Manish Malhotra On His Debut As Producer With ‘Gustaakh Ishq’

Mumbai: Cinema has always been Manish Malhotra’s first and only love; This love has made him first a famous costume designer and now a filmmaker who is eagerly awaiting the release of his first production venture “Gustaakh Ishq: Kucch Pehle Jaisa”. For Malhotra, the foray into production marks the realization of a dream he first cherished as a six-year-old boy in love with films.

“I am a strange child who was born in love with cinema. I loved movies from the age of six. I never studied as much as I loved movies. I am very grateful to my mother for never stopping me. I watched a lot of movies; everything from their music to their clothes and lifestyle.

“When I watched ‘Naseeb’ in which Mr. Bachchan sang ‘John Jani Janardhan’, I thought in the theatre, ‘Am I going to go to a party like this too?’ I remember thinking. And when I saw Yash Chopra’s ‘Silsila’ in 1981, I noticed every detail. So I always loved clothes and wanted to get into costumes,” the famous fashion designer told PTI in an interview.

Malhotra started her career as a costume designer in the early 1990s and became one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stylists. She has been praised for redefining fashion on the big screen with films like “Rangeela”, “Dil To Pagal Hai”, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai” and “Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham”.

He later founded his own couture brand, which grew into a leading fashion house known for its craftsmanship and celebrity clientele.

As a cinema lover, Malhotra said he always wanted to “write, direct and produce” but was busy with his career.

“I never had a day without work. I shot film after film, then built my brand. I always wanted to get into producing and directing, but the brand took up my time,” he added.

It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when he finally thought about getting into filmmaking.

“I felt like if I didn’t do it now, I wouldn’t have the time later. People take personal time for themselves, so I used that time to make the film. I thought, ‘I have to do this now,'” he said.

Slated to hit theaters on November 28, “Gustaakh Ishq” is described as an ode to old-school romance, blending poetry, nostalgia and the timeless appeal of classic love stories. It features an ensemble cast consisting of Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Sharib Hashmi.

Directed by Vibhu Puri, the story unfolds amid Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab, exploring themes of passion and unspoken desire.

“The world of ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ impressed me, I loved its poetry, its Delhi-based world and its cinematic tone,” said Malhotra, who believes that as a producer, the director should be encouraged to realize his vision.

“Where you come from with experience is the script, the length, the costumes and the art. Vibhu has a keen eye for art, he has a style and you have to allow that. You have to be honest with the world you have created; you cannot drag it elsewhere,” he added.

Malhotra also talked about Shah, whom he has known and admired for years, joining the project.

“This was the first meeting I ever had to discuss his pay. It was a Sunday evening, his house was 5-7 minutes away, and I said, ‘How do I discuss his pay with him?’ I was thinking. Then I said to myself, ‘You’re a producer now, you have to do this.’ The meeting was very nice. It was great to work with him because Vibhu already knew him. One day I got a text from him: “You are one of the best producers I have ever worked with.” That meant everything.”

“Gustaakh Ishq” also features the song “Aap is Dhoop Mein”, penned by cinema icon Gulzar, composed by Vishal Bhardwaj and sung by Arijit Singh.

“When Vibhu first mentioned Vishal ji and Gulzar sahib, I thought: I love them but I don’t know them. But I felt the film needed them. Working with Vishal ji was a precious memory. He was so understanding and understanding. I would love to work with him again,” he added.

Recalling his first meeting with Gulzar, Malhotra said that she walked in with a simple request; A song built around the word “musafir”.

“When I met Gulzar sahib, I told him that I wanted a song around the word ‘musafir’. We went to his house and I reminded him of ‘Musafir Hoon Yaaron’ from ‘Parichay’ and a song from ‘Namkeen’. Even Vishal ji said, ‘Do you remember the Namkeen’ songs?’ he said. That’s how deeply I love RD Burman-Gulzar music.”

Malhotra said he was impressed by the legendary writer’s warmth and candor.

“He is 91 years old, very open. He said, ‘Have tea first, then we will discuss.’ I like open-minded people, even my interns have a say. Creativity needs openness. That is why I have survived for 35 years. Recently, Vishal ji said, “Manish, you are a very good producer. He said, ‘I want to direct a movie, let’s make a small movie.’ And I said, ‘Let’s make a big movie.’

Apart from “Gustaakh Ishq”, Malhotra’s banner is ready with two more films: “Bun Tikki” starring Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman and Abhay Deol, and “Saali Mohabbat”, which marks the directorial debut of actor Tisca Chopra.

Malhotra said, “I want to do different films. My first three films are all different from each other.”