Manisha Koirala Birthday Special: From Shah Rukh Khan to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Here’s How Her Talent Has Had Her Colleagues in Awe

Manisha Koirala was born on August 16, 1970 in Biratnagar, Nepal. She comes from one of the strongest political families of the country. Her father Prakash Koirala is a former Cabinet minister while her late grandfather Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala was the Prime Minister of Nepal. Her extended family is also in active politics. After studying in Army Public School, Delhi for some time she moved to Mumbai to become an actress. Manisha Koirala made her debut with Saudagar, a success, but her next few films tanked at the box office. Filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra saw a spark and sensitivity in her that led to her being a part of 1942: A Love Story. It was a landmark movie in her career. She was also diagnosed with ovarian cancer and sought treatment in the US. Manisha Koirala stayed away from films for five long years. National Doctors’ Day 2024: Cancer Survivor Manisha Koirala Dedicates #SecondBirthDate to Her Doctors As Sign of Gratitude (Watch Video).

‘1942: A Love Story’ Was a Turning Point in Her Career

In 2024, Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi was a treat for all fans of Manisha Koirala who wanted to see her collaborate again with her Khamoshi director. The show also got her new fans from the current generation who raved about her melancholic yet menacing performance as Mallikajaan. One of the finest actresses of Indian cinema, Manisha Koirala has never ceased to amaze those who worked with her. Here is a lowdown...

Shah Rukh Khan Showed Support to Manisha Koirala

When Manisha Koirala made a comeback in films with Dear Maya in 2017, Shah Rukh Khan took to X (formerly Twitter) to show support to his Dil Se co-star. He had posted, "My friend Manisha Koirala's new film 'Dear Maya' is out today. She is so beautiful in more ways than anyone can imagine... Do go and see her film please." He is also her favourite from all the three Khans. Manisha Koirala had said that he was very protective about her when they were filming Dil Se. She also said he would have his tea sitting on the floor showcasing his humble and rooted personality.

Nana Patekar Gushed About Manisha Koirala in ‘Heeramandi’

Nana Patekar and Manisha Koirala did films like Agni Sakshi (1996), Yugpurush (1998) and Khamoshi: The Musical (1996) together. They began to date when they were working together in Agni Sakshi. Later, Nana Patekar spoke about their affair publicly. He also said he had watched Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi and loved Manisha Koirala's performance as Mallikajaan. When asked if he called up to congratulate her, he said he did not have her new number. After their breakup, Nana Patekar had said, "She is the most sensitive actress around. She is like a Kasturi Hiran, she still needs to realize that she doesn’t need to keep pace with anyone. She has it all and that’s more than enough. I can barely hold back the tears when I see what she’s doing to herself."

‘Khamoshi: The Musical’ Has a Special Place in the Hearts of Fans

Sanjay Leela Bhansali on His Long-Term Friendship With the ‘Khamoshi’ Actress

During the Heeramandi promotions, he said he was lucky to have worked with her in many projects. He said that Manisha Koirala is a true star as she is not over exposed on social media, reality shows, films or OTT space. He said he is very drawn to her mystique, which adds to her appeal on screen. Bhansali said that as an actor she is exemplary, and working with her is always a special experience for him. Sanjay Leela Bhansali went gaga over her work ethic in Heeramandi and revealed his favourite scene is the one where Mallikajaan says, "Chaand Baramde Main Utarta Nahi."

Manisha Koirala Was Glorious As Mallikajaan in Heeramandi

Subhash Ghai on Manisha Koirala’s Transformation in 'Bombay'

Subhash Ghai was the one who launched Manisha Koirala in Saudagar in 1991. In an interview, he had said that when he debuted her, she was a complete non-actor. He said she had a terrific face for celluloid but her energy level was really low. But when he saw Mani Ratnam's Bombay he was surprised by her transformation as an actress.

We are sure the world wants to see more of her in films or OTT shows. Manisha Koirala is also active in spreading cancer awareness in the masses by sharing her story of survival. We wish her a Happy Birthday!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 16, 2024 08:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).