Manish Malhotra & his muse

Some artists create with colour. Others with words. But Manish Malhotra creates with emotion. From the delicate drape of a saree to the sweeping arc of a film narrative, he’s a man who pours his heart into every thread, every frame. This year, his journey transcended the runway—touching red carpets at Cannes, dazzling at the Met Gala and stepping into the world of filmmaking.But at the core of it all remains a quiet boy who once dreamt of dressing stars—and now dreams of directing them.A Cannes to rememberThis year, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan didn’t just walk the Cannes red carpet—she owned it. Making her 22nd appearance, she turned heads in a custom Manish Malhotra Banarasi saree reimagined as a couture gown, complete with a dramatic sheer train.The ivory and gold ensemble, dripping in embroidery, was paired with a jaw-dropping 500-carat ruby and diamond necklace from Manish Malhotra Jewellery. It wasn’t just fashion. It was fire. “We both said ‘saree’ in the same breath. It had to be rooted in India. It had to be emotional.”But what touched him most was Aishwarya’s words: “Whenever I wear a saree at Cannes, it has to be with you.”“That meant everything,” he says. “It wasn’t just fashion. It was a memory, a moment.”The man behind the magicManish made his own unforgettable debuts this year at the prestigious Cannes and Met Gala 2025. Dressed in a navy velvet trench, paired with a tailored waistcoat, trousers and adorned with diamond brooches and falcon pins—he served regal, refined and revolutionary.Every detail—every silhouette, sparkle, and stitch—was pure storytelling.Inspired by iconsEven icons have idols. For Manish, it’s always been Srideviji and Rekhaji.“They carried their style with such grace, such individuality. Just watching them was a masterclass in elegance.”The fifth dreamWhile the world knows him as fashion’s favourite name, Manish always wanted to be a filmmaker.“Watching Yash Johar ji and Raj Kapoor ji’s films as a child made the ordinary feel magical. I wanted to be part of that magic.”And now, he is. With Stage5 Production, Manish embarks on what he calls the fifth phase of his life—after costumes, couture, beauty and jewellery.This time, he’s not just designing clothes. He’s crafting cinema, gathering the best writers, creators, and dreamers to tell stories that linger.“I want to make films that entertain, yes—but also touch something within you. That’s what stories are for.”Whispers of what’s nextThere’s much brewing—more couture, more collaborations, more cinema. But Manish smiles gently, “A lot of things are in the pipeline...and we will share with you as soon as they are ready."Designs on BeyoncéDesigning for Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour, creating her custom sequins chaps and bodysuit, along with the chaps for her spectacular dance crew has been an incredible experience. The closing show in Paris, with Beyoncé and Jay-Z on stage together, was such a powerful and unforgettable iconic moment. To see Indian design at the forefront of a global pop culture celebration like this is truly special. Happy to be part of this moment of music and fashion. - Manish Malhotra

Manish Malhotra & his muse

Anandita Gupta

Unlock Premium Insights in This Article