Manisha Koirala’s Long-Awaited Collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali Comes to Life in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar

After 28 Years, the Gupt Star Shares Her Journey and Triumph Over Cancer in Her Latest Role

In the much-anticipated OTT series “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Manisha Koirala is set to make her appearance. The acclaimed actress, known for her role in “Gupt,” recently opened up about her collaboration with the renowned filmmaker, expressing her excitement ahead of the show’s premiere. Speaking to NDTV, Koirala revealed the long wait she endured before finally getting the opportunity to work with Bhansali.

“When I was offered this project, I was in Nepal, gardening, and I was really thrilled,” she shared. “I waited for such a long time. It took 28 years of waiting, and finally, Sanjay came with a good project, and I told him, ‘Sanjay, don’t take another 28 years to offer me another good one.'”

Reflecting on Bhansali’s illustrious career, Koirala expressed her admiration for his work, stating, “I have seen his movies after Khamoshi. So much pleasure and joy it gives me to see his career graph and one after the other brilliant film he has made. At this age and stage in my life when I was offered this, I was really thrilled.”

Sharing insights into her experience working on “Heeramandi,” Koirala revealed the profound significance the role held for her, particularly in light of her battle with cancer. “I had 4th stage of cancer, and to get a chance to life after that was like a second chance to life,” she disclosed. “I wasn’t sure if I would live and how long I would live. In my work life, to work in a project like Heeramandi and to play this character, which has so many layers, for me, it was like a second life for an actor.”

For those unfamiliar, Koirala portrays the character Mallikajaan in “HeeraMandi,” described as cunning and in charge of an elite courtesan house during the British administration in India.

“Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” is set to launch on May 1st, promising audiences a captivating journey through the intricacies of a bygone era.