Manisha Koirala was in Bengaluru recently as part of the fourth edition of Leading Ladies International Women’s Day celebrations. It was organised by Embassy Office Parks. As Manisha walks in, she looks dainty, dressed in white and is all smiles as she sits down to chat with the press. She obligingly poses for every photographer.
The actor overcame her struggles and has carved a niche for herself in the history of Indian cinema with her powerful portrayals in movies such as Dil Se, 1942 A Love Story, Bombay, Agni Sakshi and Lajja to name a few. She has battled and conquered cancer and is now raring to talk and motivate everyone around her. “Life itself is stressful. You have to overcome and put in a certain amount of work to achieve anything. When you are losing life, however, that is a grave situation. You can achieve anything if you have life on your side,” says the three-time Filmfare winning actor, UNPF Goodwill Ambassador and an advocate of Cancer Awareness.
Manisha is now not just campaigning against cancer, but has also written a book, Healed, which chronicles her fight against the disease. Besides this, she is also taking up “interesting films. I avoid dark subjects as much as possible as I want to remain positive. I have just returned from a dark experience. I know an artiste should be free of such inhibitions, but right now, that is how I want to be. Cancer changed my entire world — the way I look at life or even understand it. I love life more now. I am grateful for the life I have and the opportunities I get. I tend to forgive quickly and want to grab everything that life offers me with both arms. I also saw the beautiful side of humanity when I was ill. People from all over were sending prayers, wishes, health tips and songs my way. That humbled me. This time, there is a passion to live well and live right.”
For those of us who live in the fast lane, Manisha has a word of advise. “Don’t overdo anything as nothing is worth losing your peace and health. Keep a check and everything in balance. I too am a working woman, I travel a lot and lead a hectic life. I too have dreams, but, I remember to rest and tell myself to stop. I remind myself to let my body and mind be in harmony, which is important. Keep a parameter of your well being at the fore front, no matter what your deadlines or job demands are.”
Talking of her favourite topic, cinema she says, “I have been lucky to have worked with great minds in Mumbai and the south. I still hold my experience with Mani Ratnam special. It opened a whole new world for me. Today, I feel, is an interesting time for Indian cinema. Netflix has opened a Pandora’s box and ample opportunities are available. Actors of my age are getting a good space. Times have changed so have the viewers. They have more exposure and automatically the quality of cinema is also changing. Indian cinema has evolved over the years”
Manisha also reveals that she feared the film industry and people would forget her while she was away from the limelight. “Thankfully, they remembered me. Directors called me while I was still in Nepal to offer roles.”
Has she seen any Nepali films? “I have not seen any commercial Nepali cinema, but was on the jury for the Nepali Short Film Festival. Hindi cinema has such a huge influence that some people in smaller countries tend to follow that and make awful copies.
I advise young filmmakers not to do that. The films I saw at the festival, however, made me happy that they were telling stories pertaining to Nepal, its lifestyle and relationships. Some films were really good.”
Coming from political background, did she ever think of getting into politics? Manisha replies, “I keep thinking about it, but keep pushing against it. I am an artiste at heart. I am super sensitive and don’t think I will fare well in politics. I am not hardcore, but am all heart.”
