Manisha Koirala, a renowned actress, producer, and social activist, enjoys widespread popularity. Known affectionately as Manu and Manya, she’s celebrated for iconic roles in films like “1942: A Love Story,” “Agni Sakshi,” “Gupt,” and “Mann.” Her inspiring journey, marked by a courageous battle against cancer, underscores her dedication to both her craft and humanitarian causes.
Biography/Wiki
Manisha’s early years were spent at her maternal grandmother’s home in Varanasi, where she attended Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya. Subsequently, she moved to Delhi for studies at the Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, before pursuing a filmmaking diploma at New York University. This period saw her actively involved with the independent documentary filmmaker’s society.
Manisha Koirala’s Childhood Pictures
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Manisha Koirala’s Career
While her early career (1990-1993) yielded varied results, the Tamil drama “Bombay” (1995) proved a turning point. This role garnered her the Filmfare Award for Best Tamil Actress and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance, catapulting her to greater success. Throughout her career, she has starred in over 85 films.
Awards and Recognition
Manisha’s contributions to Indian cinema have been widely recognized. Her accolades include:
- Smita Patil Memorial Award (1994)
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance for “Khamoshi: The Musical” (1997)
- Star Screen Award for Best Actress for “Khamoshi: The Musical” (1997)
- Gorkha Dakshina Bahu Award (2001)
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for “Company” (2003)
- India Today Woman of the Year (2014)
- Dadasaheb Phalke Brave and Beautiful Award (2017)
- Navbharat Times Award for contribution to Indian Cinema (2017)
- Dadasaheb Phalke Film Foundation Award for Most Versatile Actress (2018)
Beyond acting, she ventured into film production and television, working as a host, judge, and actress.
Manisha Koirala’s Health Battle
In 2012, Manisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She underwent treatment at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, including surgery and chemotherapy, ultimately recovering successfully. This experience further solidified her commitment to social welfare.
Physical Appearance
Manisha’s striking features – brown eyes, black hair, and a well-proportioned figure (36-34-38, 5’5″) – have always captivated audiences.
Family, Caste & Husband
Born on August 16, 1970, Manisha hails from a prominent political family in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her father, Prakash Koirala, served as a cabinet minister, and her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, was Prime Minister of Nepal. She also has a brother, Siddharth Koirala, who is also an actor.
Manisha’s personal life has included several relationships before her marriage to Nepali businessman Samrat Dahal in 2010. The marriage ended in divorce in 2012.
Further Details on Manisha’s Career
Year | Film | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1989 | Pheri Bhetaula | Debut Role | Nepali Film |
1991 | Saudagar | Supporting Role | First Hindi Film |
1994 | 1942: A Love Story | Lead Role | Breakthrough Performance |
1995 | Bombay | Lead Role | Won Filmfare Awards |
2017 | Sanju | Nargis Dutt | Biopic |
Her career spanned various roles, from leading lady to supporting characters, showcasing her versatility. She also actively participated in several TV shows.
Social Activism and Philanthropy
Appointed a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in 1999, Manisha actively champions women’s rights and works against violence against women and human trafficking. She also participated in relief efforts following the 2015 Nepal earthquake and uses her platform to raise cancer awareness.
Facts about Manisha Koirala
* Enjoys travelling.
* Favourites films include “Masoom,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and “Kagaz Ke Phool.”
* Admires directors like Mani Ratnam, actors like Kamal Haasan, and actresses like Ingrid Bergman and Meryl Streep.
* Enjoys reading books by Fyodor Dostoevsky and John Irving.
* Favors Fresh Lime Soda and Strawberry Champagne.
* Plays basketball.
* Loves Kashmir and London.
* Skilled in Bharatanatyam and Manipuri dance.