Manisha Koirala Reflects Back On Rejection For ‘Dil To Pagal Hai:’ ‘Was Pitted Against Madhuri Ji’
Manisha Koirala, a celebrated actress in Indian cinema, recently opened up about one of her biggest career regrets. In an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Koirala revealed that she regretted declining a role in Yash Chopra’s film ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’.
The Missed Opportunity
‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ was a blockbuster hit that featured Madhuri Dixit in a leading role. Before Karisma Kapoor was cast, the role was offered to Manisha Koirala. However, Koirala turned down the offer due to her insecurities about being pitted against Madhuri Dixit.
“One of the regrets that I have in my career is that I didn’t do Yash Chopra’s film. I was pitted against Madhuri ji [Dixit], and I got scared. I backed out of that project.”
Koirala confessed. This decision is something that Koirala still considers a missed opportunity.
The Learning Experience
Despite her regret, Koirala used this experience to make better career choices in the future. When Rajkumar Santoshi offered her a role in ‘Lajja,’ she accepted it despite being cast alongside Madhuri Dixit again.
“Years later, when Raj Santoshi ji offered ‘Lajja’ to me, I took it because I had made the mistake before. ‘Lajja’s’ story was mind-blowing, it was women-centric, and I was bowled over by the subject. I think when you have a strong maker, and when you are confident in your skin, the security comes. Madhuri ji is such a good person and actress. There was no need for me to be insecure. I think when you have a strong actor in front of you, you only perform better,” Koirala shared.
A Look Back At Manisha Koirala’s Career
Manisha Koirala, born into the politically prominent Koirala family in Nepal, started her career in films with her debut Nepali film, ‘Pheri Bhetaula’, in 1990. Later, she appeared in the Bollywood film ‘Saudagar’ in 1991.
With her amazing acting skills and hard work, she was making waves in Bollywood. She also got the chance to work in the Tamil-language film ‘Bombay’ in 1995. Koirala is now making a comeback with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series ‘Heeramandi’. She expressed excitement about her return to acting and is looking forward to the release of the series.
