Longevity in Bollywood is rare but Manish Malhotra has managed to stay relevant across decades by evolving with the times rather than resisting change. Having dressed some of the biggest stars in Indian cinema and now working closely with a younger generation of actors, the ace designer believes that adaptability and collaboration are the real keys to lasting success in the industry.
Manish Malhotra points out that the way creative teams function has changed dramatically. The old model, where instructions flowed strictly from the top, no longer works in today’s environment. He feels that younger actors respond better to dialogue and shared ideas rather than rigid directions. According to him, meaningful conversations now drive creativity more than authority ever did.
Reflecting on his own journey, Manish Malhotra highlighted how he has worked seamlessly across generations. From styling veterans to collaborating with their children, he believes this transition was only possible because he never approached work with the mindset that experience automatically makes one superior. Instead, he treats every project as a fresh collaboration, regardless of age or seniority.
When it comes to Gen Z actors and star kids such as Suhana Khan and Ananya Panday, Manish Malhotra says he has rarely encountered issues related to professionalism. He observes that most of them are deeply invested in their work and eager to grow. What stands out to him is their strong sense of identity and their desire to be involved in the creative process, not just show up for the final outcome. This openness, he feels, enriches the work and leads to better results.
Manish Malhotra sees himself as a bridge between eras. He understands the timeless language of classic Hindi cinema but also stays tuned to the visual and cultural sensibilities that resonate with today’s audience. This balance, he believes, helps him connect authentically with actors of every generation.
He also admits that constant learning is non-negotiable. For him, no one has all the answers and every day brings a new lesson. He says that staying relevant requires listening, adapting and evolving with time rather than clinging to past formulas.
These changing attitudes have also reshaped filmmaking itself. As a producer of projects like Saali Mohabbat and Gustaakh Ishq, Manish has witnessed how cinema has become more democratic. Ideas now come from all corners of a film set, not just from a few decision-makers at the top. This shift has made the industry more open, collaborative and creatively charged.
He adds that today’s audiences are more diverse and discerning, pushing creators to be thoughtful, self-aware, and honest in their storytelling. For Manish Malhotra, growth has never been about holding on to power but about moving forward with curiosity and respect for every voice in the room.
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