Set against India’s freedom struggle, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1942: A Love Story returns to the big screen on August 21, 32 years after its release. The film’s tender romance, timeless storytelling and R.D. Burman and Javed Akhtar’s iconic soundtrack have transcended generations. Ahead of the re-release, director Vidhu Vinod Chopra and lead actors Anil Kapoor, Manisha Koirala and Jackie Shroff spoke exclusively to Bombay Times about the film’s enduring appeal. Niharika Bijli, Lead Strategist at PVR INOX, said, “We are delighted to re-release 1942: A Love Story, a film that remains one of the defining musical and cinematic landmarks in Indian cinema.” Excerpts:

Vidhu: To me, the idea of a period romance, with the softness and simplicity of that time was appealing. There is a dialogue in the film, ‘Saare desh mein aag lagi hai, aur tumko pyaar ki suji hai!’ The response is, “Agar saari duniya pyaar kare toh duniya jale hi kyon?’. I deeply believe in the philosophy of love and the choice of choosing love over hatred. Freedom is a theme that our films have returned to time and again. What I do miss is some of the earliest interpretations, how Haqeeqat (1964), captured the imagination of our country. How some of Dilip Kumar’s films like Naya Daur, Ganga Jumna explored not just freedom, but caste divide. Of course, the concept of freedom is different for this generation of Indians, as it should be for someone who hasn’t witnessed our struggle for it. We have explored this in so many of our titles like 3 idiots, Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh and even 12th Fail. Each of these films depict what freedom meant to the young generation of that time.

Vidhu: I auditioned countless actors for Naren (Anil) and Rajjo (Manisha), but none of them convinced me. Eventually, I met Anil and shared my dilemma with him. He was hesitant at first and said, “If you give me six months to prepare for the character, I’ll do it.” I told him to take as much time as he needed. Manisha’s audition, too, stayed with me. Her transformation from the first half of the film to the second was incredible. Ultimately, it was the sincerity of Anil and Manisha that made them the perfect choice.

Manisha: Anil had already done so much wonderful work, and as a young actor, I learnt a lot simply by observing him. He came to the set with immense energy every single day. He is spontaneous, generous and always completely present in a scene. We rehearsed, chatted and laughed between takes, and gradually developed an ease that translated beautifully on screen. Looking back, I feel very fortunate that people still remember our pairing with so much affection. That is perhaps the greatest compliment an actor can receive.

Anil: I wasn’t keen to do the film initially because I had never played such a young romantic lead before. At that stage in my life, I was already a father of three, so mentally, it took some convincing. I kept asking myself, “Can I really pull this off?” In the mid-’90s, Shah Rukh was coming into his own, Aamir was already established, and Bobby Deol was entering the scene. I even asked Vidhu, “Why don’t you cast Aamir or Bobby?” But Vinod’s late elder brother, Veer ji, was convinced that I should do the film. I think he was the one who pushed me to say yes. And, of course, R D Burman’s music drew me in. I remember thinking, yaar, yeh music jo hai, yeh gaane aur koi nahi gaa sakta, main hi gaaunga (smiles). Once I said yes, though, there was no looking back. I committed to the film completely. I lost a lot of weight, cut my hair and transformed myself physically, but the real work was internal. I wanted to be as truthful as possible. That’s something Vinod demanded from all of us—absolute honesty. As an actor, that process was demanding, but also incredibly rewarding.

Manisha: When I look back at this film, I see a younger version of myself with a lot of affection. At that age, beauty was largely about the external, you worried about your hair, costumes and whether the camera loved you. (Laughs.) Life has been a great teacher. Today, I feel beauty has more to do with how you carry your experiences, compassion, courage and even your scars. Time has softened my idea of beauty. I also think cinema has slowly become kinder; there is more space now for people to be themselves rather than fit into a mould.

Vidhu: Even before I cast her, Manisha had stopped shaping her eyebrows, keeping them natural, as was the norm in the 1940s. It was a small detail, but it showed how sincerely she approached the role. All her auditions were also without makeup, which spoke volumes about her commitment as an actor. Almost 80 per cent of her screen time in the film is makeup-free.

Jackie Shroff: Manisha, I would describe as ethereal beauty. I’ve worked with her in several films, and she has always possessed a rare, almost otherworldly quality.

Vidhu: There was never any other choice for me but Pancham da. I didn’t care about his track record in the decade before the film. I had worked with him on Parinda and had always loved his music. But when we began work on 1942, he wasn’t the same person I had known. The industry and time had not been kind to him. I remember the first tune he composed for Kuch Na Kaho sounded like any other Bollywood dance number. I told him, “If this is the kind of music you want to make for me, then we should part ways.” He asked me for a week. When I went back a week later, he played the revised song on his harmonium and hummed the melody. My eyes were closed, and my hands just automatically went up in a ‘waah’. From there on, it was a dream. He was a true artist and I am so grateful that we got to work on this soundtrack together. This album remains a personal favourite of mine.

