When Manisha Koirala began her acting career, starring alongside Madhuri Dixit in Lajja, she did not appreciate being likened to her talented co-star.
Manisha Koirala was frequently compared to Madhuri Dixit for her resemblance when she made her debut in Subhash Ghai’s movie Saudagar in 1991. In a recent interview with ANI, Manisha shared her initial response to being likened to the renowned actress.
Manisha’s statement
Manisha expressed that back in those days, she didn’t feel flattered, but now she does due to the beauty, grace, and wonderful personality of the woman in question whom she loves as a person. She considered it a great honor. Manisha described herself as a “rebel” when she initially entered the film industry, opting to chart her own course rather than follow others’ advice.
Years later, when she co-starred with Madhuri in Rajkumar Santoshi’s crime drama Lajja in 2001, her attitude had shifted. “I had grown and matured by then. I realized what a down-to-earth person she was, incredibly talented and stunning,” Manisha reflected. She mentioned putting in significant effort to match steps with Madhuri in their iconic song Badi Mushkil.
Madhuri played a pivotal role in Manisha’s casting for her debut film.
Manisha came to discover that Madhuri played a key role in helping her land a significant opportunity in Bollywood. “She’s truly amazing. I adore her. What’s more, I later found out that she had put forward my name. She had spotted me in a photoshoot by Rakesh Shrestha. She specifically mentioned to Subhash (Ghai) Ji that she had seen a girl, ‘You must consider her for Saudagar’. That’s how Subhash Ji requested my photo from Rakesh Shrestha.
Manisha reflected on her time filming Saudagar as a valuable experience from her youth. Fresh out of her 12th standard at just 18 or 19 years old, she admitted to being incredibly inexperienced and fearful, with a tendency to keep others at arm’s length. Surprisingly, three years later, she would step into Madhuri’s shoes in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1994 classic, 1942: A Love Story.
In a recent development, Manisha portrayed the character of Mallika Jaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s inaugural web series titled Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar exclusively available on Netflix India. On the other hand, Madhuri’s most recent role was in Anees Bazmee’s highly successful horror comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.
