Manish had announced his plans years ago, but his work as a designer kept him away from his dream and his nephew Punit Malhotra has made his directorial debut first with the Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor starrer, I Hate Luv Storys. Incidentally, that film is also being produced by Karan Johar.
Manish first rose to prominence as a designer for movies with Ram Gopal Varma's Rangeela. His outlandish outfits transformed Urmila Matondkar from the sweet girl of Chamatkar to a sexy siren.
Since then, he has designed for several movies including Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna, Welcome, Jab We Met, Veer Zaara, Mujhse Dosti Karoge, Company, Chameli and Hum Tum.