On the 28th anniversary of Khamoshi: The Musical, Manisha Koirala shared that she wasn’t originally Sanjay Leela Bhansali first choice for the lead role. Although her career took off dramatically after her acclaimed performance in this romantic musical, Manisha told PTI that she wasn’t even on Bhansali radar at first.
Manisha explained, “I did Khamoshi 28 years ago, but I wasn’t his first choice. We had become friends, and he told me, ‘Manisha, I’ve written this script, but you’re not in it. Kajol and Madhuri are my choices.'” Manisha laughed as she remembered this.
Despite not being initially chosen, Manisha thought the script was fantastic and told Bhansali, “If those two don’t work out, I’m here.” It seems that fate had a role, and the part eventually came to her.
In Khamoshi, Manisha played Annie Braganza, a woman passionate about music who faces the tough choice between pursuing her dreams and caring for her deaf and mute parents, portrayed by Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas.
The film also featured Salman Khan, Helen, Himani Shivpuri, and Raghubir Yadav in important roles. Although it didn’t do well at the box office, Khamoshi is now considered one of the greatest Indian films ever.
Many people might not know that Manisha was also meant to work with Bhansali on Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Devdas, but those projects didn’t materialize. The two reunited for Bhansali digital debut, Heeramandi, this year.
Manisha, who had been out of the spotlight for a while, mentioned in the same interview that she was enjoying gardening and relaxing in her hometown, Kathmandu, when she got the call for Heeramandi. Set in Lahore Heeramandi, this Netflix series, which explores India freedom struggle, featured Manisha as Mallikajaan, the matriarch. The show was a big hit and has already been renewed for a second season.
