'Never Give Up': Manisha Koirala's Inspiring Journey From Cancer To Comeback

Manisha Koirala has been receiving widespread acclaim for her role as Mallika Jaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Her performance has captivated fans, but there's more to this series than just entertainment—it's a significant milestone for the veteran actor.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Koirala shared two pivotal reasons why Heeramandi holds immense importance for her. Firstly, at 53 years old, she feels elated to have secured a substantial role in a prestigious web series. Manisha expressed joy that she's no longer confined to insignificant peripheral roles, thanks to the rise of OTT platforms and evolving audience preferences. This shift has allowed female actors and industry professionals to receive the recognition and quality work they deserve.

Manisha Koirala On Overcoming Cancer To Embracing Menopause

Secondly, the actor reflected on the physical and emotional challenges she faced while shooting Heeramandi, especially after battling cancer and approaching her 50s. She recalled moments of doubt and anxiety, questioning if her body could endure the demanding shooting schedules, heavy costumes, and nuanced performances required for her role. One particular sequence, filmed in a water fountain for over 12 hours, tested her resilience to the limit. Despite exhaustion and discomfort, she felt deep happiness, knowing she had overcome physical challenges. 

Many have praised Koirala since the release of the series; one commented regarding the scene, saying, "This scene in black will go down in history and remain in our hearts forever." Another wrote, "That fountain scene was the best scene and performance of yours. You will be the best actress for this. It was marvellous."

Koirala delivered a powerful message to all, especially women, urging those who feel they have reached a certain age, menopause, or view it as an illness to persevere and never give up. She wrote, "To you who think your time has come and gone, whether it’s due to age, illness, or any setback, never give up!"

Check out her post here.

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A post shared by Manisha Koirala (@m_koirala)

1990 - 2000's female actors’s powerful comebacks have shown the shifting landscape of the entertainment industry. With OTT platforms gaining prominence, actors like Koirala, Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon, and Sushmita Sen are among those finding opportunities to showcase their talent and break free from stereotypical roles.