Veteran actress Manisha Koirala recently featured in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series Heeramandi. The series on the OTT platform Netflix is among the most watched series right now. Heeramandi is an eight-episode drama series based in the 1920s on the life of the courtesans of the city of Lahore before the Partition during the Indian independence movement against the British Raj. The period drama showcases the intriguing history from the times of the Mughals to the Sikh empire.
Manisha Koirala received immense praise for playing the role of Mallikajaan – chief courtesan of Shahi Mahal. Among her admirers, her co-star from the film Dil Se, Preity Zinta gave a huge shout-out to her.
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During the trailer launch event of the series in Delhi, Manisha Koirala talked about reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after more than two decades. She said,
“I waited 28 years for Sanjay to call me and it’s been a pleasure. It’s an honour to be working with that genius. A lot of hard work and pyaar mohabbat has gone into making Heermandi. We have made the show with so much love, and we expect you all to love it.”
Manisha Koirala recently took to Instagram and shared her gratefulness and experience of working on the series after battling with cancer and depression
The actress turned 50 and she wrote a heartfelt post about her battle with cancer and how she overcame her physical exhaustion during the shoot of Heeramandi. Manisha wrote,
I could never have imagined that after cancer and turning 50, my life would flower into this other phase.
Two reasons:
1. Heeramandi has been a significant milestone. As a 53-year-old actor who has bagged an important role in a high-profile web series, I am overjoyed that I’m not stuck playing insignificant peripheral roles, thanks to OTT platforms and changing audience profiles. Finally, female actors, technicians, and other professionals have started getting the long overdue and well-deserved good quality of work and respect in a professional environment. I am fortunate to be a part of this evolving era.
2. Today, when I am receiving so many accolades, I can’t help but remember the doubts and anxiety that plagued me when I was about to start shooting. Still recovering from the dreaded C, would my body be strong enough to deal with the intense shooting schedules, heavy costumes, and jewelry, and perform a role requiring so much nuance and effortless effort?
She added,
The fountain sequence proved the most physically challenging. It required me to be immersed in a water fountain for over 12 hours. That tested my resilience! Even though Sanjay had thoughtfully ensured that the water was warm and clean, over the hours, the water turned muddy, (because my team members, the Cinematographer, and the art director’s team were getting into the water to work around the scene.) Every single pore in my body was soaked in that muddy water. Even though I was beyond exhaustion by the end of the shoot, I felt a deep happiness within my heart. My body had taken the stress and remained resilient. I knew I had passed a critical physical test.
To you, who think your time has come and gone, whether it’s due to age, illness or any setback, never give up! You never know what could be waiting for you around the bend!
I’m deeply grateful for your love and generosity of spirit!
Take a look at Manisha Koirala’s post
View this post on Instagram
Preity Zinta called her a Hero and expressed that she had only nice things to say about her Dil Se co-star Manisha Koirala
Manisha’s post caught the attention of many Bollywood celebrities, who praised the actress for her performance. Among them, Preity Zinta called her a “powerhouse of talent”.
Preity recalled how during her debut movie, Manisha took her under her wing and guided her throughout the film’s shoot. Preity wrote,
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I love you Manisha, I saw the show for you & you killed it. You are such a powerhouse of talent & an even better human being. I will never forget how lovely, welcoming & generous you were to me in Dil Se.
Thanks to you I started my film journey on such a positive note. You never made me feel I was working with a superstar & nurtured me on the shoot – always smiling, accommodating & ready for rehearsal & suggestions. You will always be Hero on & off camera. More power to you always.
The drama series, Heeramandi features reputed actresses including Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chadha, Sharmin Segal Mehta, and Taha Shah Badussha. It was released on Netflix on 1st May 2024.
Manisha Koirala is undoubtedly a talented actress. Have you watched the series yet? Let us know in the comments.
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