Fashion designer and producer Manish Malhotra is bringing timeless romance back to the big screen with his upcoming film Gustaakh Ishq – Kucch Pehle Jaisa. Headlined by Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma, the film promises to be a lyrical ode to love — a story where emotion, poetry, and passion intertwine against the soulful backdrop of Purani Dilli and the fading kothis of Punjab.
At the film’s trailer launch event on November 10, Manish Malhotra opened up about why Fatima was his first choice for the leading lady, revealing that he had long envisioned her as the classic, graceful “heroine” — a portrayal she hadn’t explored before.
“The conversation went on, and I suddenly said, why not Fatima? She’s so petite and beautiful,” recalled Manish. “She has portrayed many strong roles, but we’ve never seen her as the quintessential heroine — with the dupatta, grace, and nazaakat. I texted her, and she immediately showed interest. She asked for the script, which I sent around 8 p.m., and by the time I went to bed at 11:30, I received her message saying, ‘I’m doing the film.’ That’s how it all began, followed by many discussions.”
With Gustaakh Ishq, Fatima steps into an entirely new space — embodying old-world grace and emotional vulnerability in a role that celebrates the aesthetics of classic Hindi cinema. The film, directed by Vibhu Puri, rekindles the essence of poetic ishq, blending shayari, longing, and love into a story that feels both nostalgic and refreshing.
The recently released trailer offers a glimpse into this world of soulful yearning and poetic storytelling. Fatima and Vijay’s chemistry stands out as the heart of the narrative, while the music — rooted in melody and meaning — amplifies the timeless charm of the story.
Produced by Manish Malhotra and Dinesh Malhotra under Stage5 Production, Gustaakh Ishq is set to release in theatres on November 28, promising audiences a return to the cinematic era of elegance, emotion, and eternal love.
