At 55, Manisha Koirala embraces love on her terms, life with honesty, and the freedom of self-care.
Manisha Koirala, a celebrated Nepalese actress, has made her mark in Indian cinema, particularly in Hindi and Tamil films. Among the most popular and highest-paid actresses of her era, she has earned numerous accolades, including three Filmfare Awards, a Filmfare Awards South, and a Filmfare OTT Award. In 2001, the Government of Nepal honoured her with the prestigious Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu.
She stepped into Indian cinema with her debut in the Hindi drama ‘Saudagar’ and went on to become a household name. Today, as she turns 55, we celebrate not just her career but her remarkable journey of resilience and determination. Having faced and overcome many challenges in both her personal and professional life, Koirala continues to inspire with her strength. On her birthday, we take a closer look at her thoughts on life, love, marriage, and more.
Manisha Koirala believes in not settling for anything less than she truly deserves in a relationship. Content with who she is and the life she has built, she remains open to companionship but refuses to compromise her current happiness. For her, a partner should enhance her life, not alter it. Trusting in fate, she feels that if it’s meant to be, it will happen naturally and harmoniously, without her actively seeking it. Above all, she values the freedom, fulfillment, and sense of choice she enjoys.
In her 50s, Manisha Koirala is clear about her top priority: self-care. When people ask about her next project, expecting the name of a big male co-star or a celebrated director, she often surprises them with her answer: she’s focused on her own well-being. She believes that as we grow, especially as women in our 50s, it’s vital to realise that being busy with work isn’t everything, and that the very definition of “work” can evolve. For her, this phase is about nurturing both body and soul, and consciously pursuing happiness. She sees “self-care as the most important project of all”, and encourages women to embrace it in their own unique ways.
Fresh from the acclaim for her performance in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’, Manisha Koirala reflects on life, saying there comes a point when you’ve experienced it all; the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s then that you truly understand the value of integrity and authenticity. You learn to accept that we are all flawed, and that it’s okay to own those flaws, something no one can teach you, but only life itself can reveal.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012, Koirala bravely shared her journey, inspiring many with her resilience and advocacy. The battle transformed her, making her a kinder person with a deeper appreciation for life and health.
Her memoir, ‘Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life’, grew out of this experience. She recalls searching for uplifting stories during her illness, drawing strength from the journeys of Lisa Ray and Yuvraj Singh. Believing that sharing can ease the weight on one’s mind and heart, she decided to tell her own story in hopes of helping others.
