Manisha Koirala, who is waiting for the release of 'Heeramandi', spoke about declining Yash Chopra's 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' with Madhuri Dixit.
She said that she was insecure as she was pitted against Madhuri Dixit in the film.
advertisementMANISHA KOIRALA ON REGRETS IN HER CAREERIt is a little-known fact that, before Karisma Kapoor, it was Manisha Koirala who was offered Yash Chopra's 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'.
I was pitted against Madhuri ji [Dixit], and I got scared.
Manisha praised Madhuri and said, "Madhuri ji is such a good person and actress.
Manisha Koirala, who is waiting for the release of 'Heeramandi', spoke about declining Yash Chopra's 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai' with Madhuri Dixit. She said that she was insecure as she was pitted against Madhuri Dixit in the film. As the actor is all set for a grand comeback with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi', she opened up about her illustrious career. After multiple delays, the series is finally gearing up for a grand release.
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MANISHA KOIRALA ON REGRETS IN HER CAREER
It is a little-known fact that, before Karisma Kapoor, it was Manisha Koirala who was offered Yash Chopra's 'Dil Toh Pagal Hai'. However, she turned down the offer. But it is that experience of hers that made her reconsider her career choices further.
Exclusively speaking to IndiaToday.in, Manisha recalled, "One of the regrets that I have in my career is that I didn't do Yash Chopra's film. I was pitted against Madhuri ji [Dixit], and I got scared. I backed out of that project."
'GOT INSECURE OF MADHURI': MANISHA KOIRALA
Manisha added, "Every actor of my time, when Yash Ji was alive, wanted to work with him because he portrayed women so beautifully. I went to Yash Ji's office and told him, 'Sir, it is my dream to be your heroine, solo. You are pitting me against Madhuri ji'. Somehow [because of] better judgement of mine, I think I missed out."
Here's the trailer of 'Heeramandi':
ON DOING 'LAJJA'
It is almost surreal that Manisha then went on to work with Madhuri Dixit in 'Lajja'. Explaining the same, Manisha shared, "Years later, when Raj Santoshi ji offered 'Lajja' to me, I took it because I had done the mistake before. 'Lajja's' story was mind-blowing, it was women-centric, and I was bowled over by the subject. I think when you have a strong maker, and when you are confident in your own skin, the security comes. Also, I had done the mistake of letting go of a major project which could have been a landmark film in my career. I realised I didn't want to do that mistake again because of my silly insecurities. I am so glad I did it. I am so proud of 'Lajja'."
'MADHURI JI IS SUCH A GOOD ACTOR'
Reiterating that she learnt from her mistakes and that years later, she knew she had no reason to be insecure. Manisha praised Madhuri and said, "Madhuri ji is such a good person and actress. There was no need for me to be insecure. I think when you have a strong actor in front of you, you only perform better. They encourage you to perform better. That comes from age and experience. I loved working with Madhuri ji in that [movie]. I loved working with Rekha ji as well."
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Now, Manisha is coming back with 'Heeramandi', which boasts a solid ensemble cast. The show features Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chaddha, Sonakshi Sinha, amongst others in pivotal roles.
'Heeramandi' will stream on Netflix from May 1 onwards.
