Manisha Koirala, who has been receiving praise from fans and critics for her fabulous performance as Malikajaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, recently opened up about her experiences in Bollywood in the 90s. Speaking with Filmfare, she revealed that she was told to hide that she was drinking alcohol and that she even had a boyfriend. Manisha said that she is ‘upfront’ and ‘unapologetic’ about her life.
Told to Hide Drinking Alcohol
Manisha recalled that at the time of Saudagar, her debut in Hindi films, people around her told her to lie about drinking vodka at a party. She was told to “say you’re drinking coke” because “actresses are not meant to be drinking alcohol.” She shared that it was her mother who pushed her to not lie about drinking vodka if she was, she told her, “Don’t lie for small little things.”
Manisha said that this mindset also applied to her relationships as well and if she was dating anyone at the time she would not lie about it. She boldly stated, “If you want to judge me, go ahead and judge me but that’s me. This is me, I lead my life on my own terms.”
Sexism in Bollywood
Manisha also spoke about the sexism that was prevalent in Bollywood during the 90’s. She said that the heroes (actors) could have many girlfriends and they would be called “macho men”, while the actresses had to maintain an image of being “untouched”. She added that she faced criticism because of this and it became a misunderstanding that she was an “easy girl to (get)”, but she took it in her stride.
Manisha pointed out that it makes her very happy to see that the younger generations are demanding equality and fighting these stigmas. She added, “Just because I have a personal life or a boyfriend, doesn’t mean I’m going to be unprofessional. We had some very warped value systems for actresses.”
Manisha Koirala on her Toxic Relationships
Speaking about relationships, Manisha revealed that she has always fallen for the “wrong men” in her life. In her book “Healed”, she reflected on her past relationships, “I have scrutinized why I have only fallen for wrong men. I used to wonder why am I doing this again and again.” She believes that she needs to work on what is bothering her before getting into a relationship. “I have been single for five, six years now, and I am not in a mood to mingle. I still feel there is a lot of work I need to do with myself.” However, Manisha said that at some point she would like to have a good connection with a partner who is honest, ambitious and passionate.
Career
The Bollywood actor’s career has spanned over three decades, known for her work in Hindi, English and South Indian cinema. Apart from Heeramandi, Manisha was recently seen in Shehzada (2023) and Sanju (2018). She will also appear in the second season of Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar which has been renewed by Netflix.
