Veteran actress Manisha Koirala recently graced the screens in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest web series, Heeramandi, available on the popular streaming platform Netflix.
The series, set in the 1920s, delves into the lives of courtesans in Lahore prior to the Partition amidst India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Offering a glimpse into the rich history from the Mughal era to the Sikh empire, Heeramandi has quickly become one of the most-watched shows.
Manisha Koirala received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Mallikajaan, the chief courtesan of Shahi Mahal. Among her admirers is her co-star from the film Dil Se, Preity Zinta, who lauded her performance.
During the trailer launch event in Delhi, Manisha Koirala expressed her joy at reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after more than two decades, emphasizing the dedication and affection poured into the creation of Heeramandi.
Taking to Instagram, Manisha Koirala shared her gratitude and reflections on working on the series after battling cancer and depression. Celebrating her 50th birthday, she penned a heartfelt post detailing her journey and the significance of her role in Heeramandi. 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.”
In her post, Koirala highlighted the milestone of being cast in a prominent role at 53, acknowledging the evolving landscape of opportunities for female actors in the industry. She also shared the physical challenges she faced during filming, particularly in demanding scenes like the fountain sequence. She emphasized,
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!
Here’s her viral post:
Preity Zinta praised her as a hero and conveyed her admiration for her Dil Se co-star, Manisha Koirala, emphasizing that she only had positive remarks to share about her.
Preity Zinta’s response to Koirala’s post garnered attention, with the actress praising her as a “powerhouse of talent” and recalling her support during their time working together on Dil Se.
Heeramandi, boasting a stellar cast including Manisha Koirala, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, and others, premiered on Netflix on May 1, 2024. Koirala’s performance has further solidified her reputation as a versatile and skilled actress.
Have you had the chance to watch Heeramandi yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
