Celebrated designer-turned-filmmaker Manish Malhotra has officially exited the much-anticipated Meena Kumari biopic, originally planned with Kriti Sanon in the lead role. The unexpected announcement has left fans and the film industry buzzing, as the project had generated significant excitement.
Known for revolutionizing Indian fashion with his glamorous designs, Malhotra recently ventured into filmmaking, showcasing a new creative dimension. His debut production, Saali Mohabbat, premiered at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), marking a departure from his couture roots.
Reflecting on his filmmaking journey, Malhotra stated, “My vision with Stage 5 was to tell stories that went beyond the glamour associated with my brand. People expected my films to star names like Kareena [Kapoor Khan] or other glamorous faces, but for me, the script always takes precedence.”
Directed by Tisca Chopra, Saali Mohabbat is a gritty thriller exploring themes of betrayal and infidelity, starring Radhika Apte, Divyenndu, and Anurag Kashyap. The project highlights Malhotra’s commitment to crafting compelling narratives.
Addressing his departure from the Meena Kumari biopic, Malhotra shared, “I’m no longer involved with the biopic. Directing remains a dream, and I will pursue other projects.” While shelving the biopic may seem like a setback, his passion for filmmaking remains strong.
“Not every fashion designer has a film sense, but some do. For me, it was natural—I’ve loved films since childhood,” he said, citing cinematic masterpieces like Mughal-e-Azam and the works of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt as inspirations.
Although the Meena Kumari project is no longer on his slate, Malhotra is already focusing on future films, including Bun Tikki and Ul Jalool Ishq.
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