Manisha Koirala, a highly respected actress, is eagerly awaiting the premiere of the Netflix series ‘Heeramandi,’ helmed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She portrays one of the lead characters in this period drama set in pre-independence India. Recently, she shared an interesting revelation about her career, admitting her regret over rejecting a film offered to her by the renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra.
Koirala disclosed that her decision to turn down the film stemmed from her insecurities related to being cast alongside Madhuri Dixit. She stated, “One of the regrets I have in my career is that I didn’t do Yash Chopra’s film. I was pitted against Madhuri ji, and I got scared. I backed out of that project.”
However, in subsequent years, Koirala overcame her insecurities and embraced the opportunity to collaborate with Dixit in the film ‘Lajja.’ Reflecting on her past decision, she said, “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 went on to praise Dixit, saying, “Madhuri ji is such a good person and actress. There was no need for me to be insecure. I think when you have a strong actor in front of you, you only perform better. They encourage you to perform better. That comes from age and experience. I loved working with Madhuri ji in that (movie). I loved working with Rekha ji as well.”
The role that Koirala declined was eventually played by Karisma Kapoor in the iconic film ‘Dil Toh Paagal Hai’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit. This classic film features a memorable dance-off between Kapoor and Dixit, known as the ‘Dance of Envy.’
Meanwhile, Koirala’s grand comeback will be marked by her appearance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi.’ She portrays the role of Mallikajaan, the formidable matriarch of an elite courtesan house. Her character navigates scheming and power dynamics while facing challenges from her late nemesis’ daughter, Fareedan (Sonakshi Sinha). Amidst societal unrest and the struggle for India’s freedom from British rule, Mallikajaan’s daughters, Bibbojaan (Aditi Rao Hydari) and Alamzeb (Sharmin Segal), embark on their own journeys of love, freedom, and self-discovery.
