What inspires Manish Malhotra?

'One's identity is very important and being true to at least one's self is a must,' says Manish Malhotra.

Mumbai-based fashion designer Manish Malhotra has been designing clothes for celebrities for nearly thirty years now.

In an interview with ANI, the designer looked back at his career journey, the actors he has worked with and the interesting lessons he's learned from them.

'2020 is a very special year for me as I complete 30 years of costume designing in the movies. I have worked with four generations of actors, and it is really overwhelming. It's also 15 years of my label,' the 53-year-old shared.

'I have thought of changing a thing or two so that my wish to take my work and craft to the next level comes to reality.'

Being a successful professional, the designer has set a rule book for his personal and professional life.

'A thing that has always worked for me is being myself and not changing that ever. What doesn't work for me is something that is false and is a pretence and is not the inner you. For me, one's identity is very important and being true to at least one's self is a must.'

Manish believes that this era is inspirational to him.

'A woman can go on and pair some funky sneakers with a lehenga or a shimmery top with a handloom skirt without the fear of being judged. The whole mix and match concept that people are willing to try out augments my courage to keep experimenting in my work more often than before. I really hope this open-mindedness courageous aura is here to stay forever.'

The Bollywood designer loves the way the industry has evolved over the years.

'I have seen the industry evolve and in the due course, I have been absolutely in love with the constant change that's happening. I adore the fact that today's generation doesn't fear to be themselves and say whatever they want to voice.'

'I love the courage of youngsters. You can't get away with telling them anything. They have the ability to ask you 'why'. People are not bothered about their sexuality, dressing and are confident about their own selves.'

Be it age, gender or body type, Manish Malhotra has worked towards breaking stereotypes.

'I have always worked and tried to be consistent in breaking any stereotype. The kind of work you do and the kind of people you work with have an impact on how you think. Thankfully, I have worked with an eclectic bunch of people, who have always helped me think out of the box.'

'I have never been choosy about my crew either. They come from different backgrounds and from different regions. In every possible way, the world should be positively influenced for the betterment and good. And I have always tried in my own little way to make that possible.'

The designer was all praise for Gen Zers (the latest crop of actors and artistes).

'Oh, they know everything so well. They like respecting the tradition and that gives me a lot of joy and respect towards them. With all that modernism, following the tradition somewhere makes one stand out from the crowd,' he said.

Edited by Divya Nair