Manish Malhotra on reports of making Meena Kumari biopic starring Kriti Sanon: ‘Directing is one dream…’ |

Fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who was rumoured to make his directorial debut with a biopic on the late actress Meena Kumari, has shared an update about the film.
In an interview with Mid-Day, Manish revealed that he will no longer be directing the biopic on Meena Kumari and has plans to direct a different project instead. He expressed that directing remains a dream he’s yet to fulfill. Earlier this year, it was reported that Kriti Sanon would portray the late actress in the film.

Manish also shared that while not all fashion designers have a feel for films, his connection to cinema was natural. He has loved films since childhood, particularly classics like Mughal-e-Azam and the works of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt. His passion for ’70s music and costumes has deeply influenced his understanding of the film industry.

The biopic was delayed multiple times. Initially set to begin in October 2023, its schedule was later moved to October 2024 and then to October 2025. However, the film has now been shelved.
An earlier report in Mid-Day stated that the script would be reviewed by several script doctors before filming begins. The delay, according to the source, could benefit the team, as it gives them more time for pre-production. Since it’s a period drama, recreating costumes for one of Hindi cinema’s greatest actors will take time. The film is now expected to begin production in the first half of 2025.