Manisha Rani, known for her appearance on the reality shows, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 and Bigg Boss OTT 2, recently opened up about her distressing encounter with the casting couch. In an interview with Galatta India, Rani disclosed how she was approached by someone claiming to be affiliated with the Bigg Boss team. According to her, this individual obtained her contact information through acquaintances and expressed assurance regarding her participation in the show.
"We were in Bihar at the time, and he called me, saying that If I want to go on Colors or do Bigg Boss I should come to Mumbai. He insisted that I return to Mumbai immediately," Manisha recounted, explaining how she was persuaded to fly back to Mumbai under the belief that she would soon be on Bigg Boss.
However, the situation took a dark turn when the individual called her late at night, demanding that she visit his home. Refusing to comply, Manisha faced verbal abuse and was subjected to negative remarks that left her distraught. "In the end, I realised that nobody helps anyone. If you have talent, you'll make it," she concluded, reflecting on the unfortunate incident.
Who Is Manisha Rani?
Manisha Rani, hailing from a small village in the Munger district of Bihar, harboured dreams of becoming an actor, dancer, and performer from a young age. However, her aspirations faced resistance from her family, particularly her father and extended relatives, who disapproved of the glamour industry.
Determined to pursue her passion for dance, Manisha sought opportunities outside her district, but her father's refusal prompted her to take matters into her own hands. At just 16 years old, she left home without permission and ventured to Kolkata, leaving behind a letter for her father.
In Kolkata, Manisha faced numerous challenges, working as a waitress at weddings and dancing as an extra in ceremonies to sustain herself. Despite living in a makeshift hut and surviving on meagre meals, she persevered, refusing to return home and confronting every hardship head-on.
After a failed attempt to break into the industry through Dance India Dance 5, Manisha found herself out of work upon her return home. It wasn't until 2018, with the rise of TikTok in India, that she found a platform to showcase her talent. Despite lacking proper equipment, she began creating videos on the rooftop of her home, using a black dupatta as a makeshift background.
Manisha's persistence paid off when one of her videos, featuring a song sung by her, went viral overnight, garnering 1 million views. This marked the beginning of her journey as a viral sensation on TikTok, propelling her towards recognition and opportunities in the entertainment industry. Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, Manisha's determination ultimately led her to reality show Bigg Boss OTT 2. Moreover, Manisha Rani clinched victory in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 as she joined the competition as a wildcard entrant.