It’s hard to think of anything else when looking at the gorgeous offerings from ace designer Manish Malhotra. The brand’s clothes, jewellery and makeup are a would-be-bride’s wonderland. But what really goes on behind the scenes of a label that stands out from the crowd? Work and a lot of it. And a case in point for the adage ‘hard work never goes in vain’ would be Riddhi Malhotra, Brand Head at Manish Malhotra Beauty, Manish Malhotra Jewellery and Manish Malhotra Mansion. “This is truly my dream job,” she says when speaking of her current role.
It’s certainly been a rollercoaster ride. Riddhi first began her career as an intern, an Assistant Director at Red Chillies Entertainment. From dabbling in ad shoots to currently heading the beauty, jewellery and home segments for Manish Malhotra, she has seen it all. And lest one forgets, she, along with Shaadi Squad, was also involved in planning one of the best-kept secrets that took all of social media by a storm— Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli’s intimate destination wedding in Tuscany. Now, her days revolve around creating one-of-a-kind products for Manish Malhotra Beauty. Not to forget, leading the designer label’s jewellery segment which has found ardent followers in millennial brides and celebrities alike. A quick scroll through Instagram will have you seeing Janhvi and Khushi Kapoor, Kiara Advani and Sara Ali Khan wearing the exquisite jewellery, a few amongst a sea of stars. In between a hectic schedule, she makes time for all that she loves—friends, food, travel. Not to leave out her personal style that shines through and her penchant for creating fun videos that are bound to leave you grinning.
Riddhi Malhotra
A candid conversation with Riddhi Malhotra instantly gives you the feeling that this is just the beginning of something even bigger. Working amid a pandemic, she has continued to stay organised and get things done. She is raring to go and as we narrate stories of women who have redefined success in the #POPxoWomenWhoWin series, we simply couldn’t miss out on a chance to feature her! Excerpts from an interview.
What’s a typical day like for you?
When it comes to organising things, I am obsessed with planning, whether it’s my day or even a meal. So it’s very important for me to know what my day will be like. I start by making a ‘to- do’ list of the tasks. This helps me stay on track to accomplish my chores and finish the work I have set out to do.
Tell us about how you landed your first job.
I applied at Red Chillies Entertainment and got a job as an intern where I was working as an Assistant Director on ad shoots. It involved learning how advertisements worked, from planning and costing to shooting and the execution. It was my first brush with how the industry works and I fell absolutely in love with that world.
Riddhi Malhotra
What has been your biggest professional accomplishment so far?
I am so grateful for all the experiences that I have had in my professional life, be it working with some of the best film directors like Ashutosh Gowariker during my days of being an assistant director, or with the Shaadi Squad planning Anushka Sharma & Virat Kohli’s wedding. Working with the label Manish Malhotra and being a part of the Manish Malhotra Beauty Brand from inception to now, I feel blessed to have been associated with such stalwarts in every field!
What would you consider a turning point in your career?
After gaining experience across various verticals such as advertising, films and even wedding planning, I found my true calling in fashion. Working with the Manish Malhotra label, I landed up heading the label’s Beauty & Jewellery division. This not only helped me explore my creative side but I also realised that this is truly my dream job.
What are the key skills or qualities that have really helped you succeed?
I try and focus on solutions rather than on the problem.
What is a mantra that you swear by in your professional and personal life?
Being such a stickler for organising everything, I used to plan my day to the minutest detail. But if there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us all, it is that sometimes what you plan may not work out the way you intended it to. It has truly made me believe that the only thing constant is change. I have embraced this mantra with open arms and even though I plan my day, I do welcome any change coming my way and I adapt to it easily.
Riddhi Malhotra
Any advice for people looking to break into the industry?
Don’t overthink it, just do it. I feel it’s important in this age of Instagram to compete only with yourself. There can be a lot of pressure if one starts comparing their real life to someone else’s reel life. So I think it’s important to not take everything too seriously and to just aspire to be the best version of yourself.
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How do you unwind after a long day at work?
I think it’s extremely important to switch off and relax. It helps you compartmentalise your thoughts and recuperates your mind which is much needed. I’m a big foodie and nothing relaxes me more than a good meal! In addition to that, a long walk, great conversations with friends over a hot steaming cup of coffee or even just binge-watching my favourite show works well for me.
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Are there any particular books or novels that have had a significant impact on your life?
I am not much of a reader though that’s something I have been trying to get myself to do a lot more. I do, however, love to travel and I am a keen observer. I tend to absorb whatever is around me; the environment, places and situations are what I derive my life lessons from.
And finally, what are three things we’ll always find in your makeup bag?
Mascara is something you will always find in my makeup bag. I am absolutely in love with the Manish Malhotra Mascara by MyGlamm and just can’t do without it. I also love the Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Replenish Lip Balm. Given our current reality, I try to avoid using lipstick and keep my lips nourished with a lip balm instead. And the Manish Malhotra Glitter Eyeliner by MyGlamm for the eyes are doing all the talking in today’s times!
Featured Image Courtesy: Riddhi Malhotra
