Actress Manisha Koirala and renowned filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali have reunited for the upcoming Netflix series ‘Heeramandi,’ marking the first time they have collaborated since ‘Khamoshi’ 28 years ago. While Koirala has worked with numerous acclaimed directors throughout her career, she expresses a regret: not starring in a Yash Chopra film.
Koirala was initially approached for the role that Karisma Kapoor eventually played in the iconic Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit starrer ‘Dil To Pagal Hai.’ However, she declined the offer due to apprehension about being cast alongside Dixit.
“One of the regrets that I have in my career is that I didn’t do Yash Chopra’s film. I was pitted against Madhuri ji (Dixit), and I got scared. I backed out of that project,” Koirala revealed in an interview with India Today. “Every actor of my time, when Yash Ji was alive, wanted to work with him because he portrayed women so beautifully. I went to Yash Ji’s office and told him, ‘Sir, it is my dream to be your heroine, solo. You are pitting me against Madhuri ji’. Somehow (because of) better judgment of mine, I think I missed out.”
Despite missing out on Chopra’s film, Koirala and Dixit went on to collaborate in Rajkumar Santoshi’s ‘Lajja,’ which also featured Rekha and Ajay Devgn. Reflecting on her decision, Koirala shared, “Years later, when Raj Santoshi ji offered ‘Lajja’ to me, I took it because I had done the mistake before. ‘Lajja’s’ story was mind-blowing, it was women-centric, and I was bowled over by the subject. I think when you have a strong maker, and when you are confident in your own skin, the security comes. Also, I had done the mistake of letting go of a major project which could have been a landmark film in my career. I realized I didn’t want to do that mistake again because of my silly insecurities. I am so glad I did it. I am so proud of ‘Lajja’.”
Koirala’s decision to prioritize her own confidence and the strength of the project over fear paid off, as ‘Lajja’ became a critical and commercial success. It remains a testament to her talent and her ability to make strong choices throughout her career.
