Profiler
12-09-2004, 10:13 AM
Vimla Patil was associated with Femina, India’s number one women’s magazine, published by the Times of India Group for 29 years. Femina is Vimla Patil's personal success story. Today, FEMINA is one of the strongest international brands with a vast readership in India and abroad. She initiated the Miss India contest in the mid-sixties for the journal and brought it to its present international stature. Vimla Patil promoted Indian textiles and fashion garments – especially handlooms – for decades by presenting over 4000 fashion shows in India and most countries of the world.
After finishing her long stint with Femina, she built a brand new career for herself as a freelance multi-mediaperson with writing, events, public relations, shows and many more activities in her portfolio!
Vimla Patil will be delighted to answer readers' questions. Please click on the comments page link at the bottom of the article to post your questions for her or to comment on her article.
As 2004 draws to an end, designer Manish Malhotra has emerged as the star of india’s booming fashion industry!
Talk about multi-tasking! And couturier Manish Malhotra takes the trophy hands down! 2004 has been a wonder-year for him with his career zooming up to starry heights. Not only did he introduce his prêt line at a new store called Shlok in Mumbai and design costumes for some of Bollywood’s blockbuster movies, but he also bagged the Manish Malhotra Style Show on Zoom TV to become the fashion industry’s most ‘visible’ face!
2004 – The Year of Great Achievements:
Manish Malhotra is not likely to forget the year 2004! For it is in this year that he acquired several ‘avatars’ as a young super-success icon! Earlier, Manish was a wonder designer who could dream up beautiful, gossamer-fine ensembles for society women and nubile models. He could set the catwalk on fire with his sexy garments showcased by sleek, sensual models. Over the years, he changed over to being the Indian film industry’s favourite costumier and in 2004, reached the acme of this aspect of his career by giving the ever-beautiful Hema Malini a completely new look in the super successful “Baghban” in which she and star of the millennium Amitabh Bachchan played out the touching love story of a retired, senior citizen couple. It is to his credit that all Indian metro women – of whatever age – are today wearing the light yet jeweled look he gave Hema in her ‘come back’ movie this year. The trend Manish set with this movie is rekindling the lives of many women of senior age and making them aware of their good looks and grooming even in the twilight years of their lives.
Shlok – Manish Malhotra’s Diffusion Line Outlet:
As Manish’s good luck would have it, the central Mumbai Phoenix Centre area developed as a buzzing shopping complex in 2004 and his prêt store called Shlok was inaugurated in the past year. The opening of the store saw all Manish’s buddies come to cheer him on. Among them were Kajol, Karishma and Kareena Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar, Salman Khan and many other stars whose personalities he has turned over in the recent past. Manish has held several events at this store and each one has been a thundering success with society women crowding the shopping area to buy off-the-rack fusion garments and sarees created a la Hema Malini. Shlok too sells light, pastel-hued sarees and garments, embellished with thin zari borders and motifs. This look, now visible in fashion shows, weddings, hi society parties and festive gatherings has become the hallmark of Manish Malhotra.
The Manish Malhotra Show on Zoom TV:
As if this bouquet of achievements was not fragrant enough, Manish bagged a glamorous show on Zoom TV late in the year. Why did he need this resplendent feather in cap? He has not ever wanted to be a television personality! His answer to these questions is interesting: “I have been an ensemble designer for several years. Then a miracle happened in my life. Ram Gopal Varma asked to give Urmila Matondkar a completely new look in his film Rangeela which was a super duper hit and changed the entire perception of a Bollywood heroine. I did that and never looked back after that. I designed shoes, branded make up products for Lakme and began to create the look of an entire film rather than just the costumes.
I was the first designer to ask for the script of every film for which I designed ensembles or the look of the protagonists. People in the film industry ridiculed me for wanting to read the script but I have proved that this is how a production is designed in its entirety. I won several awards for the Best Designer in recent years.
A style show on television was the natural outcome of these events. All Bollywood biggies – whose looks I have designed or turned over in their successful films – co-operated with me in building this show into what it is today. I brought out their personalities on the small screen and shared my experience of designing for them with the viewers. Now just a few episodes old, the show has been very successful. The stars, models, socialites and I – all are enjoying it equally!
It is true that Karan Johar, the famous director of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and producer of Kal Ho Na Ho is also hosting a show on Zoom. But Karan’s show is different. He interviews stars in pairs and brings out the relationship between them – their bonding, their fun of working together and their petty squabbles! I concentrate on style and grooming and even advise viewer on what could make them look glamorous. People may link me and Karan Johar because we have worked together in many films and Karan too, is fond of designing looks and is style-conscious. The show is a natural consequence of my total experience – retail in fashion garments for the average woman or man, designing the look of stars, doing accessories and make up, designing interiors and dressing stars in their private lives!
Manish To Direct His Own Film Next Year!
