The digital space has opened up a plethora of interesting projects for Manisha Koirala. However, the actress wants to take it slow and indulge in other areas of interest in her life, too. From gardening in her house in Katmandu to taking off on treks with her school friends – the actress says that what’s most important to her is enjoying life to the fullest. In a chat with BT, she talks about how life changed for her after battling cancer, the kind of projects she wants to associate with, and her thoughts on family life and motherhood.
Like many of her contemporaries, Manisha has jumped onto the digital bandwagon and is selecting work that appeals to her sensibilities. She believes that OTT (Over-The-Top) content has opened doors for projects that were previously considered out of the ordinary in mainstream Bollywood. According to her, OTT content has also shaped the viewers’ mindset, resulting in the mainstream industry producing subjects that are better suited for actors like her. Manisha emphasizes that there is a demand for new actors, directors, and writers, who are now challenged to think out-of-the-box.
Manisha, who has seen success and failure in her career, is not driven by insecurity but by exciting work. After her battle with cancer, she has realized the importance of enjoying life and being grateful for every day. While she finds it exciting to play a protagonist in a cool project, she believes that the most important factor is the team she is working with. At this point in her career, she doesn’t feel the need to continuously churn out films. Instead, she focuses on doing better than what she has done before.
Discussing her role selection, Manisha points out that as actors grow older, they learn to be at the periphery rather than the center. She shares her experience of playing a character role in Shehzada and how it was a break from her usual serious roles. Despite the film’s failure, she believes in not abandoning projects and taking failures in stride. While it was initially tough for her ego to handle the shift from being a lead actress to a character actress, she has come to terms with the changing times and enjoys the fabulous roles she is offered.
Manisha’s battle with cancer has transformed her perspective on life. She is grateful for how cancer changed her for the better, reminding her that time is limited for everyone. She now focuses on things she enjoys, such as spending time with her family and doing quality work. She desires to explore new places, rough it out, stay physically fit, and fulfill her bucket list. Manisha also contemplates the idea of having a life partner and believes that her life is complete with her pets, parents, and amazing friends circle. While she acknowledges the responsibility of raising a child in today’s world, she expresses her willingness to become a single mother if she feels confident and can make the necessary sacrifices.
To read more about Manisha Koirala’s thoughts on her acting career, family life, and motherhood, click here.
