense. I started my work with her, learnt so much from her. Apart from being one of the finest actresses, I think she has a lot of knowledge about costumes."

"I’ve enjoyed dressing her up the most. Sridevi may not have been the trendiest of actresses, but when it came to choosing clothes for herself, she knows exactly which colour or cut suits her best." (The Times of India, March, 2003).


Sridevi has not been seen on the big screen for ages but she's still in touch with the people she worked closely with, in her days as a leading actress. When designer Manish Malhotra shifted into a sprawling house at Pali Hill, the actress said she would like to make a painting for him. She made a 6x4 painting (below pic), had it framed and delivered to his house. B-Town's favourite designer says. "She was so sweet. She was worried if I would like it. She asked me where I would place it, and the colours of the room, and made it accordingly."

The painting occupies a place of honour in the dining area of the Malhotra residence. And yes, it is stunning. Much like the artist.