Diksha’s passion lies in bringing characters to life, connecting audiences with narratives that leave a lasting impact.
Diksha Malhotra
Diksha Malhotra is a distinguished makeup artist and beauty educator. More than that, she is a storyteller with a brush in her hand. She is well known for her expertise in special effects, prosthetics, and bridal artistry. Diksha has crafted some of the most iconic looks working with Bollywood stars and international brands by her expertise.
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Collaborating with stars like Vaani Kapoor and Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu has been a surreal experience for Diksha. Their charisma brought life to her work as a makeup artist. Working with Namashi and Dishani Chakraborty also gave Diksha valuable insights into the vibrant Bollywood industry. Each project deepened her understanding of India’s storytelling culture and its ability to connect globally.
Working with director Kavi Raz on Ik Onkar was a milestone for Diksha. The film highlighted the challenges of South Asians, and Diksha was honored to contribute through special effects and prosthetics. By creating realistic blood effects and emotion-driven makeup, she intensified the film’s themes, making the narrative more authentic and relatable.
Collaborating with Oscar-nominated Paul Raci and Deepti Gupta for Mirrors was another humbling experience for Diksha. The film explored the struggles of South Asians, and her work involved transforming actors into aged, war-torn individuals. Through detailed makeup, Diksha enhanced their physical and emotional portrayals, adding layers of authenticity to the story’s poignant message.
On Astral Plane Drifters, a U.S. festival favorite, Diksha experimented with fantasy elements, designing makeup for aliens and vampires. This project allowed her to dive into imaginative designs that enriched the movie's unique appeal. Watching audiences appreciate the creative work was immensely fulfilling for her.
Transforming actors for Six Days in Bombay was a challenging yet rewarding task for Diksha. Directed by Radha Mehta, the film brought New York Times bestselling author Alka Joshi’s book to life. Using prosthetics and detailed makeup, Diksha recreated the essence of 1960s Bombay. The project’s depth and storytelling potential promise a bright future, with discussions of a Netflix adaptation underway.
In the comedy film Lil’ Brick Answers Web’s Most Searched Question, Diksha worked with award-winning director Adrian Seirkowski. Transforming actor Jack Atkins into a pop star required precision and creativity. Her designs, especially the tattoos, maintained continuity and enhanced the character’s authenticity. The film’s success at festivals like the LA Comedy Film Festival was a proud moment for Diksha and the entire team.
Whether in Bollywood or Hollywood, Diksha’s journey has been a blend of creativity, culture, and hard work. From working with Netflix and BMW to featuring in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, every step has been a testament to the art of storytelling through makeup. Diksha’s passion lies in bringing characters to life, connecting audiences with narratives that leave a lasting impact.