Image Instagrammed by Manisha Koirala. (Etiquette: Manisha Koirala,
New Delhi:
To Manisha KoiraThe success of Hiramandi, She shared a long post about how the series was a “milestone” in her life both professionally and personally. Manisha pointed out that she never imagined that life would give her a second chance after “turning 50” and battling cancer. Manisha shared some beautiful snapshots from the series and wrote, “After cancer and turning 50, I could never have imagined that my life would enter this second phase. Two reasons: 1. Hiramandi has been an important milestone. 53 years old – a high-profile An older actor landing a lead role in a web series, with OTT platforms and changing audience profiles, I’m so glad I’m not stuck playing a minor role I’m fortunate enough to be a part of this evolving era.
Manisha wrote Regarding the second reason, “2. Today, when I’m receiving so many compliments, I can’t help but remember the doubts and worries of getting ready to start shooting. Still recovering from the terrible C, what an intense shooting schedule my body is, Be strong enough to withstand the heavy costumes and jewelry and perform a role that requires such subtle and effortless effort?”
Manisha also recalled the experience of shooting the “most physically challenging” fountain sequence. FYI, Manisha was raped by the British authorities as the price she paid for rescuing her daughter Alamzeb from the clutches of the authorities. After the horrific torture, Manisha sat under the fountain to ease her pain (physical and mental). About the shooting experience, Manisha wrote, “The fountain sequence turned out to be the most physically challenging. It required me to submerge myself in a water fountain for over 12 hours. It tested my resilience! Although Sanjay thoughtfully ensured that the water was warm and clean, for hours, the water turned muddy, (Because my team members, the cinematographer and the art director, were getting into the water to work around the scene.) Every pore of my body was soaked in that muddy water. I was very tired by the end of the shoot, but I felt that I had passed a serious physical test.
Manisha signed off her lengthy post with the words, “For those of you who think your time has come and gone, be it age, illness or any setback, never give up! You never know what might be waiting for you around the bend!”
During the promotions of Heeramandi, Manisha Koirala spoke about her journey in the film industry, life after battling cancer and the experience of working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after 28 years. Talking to NDTV, Manisha said, “When I was offered this project, I was in Nepal, doing gardening and I was very excited. I waited for so long. I waited for 28 years and finally Sanjay came up with a great way. The project and I told him, ‘Sanjay don’t give me another 28 years.’
She added, “I have seen his films after Khamoshi. It gives me so much joy and happiness to see his career graph and one great film after another. When I got this offer at this age and stage in my life, I was really thrilled.”
Hiramandi opened to largely positive reviews. In his review for NDTV, film critic Saibal Chatterjee wrote, “Bhansali treats his extremes with restraint. The series is an elegy for a house of spirited Ganarayas yearning for honor and freedom during the tumultuous end of the festival. The British Raj, one marked by the rapidly waning power of the Nawabs.” Yuga who was the chief protector of the Notch daughters of Hiramandi.” The series stars Manisha Koirala, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sharmin Segal and Sanjeeda Shaikh, Fardeen Khan, Shekhar Suman, Adhiyan Suman and Taha Shah.
