Fashion designer Manish Malhotra says he is not directing Meena Kumari biopic starring Kriti Sanon

The ace Indian fashion designer said that all fashion designers don’t have a film sense.

It was reported that fashion designer Manish Malhotra would debut as a director for a biopic on Meena Kumari, starring Kriti Sanon. However, he has now stated that he isn’t making the film, adding that all fashion designers don’t have a film sense. As per a report on Mid-Day, Manish won’t direct the biopic, and the project has been shelved.

Manish Malhotra won’t direct Meena Kumari biopic.

Mid-Day has reported that fashion designer Manish Malhotra won’t be directing the Meena Kumari biopic that was supposed to feature Kriti Sanon in the lead. The project has been shelved. Speaking on the biopic, Manish said, “I’m no longer doing the biopic. I’ll direct something else. Directing is one dream that remains unfulfilled.”

“I was in love with films since childhood.”

He added, “All fashion designers don’t have a film sense, but some do. With me, it was organic because I was in love with films since childhood, watching Mughal-e-Azam [1960] or the works of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt. I love the ’70s, their songs and costumes. I am steeped in films. That’s why I get how it works.”

Biopic on Meena Kumari.

The biopic on Meena Kumari was also delayed earlier several times. It was first scheduled to roll in October 2023. Then, it was pushed to October 2024 and now October 2025. The film has now been shelved. A source revealed to Mid-Day in July this year, “The material will be vetted by multiple script doctors before it goes into filming. In a way, the delay might be good for the team. Since it’s a period drama, this allows them ample time for pre-production. Costumes are also a big part when recounting the story of one of Hindi cinema’s finest actors, and their recreation will take time. It will most likely roll in the first half of 2025.”