Who is Manisha Koirala, Heeramandi’s Mallikajaan?
Bazaar Arabia explores the Heeramandi protaganist’s riveting performance and rise to fame
On May 1, Netflix released Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s much- anticipated Heeramandi instantly solidifying itself as the grandest Bollywood series of the year so far. At the heart of this visually stunning masterpiece stands Manisha Koirala, in a powerful performance that has left audiences and critics stunned. Heeramandi explores the intricate dynamics within the elite world of courtesans through the eyes of Mallikajaan, Manisha Koirala, who is a figure of authority and cunning in Lahore’s Shahi Mahal.
Who is Manisha Koirala?
She was born in Nepal.
Born into Nepal’s influential Koirala family, Manisha’s entrance into the Bollywood industry was a blend of destiny and sheer talent. Her debut in the Nepali movie Pheri Bhetaula (1989) paved the way for her breakout role in Saudagar (1991) and established her respected and celebrated career in the Indian cinema. Throughout the 1990s, Manisha Koirala delivered unforgettable performances in hits like 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, and Dil Se.
She suffered and succeeded against cancer.
Manisha’s life off-screen has been perhaps even more empowering as her cinematic portrayals. In 2012, she faced a public and vicious battle against ovarian cancer. Her victory through this challenge was inspiring to all and showcased her strength and vulnerability in equal measure.
After her recovery, Koirala gravitated towards roles that mirrored her personal growth and experiences. Films like Dear Maya and Sanju highlighted her evolution as an actress as she adeptly performed in more complex roles with emotional landscapes.
She plays Mallikajaan in Heeramandi.
Manisha’s portrayal of Mallikajaan, referred to throughout the series as ‘huzoor’ (a title of respect), cements her status as a versatile actress capable of commanding the screen with her presence. The eight-episode series tells a complex narrative around Mallikajaan’s reign over the courtesans and her dark past that resurfaces with the arrival of her niece Fareedan, played by Sonakshi Sinha.
This project marks Manisha’s second collaboration with Bhansali, following their first film Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), a well-known and personal favourite of the actress. Her reunion with Bhansali is therefore a nostalgic return to their shared artistic roots.
With Heeramandi, Manisha Koirala once again proves her talent, not just as an actress of incredible calibre, but as a storyteller who’s capable of effortlessly capturing the audience’s undivided attention.
Lead image courtesy of Instagram/@ManishKoirala