Anil Kapoor: R D Burman, Javed Saab... what they created was extraordinary. Music is the soul of 1942: A Love Story. Those songs have become timeless, and they continue to introduce the film to every new generation.

Vidhu: Cinema should inspire, provoke and make you feel seen. With 1942, we wanted to tell a simple love story against the backdrop of one of the most historically significant moments in India’s freedom struggle — the Quit India Movement. I wanted to explore how ordinary people participated in such a monumental movement. There must have been countless untold stories like this, and I wanted to bring some of them to light. Stories like these hadn’t been told in this way before. But I think the film’s greatest legacy will always be its music. We never imagined, while making the film, that 32 years later, its songs would still be such a vital part of popular culture.

Anil: I don’t believe nostalgia alone keeps a film alive. Emotional truth does. Vidhu Vinod Chopra created a world where love felt pure, dignified and deeply emotional, and I was fortunate to be a part of it. What I’ve always admired about him is that he never treats only the lead actor as important. As a director, the final call is always his, but he listens to you. Sanjay Leela Bhansali brought his vision to the songs, Binod Pradhan was behind the camera, Renu Saluja edited the film, and Nitin Desai created that incredible world. Every department was filled with exceptional talent, and that collective brilliance is a big part of what made the film special.

Jackie Shroff: I wasn’t taken seriously as an actor until Vidhu Vinod Chopra cast me in Parinda, which won me acting awards. I had played police roles many times in my career, but he cast me as a patriot-revolutionary in 1942 and then as a terrorist in Mission Kashmir. He never put me in a box. He may seem rigid, but he is actually quite flexible when he believes in something. Anil is like a brother, so it was a treat to work with him and Manisha ji.

In an industry obsessed with perfection, Manisha Koirala is choosing to keep it real. The Heeramandi actress recently stepped out embracing her natural salt-and-pepper hair, choosing authenticity over artifice. 

Reflecting on the shift, she shares, “It feels like freedom. A quiet confidence. I’m no longer trying to fit into an idea of beauty – I’m simply being myself.”

Ask her if there was a defining turning point behind ditching hair colour, and she says, “It wasn’t one moment. It was more like a gentle shift within. After everything life has shown me, authenticity began to matter more than appearance.”

Given that there is a lot of emphasis on being flawless in showbiz, her choice has not gone unnoticed. “I believe beauty should expand, not limit. I hope it reminds people that grace and strength deepen with age. Yes, the pressure exists, but I’ve made peace with it. What is meant for me will find me, and I’d rather be authentic than be accepted for the wrong reasons.”

Her philosophy is deeply shaped by personal challenges, including her battle with ovarian cancer a few years ago. “Earlier, it was external. Now, it’s deeply internal; it’s about peace, resilience and kindness. That, to me, is beauty.”

Having collaborated with a host of female actors over the years, Aditya Seal confesses his projects have shaped him. Seal, who has featured alongside artistes like Taapsee Pannu, Manisha Koirala, and Kajol, appreciated them for their “no-nonsense attitude”.

The actor says, “Taapsee, Manisha ma’am, and Kajol ma’am are incredible examples of what it means to stay true to your beliefs and never settle for less than you deserve. They embody strength and resilience. I’ve always believed that women must stand up for their rights, and, as men, it’s our responsibility to support and uplift them, whether in our families, workplaces, or society. Empowered women build a stronger world, and I am proud to stand by them.”

Seal credits Pannu—his Khel Khel Mein co-star—for turning up on set with an “incredible energy”. “She is sharp, and witty, and knows exactly how to elevate a scene. Watching her commitment taught me a lot about precision in performances. Every actress I’ve worked with has brought something unique to the table. They’ve shaped me into a more versatile actor, pushing me to dig deeper into my craft.”

Kajol, who he features with in the upcoming action thriller Maharagni: Queen of Queens, has “an aura of brilliance”. “She brings so much depth to her characters that sharing the screen with her feels like attending a masterclass in acting.”

Maharagni, which also stars Prabhudeva, was a film that “demanded a lot from me, emotionally”. “Kajol ma’am’s support and insights were invaluable. She’s a dream co-star—always encouraging and yet challenging you to be your best.”

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.”

A survivor of stage IV ovarian cancer, actor Manisha Koirala recently received a letter from the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, where she expressed her joy at learning that Koirala is cancer free after such a serious diagnosis and has been able to continue her professional and charitable work while inspiring many.

Ask Koirala about the letter and she says, “It gives one the strength to go on. When I was undergoing treatment, it meant a lot when other cancer patients reached out and gave me hope. I really thank (cricketer) Yuvraj Singh, (actor) Lisa Ray and a few others who came out of cancer and spoke about it. Now, it’s my time to do the same.”

Middleton, who underwent preventative chemotherapy this year, is now cancer free.

