Yogesh Mishra | yogesh@bollywoodtown.in
Manisha Koirala, a Nepali actress with great love for Indian cinema and music, is one of the finest actresses who ruled the hearts of the audience between the 1990s and 2000s. She made her mark in Bollywood with hit films like Saudagar, 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Khamoshi: The Musical, Dil Se and Company, and others. Heeramandi: The Dimond Bazaar, the most watched web series by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, marked her comeback to the industry. Her role in this series was highly appreciated by the viewers and critics. In an exclusive interview with Yogesh Mishra, she spoke about her being part of Heeramandi 2, favorite films, favorite Bollywood actor, future projects, and more.
Can you define yourself in one line?
Happy, lucky person, or I can say, I am a keen searcher.
After creating a history once upon a time in Bollywood, you have now tasted success in OTT as well. What do you want to say about this shift?
OTT is a great platform. It’s a future, and of course, theatre is also something we love and need, and of course it’s going to be there forever. OTT is also a present reality, and I am glad it has happened to all of us.
Buzz is that, you are also a part of Heeramandi 2. Tell us something about your working experience with Sanjay Leena Bhansali?
I am not sure if I am part of Heeramandi 2, but I can speak about that it was an absolute honor to be working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and I think he is one of the finest directors we have today.
Which Bollywood movie or song touches your heart?
So many great films that I have seen over the years. Masoom was one of the films that really touched my heart when I was a child and still does, and I love that song “Tujhse naraz nahin zindagi, hairan hun main.” I absolutely love that song. And there are so many great films that I have seen over the years in the golden era of Indian cinema, and I am a big fan of Indian cinema and great music.
What do you do when you feel low?
When I feel low, I listen to nice music, I talk to my friends, I play with my caption dogs, I go to a nature walk, I do gardening, and there are so many things to do. Also watch a good film.
Who is your favorite Bollywood actor and why?
Jackie Dada (Jackie Shroff) is my favorite because he is such a chilled guy. He is such a good human being; I just adore him.
You are an inspiring icon for many emerging stars. Any message for them?
I only want to say, in the line, because you absolutely cannot do without doing what you are doing. You know, you will have to love your profession. You have to love it with passion and just do it for the right reason, and all the money and success is going to be your by-product. You love for your craft, love for your cinema, and love for what you do will be the number one priority.
What are your upcoming projects?
Right now, I have not yet decided on my projects. I have been listening to a couple of stories and reading a couple of strips, but I have not zeroed down anything right now.
Any message for the readers of Bollywood Town?
All I say is, this life is precious. Enjoy your life. Make it really meaningful. Have a wonderful experience. Spread happiness, spread joy. This life is a blessing, and just be grateful towards it and towards everything that we have.
