Renowned fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who was speculated to make his directorial debut with a biopic on legendary actor Meena Kumari, has addressed the rumours, confirming that he is no longer attached to the project. According to recent reports, the film has been shelved after facing multiple delays.
Manish Malhotra On Meena Kumari Biopic
The biopic, which was initially planned to go on floors in 2023, had been postponed several times. Production was first shifted to 2024 and then to 2025, with extensive pre-production being cited as the reason for the delays. However, the project has now been officially scrapped, with no plans for it to move forward. Malhotra, while expressing his desire to direct films, revealed that his debut project would now be something entirely different.
Earlier reports had suggested that Kriti Sanon was being considered for the role of Meena Kumari, an iconic figure in Hindi cinema known for her emotionally rich performances in classics like Pakeezah, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, and Aarti. The biopic was anticipated to explore her tumultuous relationship with producer-husband Kamal Amrohi, a story that had previously been announced by Saregama and other collaborators. Despite these early announcements, the project’s repeated delays and complexities in execution ultimately led to its cancellation.
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Meena Kumari, celebrated as the Tragedy Queen of Indian cinema, remains a cultural icon for her impactful roles and the emotional depth she brought to her performances. Her life story, marked by immense success and personal struggles, continues to captivate audiences and filmmakers alike.
Meanwhile, Manish Malhotra’s foray into filmmaking isn’t entirely paused. His first project as a producer, Saali Mohabbat, was recently showcased at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Directed by Tisca Chopra in her debut as a filmmaker, the movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Radhika Apte and Divyenndu.
Also Read: Kriti Sanon Is In Talks To Play Meena Kumari In Lengedary Actress’ Biopic Film