The actor, who works towards cancer care in India and Nepal, adds, “To be recognized by such an esteemed person like the Princess is a motivation to carry on with my work.”

Talking about what is required for better cancer care, Koirala says, “Cancer treatments are expensive. So, it’s important to make it available for everyone. We also need more awareness about a healthy lifestyle. Cancer is no longer a death sentence, so more education is needed.”

Calling cancer her “biggest teacher”, Koirala adds, “No matter how painful, it taught me the most valuable lessons. It’s about being proactive, pro solution, living in the moment and figuring out what gives you joy.”

Actor Vardhaan Puri would unite with Shekhar Kapur, 35 years after the birth of the iconic villain character Mogambo, curated by the filmmaker with the former’s grandfather the late Amrish Puri.

“The news is indeed true,” confirms Vardhaan, adding, “I find it very exciting that after collaborating with my Dadu in 1987 on Mr. India and creating the iconic character of Mogambo, now I am going to be associating with Shekhar sir’s beautiful mind, body and soul. It’s a big responsibility and I want to make him proud.”

The two would work on a medical drama/thriller Next To God, which would go on floors later this year. “It is inspired by the true incidents of abuse and violence that real Indian doctors have experienced. It speaks about the urgent need for safety in the medical fraternity. Shekhar sir is mentoring me and the film,” Vardhaan shares.

Ask him if there is any pressure on uniting with the senior filmmaker and he replies, “I don’t take any pressure. It messes with my sense of creativity. I am just constantly seduced by the film’s story and characters.”

He clarifies that the filmmaker and him have bonded well. “Even though Shekhar sir is senior to me and so much more experienced, we are good friends. We usually discuss ideas, life, cinema, and food. Shekhar sir is constantly curious like a child, forever learning, and embraces any change and innovation like a boss - something I find so inspiring. Dadu and he shared a great camaraderie and Dadu would always refer to him as a 'genius'.”

During a conversation we had while playing table tennis recently, “Shekhar sir told me, ‘Mr. India is what it is because of what Amrish Ji made from Mogambo. I asked him to perform Mogambo like one would perhaps perform Shakespeare for 8–10-year-old children, and he followed my instructions so perfectly and made the character immortal.’ How gracious of him to say this,” Vardhaan states.

Rumour also has it that actress Manisha Koirala would headline the medical drama. While Manisha did not respond to our queries, Vardhaan mentions, “At this point, all I can say is that Manisha Ji is one of my favourite actors of all time, and who would not want to work with her? She was so nuanced and so effortless in Heeramandi. I will be working along with a stellar cast that will soon be announced.”

The Diamond Bazaar is a delectable package of many surprises. In his maiden web series, Sanjay Leela Bhansali has brought together an eclectic bunch of actors. While Farida Jalal returns to screen after a decade, it also features Fardeen Khan, who was last seen in Dulha Mil Gaya (2010). Among other things, it also stars father-son duo Shekhar and Adhyayan Suman together on screen. Shekhar plays the flamboyant Nawab Zulfiqar, who is in love with Manisha Koirala’s character Mallikajaan, and his son steps into the shoes of Zorawar, a mean, brutal nawab.

Netflix’s ambitious series is centred on six female actors—Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari,  Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh and Sharmin Segal—but Shekhar asserts that the male characters aren’t ornamental.

“The dynamics between the tawaifs and the nawabs were intimate. It is quintessentially the story of the courtesans and how they wielded power, but these women derived their power from the men. Nawabs were skilled mercenaries, who allied with the British to get power and titles. My character has a hint of arrogance. He adds to the politics of Heeramandi. He is in love with Mallikajaan, but doesn’t shy away from [threatening] her when she doesn’t bow to him,” says the actor.

If fate had worked out differently, Shekhar would have collaborated with Bhansali over two decades ago on Devdas (2002). He recalls, “I came close to working with Mr Bhansali in Devdas when he called me for the role of Chunnilal. I couldn’t do it then because of my workload. But since then, whenever we met, I told him that I would love to work with him when the opportunity presented itself.” And it did in Heeramandi, a period drama about the courtesans of Lahore. It was doubly joyful to work on the project as Shekhar has always had an affinity for history.

“I love historical movies made in India. When I met Mr Bhansali, he was looking for a good actor who had knowledge of the era. Also, he wanted to go for an unusual casting. I knew of Heeramandi for years because it’s written by my friend Moin Beg. He [SLB] is an intense filmmaker who puts passion, pomp, grandeur and everything into the story.”

For the senior Suman, Heeramandi may be the realisation of his wish to work with Bhansali. But for Adhyayan, it is more than a show; to him, it is a ray of hope that pulled him out of darkness and despair. The actor hit headlines early on in his career when he featured in Raaz: The Mystery Continues (2009), but soon had to make do with forgettable films. It hasn’t been an easy run, he admits. 

