Manisha Koirala has weathered many storms in her professional and personal life and has emerged stronger. The actress, who won praise for her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, is in a happy space. In a conversation with us, she talks about her perspective towards work today and living life on her own terms. Excerpts:

The Khamoshi actress has never been one to shy away from expressing her thoughts. From her opinion on marriage to acknowledging the rivalry with her contemporaries back in the day, Manisha has spoken about all topics candidly.

She says, “There comes a time in life when you mature, when you’ve experienced it all – good, bad, everything. Then, you realize the value of integrity and authenticity. You also understand that we’re all flawed as human beings, and it’s fine to own up to our flaws. Nobody can teach you or give you gyaan about it, you have to realize that yourself. I’m grateful that people have accepted my honesty.”

Manisha, who was married to Samrat Dahal for two years (2010–2012), spoke in a previous interview about how marriage is not for her. Elaborating on it, she says, “I come from a belief that every human being is different and has their set of values. My brother is happily married. My parents may have had ups and downs, but they had one of the nicest marriages. They have stuck by each other through thick and thin, and I would say they still love each other so much. So, it’s not that I don’t value the institution of marriage, but it doesn’t hold that much importance for me. I would rather have companionship, which is committed for life.”

Talking about this new phase in her career, Manisha says, “I am at a point right now where either it’s all or nothing – I can’t do anything half-heartedly anymore. I have decided to give it my all when I take on something. I don’t want to take it easy. I’m more intensely involved with my characters now than I was before. As an actor, I want to create different characters where one cannot see Manisha Koirala.”

However, she isn’t in a hurry to pick up projects despite the success of Heeramandi. “At the moment, my project is to get back in shape and be healthy and fine. When you rigorously work on a film for two or three years, especially when you’re older, it takes time to get your health completely back on track.”