Ask him what next? And Manish bounces with energy and passion. “I will direct my own film in the coming months. At the moment, the script is being finalized and the cast is being chosen. I am excited about this new venture, which will add a new dimension to my life. I have indeed come a long way. People called me a ‘darzi’ and then admired the clothes I designed. People were astounded when I turned over the looks of stars and models. I changed the looks of Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna and so many other top stars. They laughed at me when I asked for scripts. But they were delighted when I designed the production look of so many films. I won the best costumier award for my first film Rangeela. Since then my journey has been one exciting roller coaster ride!
Common Denominator In Many Hi-Banner Films:
Another unique feat Manish has achieved is that he is the common denominator in many top banner films – in the recent past and even today. Shah Rukh Khan’s Ashoka, Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Dharmesh Darshan’s Haan, Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya, Yash Chopra’s Mujhse Dosti Karoge? Suraj Barjatya’s Main Prem Diwaani and Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Lajja were some of the mega releases for which Manish designed the look of the stars, particularly Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. He continues to hold this numero uno position in films today too.
“I want my young heroine in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham to be sexy and glamorous,” was Karan Johar’s brief to Manish Malhotra. The look he gave to Kareena Kapoor in the film became an instant hit.
A Relaxed, Friendly Personality:
Most designers who are successful, have ‘attitude’ aplenty. They talk to others from their high society perches and are trained in New York, Australia or at least in the new, snazzy institutions in India. Manish Malhotra is an exception in this brigade. “I was never formally trained in fashion or design,” he says candidly, “I come from a middle class Punjabi family of Mumbai and went to college here. My father has a business of dealing with air conditioning systems and he was keen that I should join him. But I was good at sketching and wanted to do something creative, something totally different.”
Manish met his senior, Hemant Trevedi, while still in college and was persuaded to try his luck in modelling. “I did some ramp shows but did not enjoy modelling much. There was no money in it and the opportunities were few and far between. Meanwhile, my cousin’s husband, David Dhawan, who was a film director, asked me to design clothes for Juhi Chawla for his film. Though the clothes were simply awful, my career as a designer of clothes began right there!
Hard Work For Fifteen Years!
“More than fifteen years have passed since this first attempt in 1989. I designed clothes for Sridevi whom I met during my early years. Through her, I met many other stars and filmmakers. But my turning point was the film Rangeela, in which I changed the total look of Urmila Matondkar. The film’s success and Urmila’s instant super-stardom in her new, sexy avatar, was a benchmark of success for me. I never looked back after that. I designed the total look of Karishma Kapoor for Raja Hindustani and changed her personality completely. I styled her jewellery with hoop earrings, gave her figure hugging clothes and changed her make up too. After this, I moved on to a string of superhit films like Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Hum Saath Saath Hai, Kaho Na Pyar Hai, Mast, Dhadkan, Mohobbatein and Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai. My career as a designer of film clothes and style was well-established after all these hits.
After finishing her long stint with Femina, she built a brand new career for herself as a freelance multi-mediaperson with writing, events, public relations, shows and many more activities in her portfolio!
Vimla Patil will be delighted to answer readers' questions. Please click on the comments page link at the bottom of the article to post your questions for her or to comment on her article.
As 2004 draws to an end, designer Manish Malhotra has emerged as the star of india’s booming fashion industry!
Talk about multi-tasking! And couturier Manish Malhotra takes the trophy hands down! 2004 has been a wonder-year for him with his career zooming up to starry heights. Not only did he introduce his prêt line at a new store called Shlok in Mumbai and design costumes for some of Bollywood’s blockbuster movies, but he also bagged the Manish Malhotra Style Show on Zoom TV to become the fashion industry’s most ‘visible’ face!
2004 – The Year of Great Achievements:
Manish Malhotra is not likely to forget the year 2004! For it is in this year that he acquired several ‘avatars’ as a young super-success icon! Earlier, Manish was a wonder designer who could dream up beautiful, gossamer-fine ensembles for society women and nubile models. He could set the catwalk on fire with his sexy garments showcased by sleek, sensual models. Over the years, he changed over to being the Indian film industry’s favourite costumier and in 2004, reached the acme of this aspect of his career by giving the ever-beautiful Hema Malini a completely new look in the super successful “Baghban” in which she and star of the millennium Amitabh Bachchan played out the touching love story of a retired, senior citizen couple. It is to his credit that all Indian metro women – of whatever age – are today wearing the light yet jeweled look he gave Hema in her ‘come back’ movie this year. The trend Manish set with this movie is rekindling the lives of many women of senior age and making them aware of their good looks and grooming even in the twilight years of their lives.
Shlok – Manish Malhotra’s Diffusion Line Outlet:
As Manish’s good luck would have it, the central Mumbai Phoenix Centre area developed as a buzzing shopping complex in 2004 and his prêt store called Shlok was inaugurated in the past year. The opening of the store saw all Manish’s buddies come to cheer him on. Among them were Kajol, Karishma and Kareena Kapoor, Urmila Matondkar, Salman Khan and many other stars whose personalities he has turned over in the recent past. Manish has held several events at this store and each one has been a thundering success with society women crowding the shopping area to buy off-the-rack fusion garments and sarees created a la Hema Malini. Shlok too sells light, pastel-hued sarees and garments, embellished with thin zari borders and motifs. This look, now visible in fashion shows, weddings, hi society parties and festive gatherings has become the hallmark of Manish Malhotra.
