From ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’ to Met Gala: A Tale of Two Creatives

In a social‑media post that quickly went viral, director‑producer Karan Johar reflected on his long‑standing bond with costume maestro Manish Malhotra. The pair first collaborated on the blockbuster “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”, an experience Johar says cemented a friendship that has endured for more than two decades.

Johar traced Malhotra’s evolution, noting his debut as a costume designer on the 1990 film “Swarg” and his pioneering influence on how Indian cinema dresses its characters. The 1995 Filmfare award for “Rangilo” marked the beginning of a new era for costume design in Bollywood, according to Johar.

The post also spotlighted Malhotra’s 2026 Met Gala appearance, which Johar described as a defining moment made possible by the designer’s relentless drive. He praised the “Maa” collection’s inclusion in the Paris Haute Couture calendar, calling it a testament to Malhotra’s ability to blend heritage with contemporary sensibility.

Johar concluded with a salute to the visionary who turned a simple dream of costume design into a global fashion legacy.