“There have been days I have been broken, I wanted to give up. It sounds dark, but I didn’t want to live anymore. Acting was something I was very passionate about. Unfortunately, [work] dwindled in 15 years. I became a star with a successful film and then 12 films didn’t work. I have not worked for seven years. I went through rejection after rejection. I would wonder, ‘Kal kya hoga?’ The day I stopped chasing, things began to work out.”

After watching Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022), he nursed the desire to work with the filmmaker. “In a few weeks, Shruti Mahajan [casting director] called to say that sir is casting for Heeramandi. My father would always say that there is light at the end of the tunnel; for me, Bhansali sir became the light. When Shruti called, I was in the Himalayas. I stopped on the road in the hills, and recorded my audition.”

When he initially wasn’t chosen for the part, Adhyayan was admittedly “heartbroken for two months.” “However, on a Saturday afternoon, I was called to meet sir. His words were, ‘Bachcha, I will see you on set tomorrow.’”

On set, the two actors and their characters were as different as chalk and cheese. Through Zulfiqar, Shekhar had to bring alive a character whose love for Mallikajaan was more about power and less about romance.

He breaks it down, “There was a lot of uneasy love on paper and a lot that Mr Bhansali added on set. He is a director who changes the interpretation when the shot flows. I have known Manisha for years, so there was chemistry. Manisha is accomplished, she knew how to be Mallikajaan and that made the energy between her and the nawab easy [to create].”

Adhyayan, however, decided to play his part more emotionally and less technically. His process was personal. Guiding him through the role was his father who sat and read lines with him all night. “Zorawar is debauched, grey, looks down upon the women in Heeramandi; he makes a woman believe he is in love with her and marries another person. A scene in the second episode changed my life. Bhansali sir got up after my performance and cried. I have been waiting for 15 years for an opportunity, and now that I had the opportunity, I couldn’t not be sincere. The character’s language came from my father. Bhansali sir is so sharp, he caught that my father has been working with me off set. One day, I was giving my cues to Manisha ji and sir said, ‘Iske baap ne sikhaya hai isko.’ I was rehearsing with dad from 1 am to 6 am, and at 8 am I was on set.”

Over the years, the industry has heard more than its share of rumours about Adhyayan. Much of the dialogue about him has been about his off-screen life than on-screen work. The actor hopes that with the web series, the audience will see the artiste in him. He has already noticed a change in his co-actors. 

“One night, Richa came home with me to prep for a major sequence that was to be shot the next day. When she went home, she sent me a long text saying, ‘I had these preconceived notions about you being a spoilt star kid, someone who is not serious about his art and got it easy. So much has changed in you. Hats off to you!’ Her validation made me emotional. The lack of opportunities has not let people take me seriously. People have said to my face, ‘We thought you do drugs.’ I wasted a lot of time looking for answers to where the rumours started. Now it is all behind me.”

We also hope to see more of Shekhar, whom we used to see every day on the tube in our growing-up years as he hosted the popular Movers & Shakers. Considering we are in the midst of the election season, why wouldn’t he give his audience just another season of the crackling show filled with political humour?

The actor-host says, “Movers & Shakers was a cult show. But it has probably resulted in the undoing of an actor. That imagery is so strong that it has been tough to imagine me as an actor. Unfortunately, I am good at comedy. I would love to do that now, especially in the election season. I want to do it sporadically, not continuously. It would hamper my growth as an actor.”

When we join Manisha Koirala and Sonakshi Sinha on a fashion shoot, they are sharing a laugh at something somebody said. Koirala bids adieu to Sinha as she leaves for the online launch of her song Tilasmi Bahein.

It’s an hour before Sinha returns, ready to speak of her role in next week’s Netflix release, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. A period piece on Lahore’s most powerful women, the series centres around these two warring courtesans. But behind the scenes, they are fixing each other’s hair and tiaras. Where is the war we ask? That’s for the screen, they tell us.

Bhansali fashioned his series around a concept by journalist-writer Moin Beg, who has lived with the story for 15 years. Historically, Heeramandi was a bastion of the classical arts patronised by the tawaifs under Mughal rule but devolved into a centre of prostitution when the British consolidated their rule in undivided India. Through eight episodes, the story hurtles through turbulent times, weaving a narrative of love, betrayal, loss, and power.

Koirala, Bhansali’s first heroine (Khamoshi, 1996), is working with him after 28 years. “The first time Sanjay and I met was on the sets of 1942: A Love Story; he was working on the film’s songs. I was in the midst of filming the beautiful [song] Pyaar hua chupke se, and we instantly became friends. He wanted some feedback on his own script. I loved it and I am glad that I got to be his heroine. Now, I get to play Mallikajaan.”

The queen bee of Heeramandi, Koirala’s character decides what happens in the haveli and the neighbourhood, and unabashedly uses her charm to control the Nawabs. “I won’t lie,” she makes an honest admission, “I don’t think I connect with Mallikajaan. She is dark, complex, layered and extremely controlling. She is insecure, power-hungry and traumatized. But as an actor, when you step into a role like this, you must channelise every bit of your art. I had to know her from a place of empathy and ask questions about what makes her who she is. What does her trauma feel like to her? She is an emotionally intelligent woman. There is a certain grammar to how she conducts herself. Her body language is also a product of this world and her experiences.”

