Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 5 (ANI): Manisha Koirala, the iconic actress known for her versatile performances in Bollywood and regional cinema, has had a career that has spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on Indian films.
In a candid interview with ANI, she shared insights into her evolution as an actress, the challenges of the industry, and her ongoing mission to live with gratitude and purpose.
Looking back at her early years in the industry, Manisha observes a striking difference between actresses of her generation and those in the industry today.
“A lot of difference,” she said, adding, “Today, the girls are much wiser. They are so sure of what they want out of life. They are more disciplined, focused, and some of them are superbly talented from day one.”
She acknowledged that her own journey was quite different. “Honestly speaking, I learned on the job,” adding, “I became better per film, with the good directors I worked with. I remember during ‘1942: A Love Story’, I learned what good acting was.”
For Manisha, the learning curve was steep, and her dedication to her craft saw her evolve into one of the finest actresses of her generation.
As her career progressed, Manisha found herself facing a common challenge in the film industry–repetitiveness.
“I remember waking up one day and saying, ‘Oh my God, this is what my life looks like,'” she recalled.
The constant grind of shooting multiple films simultaneously left her drained.
“I would get up in the morning, spend 2-3 hours in makeup, and work 12-14 hours a day. There were no holidays, no concept of work-life balance,” she added.
At one point, the exhaustion became overwhelming, and Manisha found herself losing interest in acting. “I was bored of acting. Dimpleji gave me great advice–she told me to enjoy it because it wouldn’t last forever. At the time, I didn’t understand it, but now I do,” the ‘Dil Se’ actress reflected.
The fast-paced and competitive nature of the film industry made it hard for Manisha to form lasting friendships. She admitted that while some relationships in the industry were fleeting, others, like her friendship with actress Deepti Naval, endured.
“Friendships in this industry are tough because the span of an actor’s career is often short, and you’re always competing with others who are equally beautiful and talented,” she explained.
However, Manisha has always maintained a level of detachment from the pressures of the industry. “I didn’t have that drive to be the top heroine. I wasn’t driven by insecurity,” she said, adding, “My friendships have been through good and bad days, but I believe in honesty and forgiveness. These qualities are essential in any relationship.”
Throughout her career, Manisha had the privilege of working with some of the most renowned directors in the film industry, including Subhash Ghai, Mani Ratnam, Prakash Jha, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
“I try to mould myself with each director I work with,” she said, adding, “A director is the captain of the ship, and I believe in adapting to their vision.”
While she is willing to bend her own style to meet the director’s vision, Manisha is also quick to assess whether a project is in capable hands.
“There are times when you know the director is not as skilled, and then you have to bring your own craft to the table,” she admitted, adding, “But when you’re working with a gifted director, you surrender to their creativity.”
Outside of her film career, Manisha has also used her platform to raise awareness about pressing social issues. One cause close to her heart is human trafficking, particularly from her home country Nepal.
“Poverty, lack of education, and a lack of political will are all contributing factors,” she said, adding, “Women are often the most vulnerable, and it’s heartbreaking that this issue is still prevalent.”
Manisha’s advocacy for this cause is part of her broader desire to contribute to meaningful change. “We need a societal will to address these issues,” she insisted, calling for stronger political action and societal awareness to combat trafficking.
At this stage in her life, Manisha’s focus is not on career accomplishments, but on inner peace and gratitude.
“I want to live with gratitude in my heart,” she said with a sense of calm, adding, “I don’t want to chart my own path. I want to explore and see what life has in store for me.”
Her journey has been one of ups and downs, but Manisha has learned to embrace the uncertainties. “It’s been a great rollercoaster ride. I’m open to whatever comes my way, but my basic requirements are happiness and health,” she stated with serene optimism.
Manisha Koirala’s career may have been full of challenges, but her resilience, adaptability, and willingness to grow both as an artist and a person have ensured that she remains a beloved figure in the Indian film industry.
From battling the repetitive grind of filmmaking to finding strength in difficult friendships and using her voice for causes that matter, Manisha continues to inspire both her fans and peers.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Manisha recently made a comeback to acting and is being lauded for her role as Mallika Jaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut web series ‘Heeramandi’.
In the show, Manisha shared screen space with Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh and Aditi Rao Hydari among others.
Set against the backdrop of India’s struggle for independence in the 1940s, the show explores the lives of courtesans and their patrons, delving into the cultural dynamics of Heera Mandi.(ANI)
Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed of ANI; only the image & headline may have been reworked by News Services Division of World News Network Inc Ltd and Palghar News and Pune News and World News
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