Manisha Koirala, gearing up for her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming series “Heeramandi,” where she portrays a central character in pre-independence India, recently reflected on a significant career regret. In an interview with India Today, she revealed her decision to decline a Yash Chopra film because it starred Madhuri Dixit alongside her, citing her own insecurity as the reason behind the choice.
Expressing remorse over her decision, Manisha admitted, “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.”
However, Manisha Koirala later had the opportunity to work with Madhuri in Raj Kumar Santoshi’s “Lajja,” where she found Madhuri to be not only a talented actress but also a wonderful person. Reflecting on the experience, she remarked, “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.”
Manisha Koirala’s Journey: Reflecting on Missed Opportunities and Overcoming Insecurities
The film Manisha initially turned down, “Dil To Pagal Hai,” eventually featured Karishma Kapoor in the role opposite Madhuri Dixit. The iconic dance-off between the two actresses in the film, famously known as “The Dance of Envy,” remains a beloved moment among fans. Prior to Karishma Kapoor, other prominent actresses including Urmila Matondkar, Kajol, Raveena Tandon, and Juhi Chawla had also declined the opportunity to be a part of the project.
In “Heeramandi,” Manisha Koirala portrays the character of Mallikajaan, a courtesan in the red-light district of Heera Mandi in Lahore, set against the backdrop of pre-partition India in the 1940s. The series explores the complex relationships between courtesans, Nawabs, and British officers during that era. Alongside Manisha, the series features an ensemble cast including Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal. “Heeramandi” is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on May 1st.
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