Koirala says she broke down her character’s conscious and subconscious mind. Because acting is more than just learning your lines and cracking the body language, she had to make sure she emoted with her eyes. “I don’t know if Heeramandi ever had a Mallikajaan. I have never met a person like her.”

As Fareedan, Sinha is Mallikajaan’s nemesis. The hatred that their characters harbour for the other is both, fearsome and valid. It is not easy to figure who is right and not. Sinha describes her character as angry.

“What defines Fareedan is her rage. Life hasn’t been pretty or pleasant. Her anger stems from the unfairness life has meted to her. I have never played someone who is constantly seething and undoing the wrong done to her. She is borderline sadistic, but also a good person. I was careful not to let Fareedan enter my life beyond the director’s, action!”

Both actors admit that their big challenge was that the story is set in a milieu and country that’s unfamiliar. Koirala shares that the research was cumbersome. “It was exhaustive. It started with reading the script multiple times. I had to request Sanjay to get me a diction coach since I have laborious dialogues. Sanjay’s research, Beg’s perspective and detailing—it all added a lot [of value]. At the end of the day, it is Sanjay’s call. He knows what he wants so  when I would perform, he guides me. Ye nukhta zyada mat bolo, ye kam tha.”

Sinha agrees. “All my preparation came from listening to Sanjay sir talk about Fareedan. He is passionate about even the darkest of characters. He spoke to me about Fareedan like he knows her, narrated what has transpired in her life, her trauma. I am an observer and so these conversations permeated into my subconscious. I took it all in.”

Then there were books. Zahid Akasi’s detailed title, Heera Mandi (2005) includes a plethora of details about the neighbourhood and its genesis. During the Mughal era, it stood near a towering brick wall, 30 feet tall, encircling purana or old Lahore; safeguarding the city. Thirteen gates punctuated the ramparts, facilitating entry into the city. Positioned in the northwest corner of the old city, Heera Mandi was entered through Taksaali Gate. Named after Maharaja Heera Singh, son of Maharaja Dehan Singh, a prominent minister in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s administration, the red light area earned a fitting moniker.

During emperor Aurangzeb’s reign, the construction of the Badshahi Masjid in the vicinity led to the area being referred to as Shahi Mohalla, or royal neighbourhood. The courtesans were not only skilled in classical dance like kathak and music but also well-versed in poetry, literature, and the arts. Koirala says that learning dance and music are the frills of any performance. The real drill is to capture the soul of the character.

“Dialogues don’t always do it for you. There are times when a character has no lines [in a scene], but is able to leave a mark. We all work hard to understand.”

Zahid traces the roots of numerous popular singers to this locality, including Madam Noor Jehan, Farida Khanum, Naseem Begum, Tasawar Khanum, Nahid Begum, and Surayya Khanum. The music for the series has been making waves since the launch, especially that surrounding the kathak pieces. Which is why Sinha’s performance in Tilasmi Bahein is unexpected, and filmed as a single shot. Sinha tells us it was all done impromptu, like most good things.

“Whatever we had prepared for was scrapped by Sanjay sir on the day of shoot. Four days were kept aside for the song, but when we reached the set, he decided that he didn’t want what was earlier planned. Instead, he said, ‘What if we do it in one shot?’ I had zero time to prepare. So, whatever he was saying, I was following in real time. I had to learn the lyrics right then...it was daunting. There was no running away from this. I shed all my inhibitions and became Fareedan. I almost forgot Sonakshi. It was unreal once the shoot was over. Sanjay sir gave me a standing ovation. It was the happiest moment for me as actor. He is not easy to please.” 

Actors can mature, and so, directors can change too. Has Bhansali changed as filmmaker in 30 years? “Sanjay was always a beautiful director. Khamoshi was poetic, sensitive. It spoke about the insecurities of a deaf and mute couple. Their child sings beautifully and they want to exert their control over her. Sanjay has become a filmmaker who envisions larger-than-life stories. He has become better with time, and even more of a perfectionist. There is a reason why he is a genius.”

Recently, when the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton announced her battle with cancer, my heart went out to her. I could sense that the family was not comfortable telling the world about Kate’s battle (at least not yet). But given the tremendous pressure and fake news doing the rounds, it seemed she had no choice but take a drastic step and put an end to all the unwarranted speculation.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I was looking for some positive articles and there weren’t many people talking about it.

But I came out because I realized, just as I was desperately looking for hope, I needed to share it with others as well. I began reaching out to people and Lisa Ray, a cancer survivor, messaged me on Facebook. It was very comforting for me to have received a positive message from her. I remember Yuvraj Singh also talking about it, then there was a cyclist and a Hollywood actress, who spoke a little while wearing a wig. I told myself that if I ever get okay, not only will I talk about my journey but also give a truthful picture of myself. Not a flowery one.

