In 2026 Manish Malhotra will take it easy (not really)

We’re only in the middle of February and yet designer Manish Malhotra has already achieved more than most of us do in a year. On the first day of 2026 he decided to launch his bag collection—the box clutches, top-handle totes, and even a fringed sling bag, all emblazoned with a capital ‘M’, are crafted from Italian leather and assembled in his ateliers in Mumbai. Then he kicked off February by closing Dubai Fashion Week 2026 with a show that was a celebration of how Indian artisanship can be adapted for a global audience. It was also a launchpad to reveal his new fine jewellery line, with a focus on emeralds and diamonds. So, does the hardworking polymath ever sleep?

His team will probably say no—he’s famous for being the first one in at the Mumbai office every morning and the last one to leave at night. Yet during our chat, Malhotra says this is the year he plans to take things a bit slower, especially after the momentous 2025 he had. Last year marked 20 years since he launched his eponymous label and 35 years since he started his career as a costume designer with the film Rangeela. It was apt then that it was also the year that his production company, Stage5 Production, released two films—the Tisca Chopra-directed thriller Saali Mohabbat and the Vijay Varma starrer Gustaak Ishq.

He adds, “I travelled so much, from the Met Gala to the Golden Globes. It was a great year, but it took a toll on my body... I need to make some time for myself.” That seems unlikely, though, at the pace he’s currently moving at. Yet The Nod managed to steal 10 minutes with him to find out what he’s watching right now and what kind of films he would like to direct in the future.

To start with, what is the last thing you do before bed?

I prayed and went to sleep. Sometimes it’s ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, sometimes it’s ‘Hare Krishna’. I don’t pray for anything specific; it’s just a chant.

I know you’re a big movie buff. Did you watch something last night?

I can’t remember exactly, but the last thing I watched was this film called Haq, which I really enjoyed. Before that I saw The Great Shamsuddin Family. Also lovely.

You just had your accessory collection launch, which was followed by fine jewellery. What are your mornings like on big days like these?

I get up and get into it right away. I’m a very early riser; I wake up at 5:30 or 6 am. The first thing I do is have a glass of water. Then I wash my face with cold water and dab a cold towel on my face. It’s a great way to wake up refreshed.

What’s next?

I’ll eat something small and have a cup of tea. I love my morning tea with milk and sugar. While all this is happening, there’s a chant going on, maybe a ‘Hare Krishna’.

How do you make sure that you’re feeling good physically and mentally?

Waking up slowly, listening to a chant... All of that really grounds me. I do breathing exercises now and I’ve set up a small home gym, where my trainer takes me through some weights and some walking or running.

Did you enter 2026 with a particular agenda?

I think the idea was to look into all the verticals that we’re doing and basically go deeper into each one, whether it was accessories or jewellery.

You also produced two films last year, Gustak Ishq and Saali Mohabbat. It was very interesting that they were both kind of romantic but rooted in reality. You could have done a glamorous fashion film, but you chose not to.

For me, fashion is one thing and this is another aspect of my life or career. One day I could make a film based on fashion. But fashion is not the only thing I know and it’s not the only thing I’m capable off. When I started [production company] Stage5, I wanted us to create content that was unexpected. So Gustak Ishq is a very old-world romantic film. Meanwhile, Saali Mohabbat is a dark film, and now Bun Tikki is an emotional film. The fourth will be entirely different. It’s been a whole journey for me to enter the world of filmmaking.

Will we see you direct a film next?

I don’t know. Let’s see. Right now, I’m more keen to set up Stage5.

If you were to direct a film, what kind of story would you like it to be?

Maybe a classic romantic kind of film. But are there people who want to watch a classic romance? These days, I don’t know. I think people now prefer to see these kinds of movies on social media or streaming networks rather than in the theatres.

Gustak Ishq was a bit romantic...

Yes, and that world really resonated with me. I like that it was a simple film based on words.

What does tomorrow look like for you?

Back to the routine. And hopefully even more creative.