Renowned fashion designer and now film producer, Manish Malhotra, recently offered a candid look into his career genesis at an event. He shared a memorable anecdote about his mother’s reaction to his unconventional career choice.
During his appearance on Barkha Dutt’s ‘We The Women’ show, Malhotra recounted the pivotal moment he revealed his aspirations. He told his mother he wanted to become a fashion designer, a profession not widely understood at the time.
His mother, surprised by his declaration, asked simply, “So you will become a tailor?” Malhotra responded with a smile, querying in return, “What’s wrong with that?” This exchange highlights the prevailing societal views he faced.
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Malhotra profoundly credits his mother’s unwavering support for his journey. She never discouraged his passion for dancing, designing, or experimenting with clothes. His small bedroom, she allowed, became his initial studio where he worked with two tailors.
He revealed that 90% of his current success is due to his mother, who never told him “boys don’t make careers in clothes.” This unconventional upbringing fostered his creativity and confidence.
The fashion industry initially posed challenges, as design was not widely regarded as a serious profession. Despite this, Malhotra persevered, building a career from costume design for films to achieving international acclaim.
His artistic journey has now expanded into film production. Malhotra recently debuted as a producer with the film ‘Gustakh Ishq’. While it did not achieve significant box office success, the film received critical appreciation for its subject matter and emotional depth.
Malhotra believes that art, whether in fashion or film, serves as a medium to connect emotions, stories, and humanity. His foray into production marks an exciting new chapter, driven by this core philosophy.