Before he became one of Bollywood’s most celebrated fashion icons, Manish Malhotra began his career humbly as an assistant to renowned designer Neeta Lulla, often simply dropping off costumes on sets. His career-defining break came unexpectedly with Ram Gopal Varma’s 1995 film Rangeela, which became famous not only for its music and performances but for its vibrant, trend-setting costume design that reshaped Bollywood styling.

Interestingly, Malhotra was not the first choice for Rangeela’s costume designer. Initially, Anna Singh was brought on board but had to withdraw from the project. Reflecting on this, Ram Gopal Varma revealed in an interview that it was his frustration in trying to contact Singh—back in an era without mobile phones—that led him to give Malhotra a chance. Malhotra, then relatively unknown and passionate, was present on set since he was delivering costumes as Lulla’s assistant. Varma said he immediately appointed Malhotra, recognizing the enthusiasm that newcomers bring.

A similar shift occurred in the choreography team, where legendary choreographer Saroj Khan was initially slated for the film, but scheduling conflicts opened the door for the then-unknown Ahmed Khan to take over. Ram Gopal Varma acknowledged that these decisions were less about scouting talent and more about practicality and seizing the eagerness and passion of young professionals eager to prove themselves.

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What began as impulsive, practical decisions propelled both Manish Malhotra and Ahmed Khan into successful careers, with Rangeela acting as a launchpad. Malhotra went on to become one of Bollywood’s most sought-after designers, redefining fashion in Indian cinema with his glamorous, contemporary, and culturally rich designs. The film also elevated Urmila Matondkar to super-stardom, with her vibrant looks becoming iconic.

Ram Gopal Varma’s candid recollection highlights how chance and opportunity can reshape careers and industries, underscoring the importance of passion and enthusiasm in creative fields.

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