Bollywood Mourns: Karan Johar, Khushi Kapoor And More Support Manish Malhotra Following His Mother’s Demise
After the death of Manish Malhotra’s mother Sudarshan Malhotra, several Bollywood celebrities arrived to showcase their support.
The Indian film industry has come together in a poignant display of solidarity to support ace fashion designer Manish Malhotra following the passing of his mother. Sudarshan Malhotra reportedly passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, March 19, 2026, at the age of 94. Known for his deep emotional bond with his mother, Manish Malhotra often described her as his “anchor” and the guiding force behind his illustrious career spanning over three decades.
As news of the bereavement spread across Mumbai, a steady stream of A-list celebrities and close industry friends began arriving at the designer's residence to offer their condolences. The atmosphere remained sombre as the fraternity rallied around one of its most beloved members during this period of personal grief.
Late into the night on March 19, the designer's home saw a gathering of Bollywood’s most prominent figures. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan were among the first to arrive, showcasing their long-standing friendship with Manish. They were soon followed by the industry’s "it" couple, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, both of whom share a professional and personal kinship with the designer.
Other notable names spotted offering their support included Karisma Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, and Urmila Matondkar – actors who have frequently collaborated with Manish on iconic cinematic looks. The younger generation of Bollywood was also well-represented, with Ananya Panday, Khushi Kapoor, and Shanaya Kapoor arriving to pay their respects. Varun Dhawan, Arjun Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, and Nushrratt Bharuccha were also seen entering the residence to stand by Manish and his family.
The cremation took place on Friday morning, March 20, in Mumbai. The family released a heartfelt statement ahead of the final rites, noting: “With gratitude for a life beautifully lived, we share the peaceful passing of our beloved mother.”
By Friday morning, several industry stalwarts gathered at the crematorium to pay their final tributes. Karan Johar, one of Manish’s closest confidants, was present throughout the proceedings, visibly moved by the loss. He was joined by veteran actors and filmmakers, including David Dhawan, Rohit Dhawan, and Ronit Roy.
The turnout at the crematorium further reflected the designer's wide-reaching influence and deep-rooted relationships. Jackky Bhagnani and Rakul Preet Singh arrived together, while Vijay Varma and Fatima Sana Shaikh – who recently collaborated with Manish on his production ‘Gustaakh Ishq’ – were also in attendance. Other celebrities who joined the final journey included Khushi Kapoor, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Divyenndu, Saiyami Kher, Sophie Choudry, and Karan Tacker.
The loss marks a significant moment for Manish Malhotra, who has often credited his mother for his work ethic and creative drive. While he is a titan of the fashion world, he has always maintained a grounded personal life cantered around his family.
As the designer takes time to grieve this monumental loss, the outpouring of love from the Bollywood community serves as a testament to the life beautifully lived by his mother and the enduring bonds Manish has built within the heart of Indian cinema.