It wasn’t a cakewalk. It was the most difficult phase of my life, but I was blessed with great family support and doctors. This encouraged me to speak about my struggle, fears as well as my recovery.

Yes, there’s fear. You are worried about how people will respond to you when you come out with your diagnosis. But it is nothing compared to the phase when you are facing death – at that moment it doesn’t matter how people look at you. Your priority is to recover. It is important to get the right information and encouragement, and I did that to help me sail through the gruelling chemotherapy. When you know you are fine and you realize that there is a 50 per cent chance of you surviving, that’s when you start thinking about your looks, the hair loss and how people perceive you now. I thought I would never be able to work again. But I was wrong.

Once I came out, I got tons of love and support. I received messages from strangers on social media. I thought that I would be judged, and people would pity me. My fears were unfounded because people were encouraging and caring enough for me to be able to go through this journey.

Which is why I am slightly uncomfortable with the way the media went all out with all the conspiracy theories and conjectures about Kate’s absence from public life. When someone is quiet about a personal matter and not reachable, you imagine the worst. And very quickly at that. Before jumping to any kind of conclusion, one must think a hundred times, because you don’t know the kind of struggle they are going through.

Unfortunately for Kate, there were so many bizarre rumours flying around that she was forced to come out, even if it may not have been her first choice. One must understand that there are some people who want to deal with something like cancer quietly because that is the best way for them to heal. For others, sharing this may be cathartic. It is a personal choice, and we need to respect that.

Her recent and forthcoming projects gave Manisha Koirala an opportunity to work with some young talents in Bollywood. Having shared screen space with them, the 1942: A Love Story actress feels that most of them come with a sense of commitment and professionalism.

She shares, “I have enjoyed working with the younger lot of actors. I would say at least 80 per cent of the young generation are dedicated, professional and focused. I really admire their level of commitment. All of them are very well-behaved, and nobody throws any tantrums. I love being in such a work environment. However, there’s this 20 per cent from that generation who are not really up to the mark. They have the gift of gab, but work ethics is slightly… (smiles).”

In this phase of her career, Manisha wants to go slow with her work, so that she can enjoy her other passions too. The actress spends a lot of time at her home in Kathmandu and also heads out for treks with her gang of girls.

Ask her if she shared any life lessons with the young breed while working with them, and she says, “Everyone’s journey and priorities are different. I have never listened to any updesh from anyone – whether good or bad. So, I am the last person to give free advice to anybody. Let them decide for themselves.”

Talking about her journey in the industry, she says, “I have always been independent. Most of my friends come from non-filmi backgrounds, and I don’t discuss my work with them. Over three decades, I have worked on around 100 films. I have also faced a near-death experience with cancer. It gave me a different perspective on life, which I wanted to lead in a different way. But there are many people who are happy working constantly, doing one project after another, and I salute them for it.”

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“Nasty stories were created around me after Raaz 2. A big producer told someone who wished to cast me that though I was a good actor, I was extremely difficult to work with and didn’t report to work on time. If that were true, why would Mahesh Bhatt give me another film?”

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“I might be living a luxurious life, but that’s because of my father. For someone passionate about his craft, even a five-star house can feel like a jail.”

Bollywood has always embraced actors of various nationalities with open arms. Manisha Koirala, who hails from Nepal, made the city her base decades back to pursue her Bollywood dream. Looking back at her journey, the actress who made her debut with Subhash Ghai’s Saudagar (1991), shares that India gave her immense love and she also got a lot of acceptance from the movie industry.

“I think the film industry has a heart of gold. So many actors have come here from different parts of the world and the industry has embraced them as their own,” she says.

Manisha further adds, “People from my home in Nepal would ask me whether I ever felt sidelined. I would say, that probably there were a couple of instances, but nobody can question the amount of love and acceptance I got here. At the end of the day, everything is about what you bring to the table. Are you a good performer? Are you a professional? It’s all about that. So yes, I feel blessed and lucky.”

In this phase of her career, Manisha is happy to see the opportunities that women professionals are getting in showbiz. Talking about the increasing number of women present on film sets today, she says, “I feel we have come a long way from when I had started. During that era, when I was shooting for Mann, there were women hairdressers, but all make-up artists had to be men. I specifically asked for a female make-up artist. Thankfully, later the rules changed. Slowly there was a sense of equality. Having said that, I still hope to see more women in powerful positions in the industry. We are still seeing stories through the male gaze, and I would want to see more stories through the female gaze.”

The digital space has opened up a plethora of interesting projects for Manisha Koirala. However, the actress wants to take it slow and indulge in other areas of interest in her life, too. From gardening in her house in Katmandu to taking off on treks with her school friends – the actress says that what’s most important to her is enjoying life to the fullest. In a chat with BT, she talks about how life changed for her after battling cancer, the kind of projects she wants to associate with, and her thoughts on family life and motherhood.

