Manisha Koirala, a celebrated actress who has starred in numerous hit films alongside big names like Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan, and Aamir Khan, has made a powerful return to the acting world with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. Her performance has once again captivated audiences, reminding them of her enduring talent. As the 26th anniversary of the cult classic Dil Se approaches, Koirala’s recent comments about the film industry have sparked interest and raised important questions.
Reflecting on ‘Dil Se’ and Her Experience with Shahrukh Khan
Dil Se, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Shahrukh Khan and Manisha Koirala, remains a beloved film even 26 years after its release. The film’s intense storyline and stellar performances left a lasting impact on audiences. However, during a recent interview with Zoom, Koirala made a surprising statement about the industry dynamics, particularly regarding her experience working with Shahrukh Khan.
Koirala revealed that after Dil Se, she worked with Khan in another film titled Guddu, which did not achieve the same level of success. When asked why she didn’t collaborate more with Shahrukh Khan, Koirala hinted at a deeper issue within the industry. She remarked, “In this industry, the hero decides who he wants to work with, not the heroine.” This statement appears to point towards a systemic issue in the film industry where male actors have more control over casting decisions than their female counterparts.
Manisha Koirala on Industry Challenges and Personal Life
Koirala’s comments have opened up a conversation about the power dynamics in Bollywood. Despite the success of Dil Se and her undeniable talent, Koirala’s career trajectory was influenced by factors beyond her control. The actress did not provide a clear answer as to why she didn’t work more with Shahrukh Khan, suggesting that this is a question only he can answer.
Interestingly, despite the film’s strong storyline and star-studded cast, Dil Se did not perform as well as expected at the box office. Director Mani Ratnam has previously attributed this to the film’s Hindi language skills, and reports suggest that the movie had a budget of Rs 12 crore.
Manisha Koirala’s Personal Life: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Beyond her professional life, Koirala has also been open about her personal struggles, particularly in matters of love. At 54, Koirala is single and has spoken candidly about her relationships. She considers herself unlucky in love and admitted in an interview with Filmfare that she has often fallen for the wrong men.
“I used to wonder why I kept repeating the same mistakes or if there was something wrong with me that made me attracted to the wrong men,” Koirala shared. “Then I realized that I need to work on what is troubling me.”
Koirala has been single for the past 5-6 years and is currently focused on self-improvement. She expressed that she is not interested in entering a new relationship at this time, preferring instead to continue her journey of personal growth.