Showing posts with label Samrat Dahal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Samrat Dahal. Show all posts
I value the institution of marriage, but it doesn’t hold that much importance for me-Manisha Koirala
8:04 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; December 17, 2024)
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:
‘We’re all flawed as human beings & it’s fine to own up’
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.”
‘It’s companionship over marriage, for me’
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.”
‘I am at a point right now where it’s all or nothing’
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.”
I’d be constantly bending backward to accommodate my man’s ego-Manisha Koirala
8:43 AM
On her birthday today, Manisha Koirala talks about the men in her life, the mistakes she made and those she won’t repeat
Subhash K Jha (DNA; August 16, 2015)
A life of love and strife... that’s how one would describe Manisha Koirala. She has possibly seen more highs and lows in her personal and professional life, than any other actress of her generation. From being the toast of tinsel town with her scintillating performances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Khamoshi: The Musical and Mani Ratnam’s Bombay, Manisha’s career plummeted to embarrassing depths... After surviving cancer Manisha now looks back at her personal and professional mistakes with wisdom and detachment. As she turns a year older today, she tells After Hrs why she won’t settle for anything but the best in her quest for a partner.
Manisha, has your marriage to Samrat Dahal been officially annulled?
Yes, we were divorced in 2013.
When you fell ill, did he reach out to you?
No, he didn’t.
That must have really hurt you?
(Controls her emotions) I had my family and close friends during those trying times. Because of the difficulties I have gone through, I’ve emerged a much stronger person.
You’ve been exceptionally unlucky with the men in your life?
I don’t want to repeat the mistakes I made earlier in life. For whatever reason, I made wrong choices in my life. Now whoever comes into my life has to be the one I will spend the rest of my life with.
Are you admitting you compromised on your partnerships?
Of course I did! I very frequently shortchanged myself in the hope that the relationships would eventually work out. I don’t intend to live on hope. I’d rather remain single now, than settle for a man less than the best.
That’s a tall order?
That’s okay. I am not looking for the perfect relationship. If it finds me, I’m fine. If it doesn’t, I am very happy spending time with myself, and my family. Once in a while, I like to be with close friends. But most of all, I love my ‘alone’ time. I’ve grown to love my own company. I have my books, movies and yoga. I’ve never been more content and at peace with myself.
What do you think has gone wrong in your past relationships?
I’ve dated men who are not from my profession. Very often, I’ve been made to feel guilty because I am in the glamour industry. When something would go wrong in a relationship, the man would turn around and say, ‘So you think you can behave this way because you’re an actress?’
That must have affected your self-esteem?
I’d be constantly bending backward to accommodate my man’s ego. There is this condescending attitude towards me because I am an actress. I need to find someone who respects my profession. I am not in the mood to hear condescending comments in my profession.
You sound adamant.
I cannot be bogged down by my insecurities any more. The person who comes into my life has to respect the fact that I am a financially independent actress with 20 years of experience and 70-odd films to my credit. You cannot make me feel guilty for what I’ve achieved.
Like a lot of successful women, you were made to feel guilty by the men in your life?
Yes, I was. My man must be man enough to accept me for who I am. I’ve led an open life. I am not ashamed of anything I’ve done in my life. There have been things that I shouldn’t have done. But I don’t deny those incidents.
So you admit you’ve made mistakes?
Yes. But you can’t crucify me for those mistakes. Today, my life has changed completely. I’ve emerged much stronger. I deserve a lot better in life than I got.
So what would you want in your man?
I’d either want him to be the best. Or not be there in my life at all. Just because I don’t have a man, I won’t fill that space in my life with mediocrity. I don’t think I’ll find anyone for a few years. I am not holding my breath for a relationship.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)