We were lucky to catch up with Diksha Malhotra recently and have shared our conversation below.
Diksha , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
Taking risks is inherently tied to growth, and my story is a testament to that belief. One of the most life-changing risks I’ve taken was leaving behind a thriving career in Bollywood to pursue my dreams in Hollywood—a move that not only tested my resilience but redefined my perspective on life and ambition.
Growing up in Punjab, I was immersed in a culture that cherished family values and traditional paths. Yet, I found myself drawn to the transformative power of makeup and storytelling. After building a solid career in India, working with esteemed Bollywood celebrities like Harnaaz Sandhu, Vaani Kapoor, and Huma Qureshi, I had every reason to stay. I had established myself as a trusted makeup artist in the industry, contributing to acclaimed projects like Netflix’s Shush! Silence the Patriarchy and commercial campaigns for Club Mahindra and Zouk. However, a deep-seated passion for pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges kept calling me to Hollywood.
In 2022, I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles—a city brimming with opportunities but completely unfamiliar to me. With no connections, no immediate safety net, and just my craft and unrelenting passion, I stepped into this new world, ready to start from scratch. I enrolled in FIDM’s Beauty Marketing and Product Development program to sharpen my understanding of the global beauty industry while navigating the cultural and professional differences of a new continent.
It wasn’t easy. I faced moments of doubt, homesickness, and financial strain, particularly after a devastating incident where my makeup kit was stolen, forcing me to rebuild from the ground up. Despite these challenges, I remained steadfast, relying on the values instilled in me—hard work, humility, and persistence.
Today, I’m proud to say that risk paid off. I’ve had the privilege to work on projects that once felt like distant dreams. From character makeup for aliens and vampires in comedy-horror films to historical transformations in the period drama Six Days in Bombay, my work is now being showcased on platforms I once admired from afar. Stepping into Hollywood has broadened my perspective, introduced me to incredible people and cultures, and allowed me to evolve both as an artist and as a person.
This journey from Bollywood to Hollywood wasn’t just about switching industries—it was about believing in myself, taking that leap into the unknown, and proving that with passion and perseverance, the world can truly become your canvas.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am Diksha Malhotra, a makeup artist and creative professional with over eight years of international experience spanning Bollywood to Hollywood. My journey into the world of makeup began with a fascination for storytelling and transformation. Growing up in Punjab, a culturally rich yet traditional region, I was drawn to the power of beauty and its ability to empower individuals. What started as an exploration of my mother’s vanity and a love for films evolved into a full-fledged career where I combine artistry with narrative to bring characters and visions to life.
I specialize in a diverse range of makeup services, including character design, special effects (SFX), editorial, bridal, and commercial looks. Whether it’s creating historically accurate makeup for a period drama like Six Days in Bombay, bringing aliens and vampires to life for a comedy-horror like Astral Plane Drifters, or crafting glam looks for music videos and commercials, my work is driven by attention to detail, creative collaboration, and a deep understanding of my client’s needs.
My approach is grounded in storytelling. Every look I create is a visual narrative that aligns with the director’s vision, the actor’s persona, and the overall tone of the project. My time coordination and ability to adapt to high-pressure production schedules ensure that my clients can rely on me to keep the flow of their projects seamless. From Bollywood brides in India to Hollywood productions, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise, cultural sensitivity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to bridge diverse artistic disciplines. Whether it’s delicate prosthetic work for a short film, high-glam editorial looks for magazine covers, or natural, authentic makeup for an intimate bridal session, I thrive on versatility. This adaptability, paired with my strong work ethic, has earned me recognition across borders and industries.
Among my proudest achievements are the projects that not only challenged me creatively but also allowed me to showcase my artistry on some of the biggest platforms. One of the highlights of my career was seeing my work shine during New York Fashion Week, with models I had worked on featured prominently on billboards in Times Square—a moment that felt like a dream come true.
Additionally, I’ve collaborated with incredible international music artists, including Shubh, whose viral success has made waves across the globe. Being part of such impactful projects, where my artistry contributes to the storytelling and visual narrative, is deeply fulfilling.
Another career milestone has been working with The Real Housewives, where I crafted glam looks that embodied luxury, confidence, and individuality. These opportunities have allowed me to bridge the gap between my Bollywood roots and Hollywood aspirations, expanding my reach while celebrating my unique approach to makeup artistry.
Each of these achievements represents my commitment to excellence, adaptability, and the power of collaboration, which are the pillars of my craft.
More than just makeup, my work is about creating experiences and telling stories that leave a lasting impact. Whether I’m working on a film set, a commercial campaign, or a bridal event, I aim to make every project a masterpiece of collaboration and creativity. My brand is built on authenticity, artistry, and the belief that beauty lies in celebrating individuality.
As I continue to grow my career in Los Angeles, my vision remains clear: to inspire others, challenge industry standards, and eventually launch a cosmetic brand that redefines beauty by embracing authenticity and inclusivity. Through my work, I hope to empower people to feel confident and embrace the transformative power of makeup.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding part of being a makeup artist is witnessing the instant transformation—not just on the outside but within. There’s a palpable shift in energy the moment someone sees themselves in the mirror after sitting in my glam chair. It’s not just about enhancing their appearance; it’s about helping them feel more confident, more empowered, and more connected to their true selves.
The joy and gratitude in their eyes when they see the reflection they’ve always envisioned or didn’t even know was possible is an immediate and fulfilling reward. Whether it’s a bride radiating confidence on her big day, an actor stepping into character with newfound conviction, or someone simply feeling like the best version of themselves, those moments fuel my passion.
As an artist, I get to create not just looks but feelings—confidence, pride, and sometimes even rediscovered self-love. That emotional connection and transformation make every challenge and every brushstroke worth it. It’s a privilege to play a role in making people feel seen, celebrated, and extraordinary.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
At the core of my creative journey is a mission to redefine beauty and the way society perceives it. For far too long, beauty has been narrowly defined by unrealistic standards—specific sizes, colors, and notions of “flawlessness” that leave many feeling inadequate or pressured to conform. I want to challenge and break free from these constraints.
My goal is to create a world where beauty is about authenticity, individuality, and self-expression. I envision a society that celebrates all forms of beauty, where people feel free to embrace their uniqueness without the weight of societal judgment or comparison. Through my work, I want to encourage a more inclusive and secure approach to beauty, fostering self-confidence rather than unattainable ideals.
Eventually, I aspire to launch a cosmetic brand rooted in these values—one that empowers people to celebrate their natural selves and embrace their imperfections as part of their beauty story. Whether through my art, collaborations, or future ventures, my mission is to make people feel seen, valued, and beautiful, exactly as they are.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_face_couture/?hl=en
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
I have rights to the images