Manisha Koirala Reflects on Career Struggles and Finding Renewed Passion for Acting
Manisha Koirala, a beloved star of the 90s known for her beauty and acting skills, recently made a comeback with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Reflecting on her career, she shared a moment when she felt disillusioned with acting. She recalled a conversation with Dimple Kapadia, who advised her to appreciate the art, though at the time, Koirala couldn’t quite understand her perspective.
In a candid interview with ANI, Koirala opened up about a phase when work no longer excited her, leaving her feeling bored and unfulfilled. During a film shoot, she confided in Dimple Kapadia, telling her that she was tired of acting. Dimple responded with advice that she didn’t expect: “You better enjoy it because this is not going to last forever.” At the time, Koirala was taken aback, thinking, “What is she even saying? Can’t she understand I’m bored?”
Years later, however, the Dil Se actress began to appreciate Dimple’s words. Koirala explained that the phase of burnout happened when she was working multiple shifts across different films, often without a break. The intense work schedule, which started with hours of makeup and back-to-back shifts, left her feeling drained. Unlike today’s industry standards, Koirala didn’t have weekends or breaks, which eventually led to exhaustion and a temporary loss of passion.
A Remarkable Journey in Bollywood
Manisha Koirala began her Bollywood journey in 1992 with Saudagar and quickly rose to fame with performances in iconic films like Dil Se, Khamoshi: The Musical, Company, 1942: A Love Story, and Akele Hum Akele Tum. In 2012, Koirala faced a major life challenge when she was diagnosed with cancer, leading her to take a break from her career to focus on her health. After her recovery, she returned to the screen with a powerful performance as the legendary actress Nargis in Sanju, starring alongside Ranbir Kapoor.
Today, with a renewed perspective and passion, Manisha Koirala continues to embrace her craft, appreciating the wisdom Dimple Kapadia shared with her all those years ago. Her journey stands as a testament to resilience, reminding fans of her dedication to her art and her ability to overcome both personal and professional challenges.