Like many of her contemporaries, Manisha has jumped onto the digital bandwagon and is selecting work that appeals to her sensibilities.

“OTT has opened the doors for everything that was somehow out of the ordinary, because of certain restrictions in mainstream Bollywood. I think OTT content has also led to a change in the viewers’ mindset, due to which the mainstream is also making subjects that are slightly better for middle-aged actors like me. Today, you might not be the best-looking person around, but if you are a good actor, you have a lot of scope. There’s a demand for new actors, directors, writers and they are now challenged to think out-of-the-box.”

Her contemporaries like Sushmita Sen, Raveena Tandon and Karisma Kapoor are doing web shows that are centered around their characters, ask Manisha if she itching to take on a project headlined by her, and she says, “Which actor won’t want to do that? While it’s exciting to play a protagonist in a cool project, for me, what matters is who I am teaming up with. After my cancer recovery, which was a near-death experience, what’s most important for me is to enjoy life and be grateful for what I have each day. I am past that phase where I have to keep working. I am 52 and I have done almost 100 films, so at this point in my career, I don’t feel the need to continuously churn out films. I am not driven by insecurity. I am only driven by exciting work and in the process, I am trying to do better than what I have done before.”

At a time when storytelling has evolved and actors are picking from a range of roles they are offered, Manisha opted to play Kartik Aaryan’s mother in Shehzada. She says, “I wanted to be a part of a typical commercial film. I have been doing slightly serious roles and this came across as a break from that. Just because the film didn’t work, it doesn’t mean I will abandon it. I have seen too many failures in my life. Probably more failure than success, so I won’t do that. See, initially from being the main lead to playing a character role was a little tough. As a heroine, the whole world revolves around you, but suddenly, when you shift to playing a character, you start seeing a totally different setup. It does hurt you, but then you realize that times have moved on. The good part is that I am getting fabulous roles, so I perform those with a bang. So yes, at first it was tough for my ego to handle it (laughs!). But it is okay, as you grow older, you learn to be at the periphery than the centre.”

Talking about living life after winning her battle with cancer, Manisha says, “I will always be grateful to cancer because it changed me for the better. It showed me that my time is limited, like everybody else’s time. I am cancer-free, but at some point, I will have to say goodbye. I started focusing on things I enjoy, like spending time with my family and doing quality work. Now, I want to see the skies, the hills, explore new places, and read books. I want to rough it out, be physically fit to be able to trek. I went to Everest base camp with my school friends a couple of years ago. I have a lot on my bucket list.”

"To have a family is a bit late now, no? Sometimes I do wonder if I had a life partner, then would life have been better? I don’t know. I feel my life is complete and my children are my dog and my cat, Mowgli and Simba. Plus, I have wonderful parents and an amazing friends circle. Still, sometimes I wonder… would it be nicer if I had a life partner."

"I know how responsible you have to be to raise a child in this world. The day I get the confidence ki as a single mother I can do that, I will do it. But keeping in mind my health background, my multiple interests that I wish to pursue and the sense of freedom that I am enjoying now…if I can sacrifice all that and focus on being a parent, I would love to do that."

Even as chatter about female actors having it good in showbiz continues, actor Manisha Koirala wishes to see more projects being led by women and tell the story through the female gaze. Koirala, who will be seen in Heeramandi next, says that female actors are beginning to get better roles but there is still a long way to go.

She says, “We are getting meatier roles, but to say that we have reached equal status — that will take a while. It might become a reality in the coming generations.”

The 52-year-old shares, “Even today, women tend to get less important roles, probably because most writers and directors are men, who think from a male perspective. When we have more women writers, directors and technicians (in the industry), this will automatically change.” Koirala was last seen on the big screen in Shehzaada this year.

However, the Sanju (2018) actor doesn’t believe that the audience is bothered if a film is “male-oriented or female-oriented”.

She adds, “They want to be entertained for three hours and forget about anything else. I have been in the film industry for the last 30 years. When I go to see a film, I want to make sure it’s worth my time. Cinema is a medium through which we can add value to society. We can tell many stories through a woman’s gaze rather than consistently through that of a man.”

Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas’ revelation last month about being cornered in the industry as one of the reasons to venture out of Bollywood and try her luck in the West left everyone surprised. And now, actor Manisha Koirala, who has been in the industry for more than three decades, says she has experienced the same too, not once but “multiple times”.

The actor, who is currently working on the show Heeramandi with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, shares, “All of us, at some point or another, have [faced being cornered], some people more, some people less. Actors, actresses, filmmakers, writers, producers... all of us have faced struggles, disappointments, political games, pulling your leg, camping and b*tch*ng. To say nobody has had a problem in their career is a joke! But yes, some people have a greater attitude towards life, and they do not believe in being victims, sharing a sob story, and all that. It doesn’t mean that their challenges were any less.”

