Manisha Koirala, one of Bollywood’s most esteemed actresses, recently opened up about a challenging moment in her early career. With over three decades in the film industry and an impressive filmography that includes classics like Saudagar, 1942: A Love Story, Dil Se, Mann, Lajja, Company, and Sanju, Koirala has faced her share of highs and lows.
A Disrespectful Encounter
In a recent interview with Filmfare, Koirala recalled an incident from the 90s when a renowned photographer insulted her for refusing to wear a bikini during a photo shoot.
Manisha shared that she had gone to this famous photographer’s studio with her mother. Initially, the photographer praised her, saying she had the potential to be a star. However, the atmosphere changed when he asked her to wear a two-piece bikini. Koirala explained that she was comfortable wearing bikinis at the beach or while swimming, but she wasn’t willing to wear one just to get into movies.
The photographer’s reaction was harsh. He said, “Jo mitti pighalne se sharmaati ho uski moorti kaise banaye (The clay that refuses to mold, how do I make a statue from it).” This comment has stayed with Koirala, highlighting the mindset of some industry people at that time.
Manisha Koirala’s Recent Work
Despite such challenges, Manisha Koirala has continued to shine in her career. She was recently seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. The series, which premiered on Netflix on May 1, features an ensemble cast including Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Sharmin Segal, Fardeen Khan, and Shekhar Suman. It garnered significant attention on social media.
Manisha Koirala’s journey in the film industry serves as an inspiration, showing her resilience and commitment to her principles, even in the face of adversity.