On December 5, Bollywood's celebrated costume designer, Manish Malhotra, will join the 50s club. He admits to hitlist that he isn't delighted. "Being 50 isn't the best feeling but thank God I don't look my age. I am overwhelmed. Honestly, I don't feel 50 either," he confesses. After having completed a photoshoot with Katrina Kaif in Maldives last week, Manish jetted of to Dubai for a friend's party and then headed for Abu Dhabi. The birthday boy finally returned to Mumbai yesterday, but his friends seem to be in no mood to give him time off. The plan to have him walk to the other side of 50 with a night of celebrations is complete.
Helming the planning is Manish's friend of 25 years, filmmaker Karan Johar, the grandeur of whose arrangements are synonymous with his big screen releases. Manish was in fact the one to style the stars of Karan's debut 1998 hit, 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai'.
Karan is going to fly down chefs from Lucknow and Goa to cook up Indian, Thai and continental fare. Since Manish relishes Awadhi cuisine, Karan also appointed khansamas to put together a spread of Awadhi Biryani, Shahi Korma, Galauti Kebab and Shahi Murg. Amidst the dessert spread is Manish's weakness - chocolate truffles - which Karan in decadent style is having shipped from Italy.
Talking about the director's efforts, Manish adds, "People talk highly about awards, but friends like Karan really make everyday worthwhile. It will be a celebration with music, food and friends in attendance."
While Karan is the master of arrangements, the guest list has been chalked out by Manish himself. Says a friend of the designer, "Anyone who has ever worked with Manish, including Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, will be there. Urmila Matondkar is expected to come with husband Mohsin Akhtar Mir. Karisma (Kapoor), Kareena (Kapoor Khan), Saif (Ali Khan), Malaika and Amrita (Arora Ladak) will also be there."
Meanwhile, we hear that the staffers at the venue will sport a special uniform with gold embroidery, a creation by Manish himself.
Can the guests expect a special performance? Manish's filmmaker nephew, Punit Malhotra (I Hate Luv Storys) says, "There is no special performance, but we are a big Punjabi family. We can expect impromptu gigs."
