Manish Malhotra confirmed recently that he will not be directing the biopic on the late Meena Kumari. It was reported by Mid-day earlier that Kriti Sanon will essay the role of the iconic actor known for working in films like Pakeezah (1972), Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam (1962) and Baiju Bawra (1952) among others.

In an interview with Mid-day recently, Manish said, “I am no longer doing the biopic. I’ll direct something else. Directing is one dream that remains unfulfilled.”

Speaking about venturing into filmmaking from fashion designing, Manish said, “All fashion designers don’t have a film sense, but some do. With me, it was organic because I was in love with films since childhood, watching Mughal-e-Azam (1960) or the works of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt. I love the ’70s, their songs and costumes. I am steeped in films. That’s why I get how it works.”

Manish’s debut production Saali Mohabbat premiered at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November 22. He also has Bun Tikki and Ul Jalool Ishq in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, a biopic on the love story of filmmaker Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari was announced recently. Titled Kamal aur Meena, the film is being helmed by Siddharth P Malhotra (Maharaj, Hichki) with AR Rahman serving as the music director and Irshad Kamil and Kausar Munir as the lyricists.