Actor Manisha Koirala has opened up about her journey battling ovarian cancer in 2012, describing the profound challenges and resilience it demanded. In an interview with ANI, the actor recounted her initial fear and hopelessness upon learning her diagnosis, reflecting on her determination to rebuild her life and career after overcoming the disease.
Facing a Life-Threatening Diagnosis
Koirala recalled the shock of her diagnosis, revealing she was unaware her cancer had reached its final stage. “In 2012, I was diagnosed, and I had no clue it was the last stage of ovarian cancer,” she shared. After receiving the news in Nepal, Koirala sought further consultation at Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital, where a team of top doctors assessed her condition. “I felt I was going to die,” she admitted, describing the overwhelming fear and uncertainty that followed. Aware of other high-profile individuals who had undergone treatment abroad, Koirala decided to pursue advanced care at New York’s renowned Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, a decision that would ultimately save her life.
Seeking Redemption and a New Beginning
The actor spoke candidly about the emotional toll of her diagnosis, including moments of despair where she saw “only darkness, hopelessness, and pain.” However, she resolved to make the most of a second chance if it came her way. “I knew one thing: if I got a second chance at life, I had to go and fix the score,” she said, adding that she felt a responsibility to her fans, many of whom she felt she had let down by taking on “bad films.”
Koirala’s comeback project, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, became a personal mission. “I prayed that if I got a second chance, I really wanted to do the best that I could and not disappoint my fans,” she expressed, highlighting her dedication to making the most of her return to the screen
The Power of Faith and Family Support
During her treatment in New York, Koirala underwent a life-saving surgery that lasted over 11 hours. Her mother’s spiritual support added comfort during this time, she revealed. “My mother had taken Rudraksha from Nepal after worshipping Mahamrityunjaya and gave it to the doctor to keep with him,” Koirala recalled, adding that the doctor later remarked, “this mala has done wonders.”
Koirala’s journey from despair to recovery remains an inspiring testament to resilience and renewal. Following her role in Heeramandi, she looks forward to her future in Bollywood with renewed commitment to her craft.