The Manish Malhotra Show on Zoom TV:
As if this bouquet of achievements was not fragrant enough, Manish bagged a glamorous show on Zoom TV late in the year. Why did he need this resplendent feather in cap? He has not ever wanted to be a television personality! His answer to these questions is interesting: “I have been an ensemble designer for several years. Then a miracle happened in my life. Ram Gopal Varma asked to give Urmila Matondkar a completely new look in his film Rangeela which was a super duper hit and changed the entire perception of a Bollywood heroine. I did that and never looked back after that. I designed shoes, branded make up products for Lakme and began to create the look of an entire film rather than just the costumes.
I was the first designer to ask for the script of every film for which I designed ensembles or the look of the protagonists. People in the film industry ridiculed me for wanting to read the script but I have proved that this is how a production is designed in its entirety. I won several awards for the Best Designer in recent years.
A style show on television was the natural outcome of these events. All Bollywood biggies – whose looks I have designed or turned over in their successful films – co-operated with me in building this show into what it is today. I brought out their personalities on the small screen and shared my experience of designing for them with the viewers. Now just a few episodes old, the show has been very successful. The stars, models, socialites and I – all are enjoying it equally!
It is true that Karan Johar, the famous director of Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham and producer of Kal Ho Na Ho is also hosting a show on Zoom. But Karan’s show is different. He interviews stars in pairs and brings out the relationship between them – their bonding, their fun of working together and their petty squabbles! I concentrate on style and grooming and even advise viewer on what could make them look glamorous. People may link me and Karan Johar because we have worked together in many films and Karan too, is fond of designing looks and is style-conscious. The show is a natural consequence of my total experience – retail in fashion garments for the average woman or man, designing the look of stars, doing accessories and make up, designing interiors and dressing stars in their private lives!
Manish To Direct His Own Film Next Year!
Ask him what next? And Manish bounces with energy and passion. “I will direct my own film in the coming months. At the moment, the script is being finalized and the cast is being chosen. I am excited about this new venture, which will add a new dimension to my life. I have indeed come a long way. People called me a ‘darzi’ and then admired the clothes I designed. People were astounded when I turned over the looks of stars and models. I changed the looks of Akshay Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Akshaye Khanna and so many other top stars. They laughed at me when I asked for scripts. But they were delighted when I designed the production look of so many films. I won the best costumier award for my first film Rangeela. Since then my journey has been one exciting roller coaster ride!
Common Denominator In Many Hi-Banner Films:
Another unique feat Manish has achieved is that he is the common denominator in many top banner films – in the recent past and even today. Shah Rukh Khan’s Ashoka, Karan Johar’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Dharmesh Darshan’s Haan, Maine Bhi Pyar Kiya, Yash Chopra’s Mujhse Dosti Karoge? Suraj Barjatya’s Main Prem Diwaani and Raj Kumar Santoshi’s Lajja were some of the mega releases for which Manish designed the look of the stars, particularly Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Akshay Kumar. He continues to hold this numero uno position in films today too.
“I want my young heroine in Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham to be sexy and glamorous,” was Karan Johar’s brief to Manish Malhotra. The look he gave to Kareena Kapoor in the film became an instant hit.
A Relaxed, Friendly Personality:
Most designers who are successful, have ‘attitude’ aplenty. They talk to others from their high society perches and are trained in New York, Australia or at least in the new, snazzy institutions in India. Manish Malhotra is an exception in this brigade. “I was never formally trained in fashion or design,” he says candidly, “I come from a middle class Punjabi family of Mumbai and went to college here. My father has a business of dealing with air conditioning systems and he was keen that I should join him. But I was good at sketching and wanted to do something creative, something totally different.”
Manish met his senior, Hemant Trevedi, while still in college and was persuaded to try his luck in modelling. “I did some ramp shows but did not enjoy modelling much. There was no money in it and the opportunities were few and far between. Meanwhile, my cousin’s husband, David Dhawan, who was a film director, asked me to design clothes for Juhi Chawla for his film. Though the clothes were simply awful, my career as a designer of clothes began right there!
Hard Work For Fifteen Years!
“More than fifteen years have passed since this first attempt in 1989. I designed clothes for Sridevi whom I met during my early years. Through her, I met many other stars and filmmakers. But my turning point was the film Rangeela, in which I changed the total look of Urmila Matondkar. The film’s success and Urmila’s instant super-stardom in her new, sexy avatar, was a benchmark of success for me. I never looked back after that. I designed the total look of Karishma Kapoor for Raja Hindustani and changed her personality completely. I styled her jewellery with hoop earrings, gave her figure hugging clothes and changed her make up too. After this, I moved on to a string of superhit films like Dil To Pagal Hai, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Hum Saath Saath Hai, Kaho Na Pyar Hai, Mast, Dhadkan, Mohobbatein and Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai. My career as a designer of film clothes and style was well-established after all these hits.