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Legendary Designer Manish Malhotra to Open Harvard’s India Conference in Special Keynote with South Asian Trailblazers Podcast
Cambridge, MA (February 2026) — South Asian Trailblazers, the acclaimed podcast spotlighting prominent leaders in the South Asian diaspora, announces a historic live recording with Asia’s leading couturier Manish Malhotra at Harvard Business School. The special live edition marks a milestone for the podcast, bringing one of fashion’s most influential figures to one of the world’s most prestigious universities and an audience of students, professionals, and culture enthusiasts.
The conversation will serve as the opening keynote on the main stage at Harvard Business School and will be hosted by South Asian Trailblazers Founder & Host Simi Shah.
Manish Malhotra, Asia’s leading couturier and costume virtuoso, has been at the vanguard of luxury fashion and Indian cinema for over 35 years. A trailblazer who reimagined Indian cinema’s sartorial narrative, he is a pioneer of innovation and glamour. Celebrating 20 illustrious years of the Manish Malhotra brand, his influence now spans continents, with flagship boutiques in Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and his first international flagship in Dubai. His foray into high jewellery two years ago has swiftly garnered international acclaim, gracing the world’s most coveted red carpets, with global icons such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Kim and Khloe Kardashian, and Zayn Malik donning his creations.
His works have graced prestigious venues, including the Philadelphia Museum and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. Today, Manish Malhotra is more than a designer – he is a cultural ambassador, bridging the rich heritage of India with a modern, cosmopolitan allure.
Simi Shah, a Harvard alumna and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, has established South Asian Trailblazers as a leading platform for conversations with global leaders across culture, business, and media. Through her podcast and advisory work, she has helped shape how leaders and creatives build influence and tell their stories on the global stage.
The live conversation will explore Manish’s three decades cementing Indian fashion on the global stage — themes that resonate across industries and generations. According to the organizers, the conference is nearly sold out with nearly 1000 attendees signed up to hear from esteemed guests like Manish Malhotra.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Location: Harvard Business School, Cambridge, MA
Tickets: Available now
For ticket information and media inquiries, visit Harvard India Conference.
About South Asian Trailblazers
South Asian Trailblazers is a media platform, community, and agency dedicated to elevating leading South Asians. The platform has reached audiences across 90+ countries and featured conversations with leaders across business, entertainment, policy, and culture.
Media Contact:
Email: team@southasiantrailblazers.
Website: southasiantrailblazers.com
Instagram: @southasiantrailblazers