Ask her about how she dealt with the issue when she faced it in her career and Koirala says, “I shed my tears in private, and I promised myself I was going to work harder. I feel these are the things that push you to shine even more, rather than breaking you.”

But how does one come out of such a phase where people don’t let you get good work because you are cornered? The 52-year-old says, “Knowing that nothing is permanent, and whatever the problems that one is facing, taking them up as a challenge and mastering your craft.”

Where there is Sanjay Leela Bhansali, there are bound to be elaborate song-and-dance sequences. In his maiden web series Heeramandi, the auteur is bringing his signature grandeur, with every episode said to have a song mounted on a lavish scale.

Last month, Bhansali filmed a major dance sequence that features Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari and Richa Chadha. Kruti Mahesh choreographed the folk dance number. Now, it is learnt that the showrunner-creator has set the stage for another track.

Sources from the set indicate that the team will begin shooting for a qawwali number at Film City today. “It will be an elaborate 10-day shoot. The team has brought on board specialised qawwali artistes. The song primarily focuses on Aditi and Manisha, but other actors are expected to join in later,” reveals a source.

The Netflix offering that tells the story of love, betrayal and politics in the lives of courtesans in pre-Independence Lahore, also features Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Huma Qureshi. Sharmin Segal, television actors Niyati Fatnani and Siddharth Gupta — who play pivotal roles — will join the unit this month.

Sonakshi Sinha, Manisha Koirala and Madhuri Dixit

After the mammoth success of Gangubai Kathiawadi, Sanjay Leela Bhansali immediately dived into the world of Heeramandi. The Netflix series tells the story of love, betrayal and politics in the lives of the courtesans in pre-independence Lahore. While pre-production work began in March, it is now heard that the perfectionist is ready to call the shots on his maiden web offering.

The Madhuri Dixit, Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha and Huma Qureshi-starrer is set to go on floors on June 15 in Film City.

A unit hand reveals, “The original plan was to roll on June 3, but the makers spent the last two weeks of May ironing out the details. Fittings and look tests were done with the leading ladies. Readings with the actors will be conducted over the next few days.”

Beginning mid-June, the first few weeks will be dedicated to filming the open-air sequences. Most indoor shots have been slotted for early July, when the Mumbai monsoon will be at its peak. Among the first important sequences lined up is an elaborate dance number for which 200 background dancers have been summoned.

The unit hand adds, “Bhansali sir will serve as the showrunner, with different directors helming different episodes. However, Bhansali will direct the first episode, thus setting the tone and vision of his magnum opus. Directors Vibhu Puri and Mitakshara Kumar will take over the reins for the other episodes thereon.”

After dabbling in the Hindi and the south film industries and television, actor Madhoo Shah is now all set to mark her foray into the web space with an anthology film and a web series for which she has already signed up three seasons.

Happy that she is now able to play the parts that she couldn’t during her prime days in the film industry, she says, “With the onset of OTT today, I feel liberated. I took a hiatus of 15 years and then returned to the industry. Everything changes so quickly here. Now, I’m busy doing some amazing characters.”

Lack of restrictions pertaining to a woman’s marital status and age is what excites Shah today. She shares, “You can be of any age or shape but if you’re a good actor, you’ve a place here. Web shows have allowed me that space. You don’t have to be single or in your 20s to be a part of them, and you’ve the freedom to just be an actor.”

Quiz her if she wished that the digital invasion had happened back in the 90s when she had started her career, and the Thalaivi (2021) actor says, “There’s nothing about the 90s that I want to change or do differently. It was the golden period. I’m happy that the influx of OTT has happened today because this is the right time for me to jump into it.”

Shah continues, “I got to work with (actors) Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan and my friends like Shilpa Shetty, Urmila Matondkar, Shilpa Shirodkar, Tabu, Manisha Koirala and Raveena Tandon in different capacities. I made some good friends, even in the south. My actor friend Ramya Krishnan is still my best friend. I call her my soulmate. Those were beautiful days!”

Ever since Sanjay Leela Bhansali announced his magnum opus Heeramandi, there has been much speculation about its cast. Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha and Richa Chadha are said to front the Netflix project that revolves around courtesans in the Lahore district in pre-Independence India. Now, mid-day has it that Wamiqa Gabbi is the latest addition to the cast.

The Punjabi actor caught the attention of many with her performance in Grahan earlier this year. “Wamiqa recently completed the shoot of Anushka Sharma-backed Mai. Her performance in the series assured the suits at Netflix as well as Bhansali that she could be a fitting addition to Heeramandi. She is expected to begin her prep soon. True to the auteur’s style, his maiden web series will focus on strong women characters, and is said to have 10 actresses in pivotal parts. The project will have extravagant dance-offs,” says a source. Juhi Chawla is also rumoured to play an integral role.

Gabbi remained unavailable for comment.