Overview (4)

Born August 16, 1970 in Kathmandu, Nepal Birth Name Manisha P. Koirala Nickname "Manya", "Manu" Height 5' 2" (1.58 m)

Mini Bio (1)

Manisha Koirala (born 16 August 1970) is a Nepali actress who mainly appears in Bollywood, though she has worked in several South Indian and her native country's films. Noted for her acting prowess, Koirala is the recipient of several accolades, including four Filmfare Awards-and is one of India's most well-known actresses. Critics have noted that her niche as an actor remains unharmed irrespective of her commercial potent. Manisha was born into the politically prominent Koirala family, in which several of her family members went on to rule the nation, but she did not aspire to pursue a career in politics. A stint in modeling opened a career path in films, and she made her Bollywood debut with the top-grossing production Saudagar (1991). In spite of initial struggle to leave a mark, she went on to establish herself as one of the leading actresses in the 1990s with such films as 1942: A Love Story (1994), Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995), Agni Sakshi (1996) and Gupt (1997). Koirala gained particular recognition for her willingness to experiment with a variety of strong, dramatic roles, and she delivered several acclaimed performances in a range of films that did well with critics, including Bombay (1995), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Dil Se.. (1998), Mann (1999), Lajja (2001), Company (2002), and Escape from Taliban (2003). These films brought Koirala several awards and nominations, including three Filmfare Critics Awards for Best Actress, a South Filmfare Award for Best Actress, and a Star Screen Award Best Actress, among others. This was followed by a major period of decline when most of her films failed to do well. Her work in the Malyalam drama Elektra, the anthology film I Am (both 2010), and the romantic comedy Mappillai (2011) was received well, but she took a break from acting in 2012 to return three years later with the psychological thriller Chehere: A Modern Day Classic (2015).



She was appointed as the Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund in 1999 and 2015, and was involved in the relief works after the Nepal earthquake 2015. She promotes various causes such as women's rights, prevention of violence against women, prevention of human trafficking and cancer awareness.



Manisha was seen back on the Silver Screen with Sunaina Bhattnagar's Dear Maya. Manisha received appreciation from her fans and industry from across the whole of India. She has been seen doing some amazing motivational and social events.



She was one of the speakers along side Dalai Lama and CM of Andhra Pradesh at the Womens's Parliament, Amravati. She advocated on how we need more women in our board rooms, court rooms, schools and universities to make policies for women and that women should stand in solidarity for each other. Manisha's TEDx talk touched hearts of millions of people and she has received appreciation from across worldwide for same. She spoke about her struggle with cancer and her brave victory as a warrior and highly advocates on how focusing from early day on our personal health can do wonders. Her philosophy is to focus on mind, body and soul rather than just physical body to stay fit and positive.

- IMDb Mini Biography By: Vishwajeet

Spouse (1)

Samrat Dahal (19 June 2010 - 2012) ( divorced)

Trivia (13)

Indian model



Engaged to Christpin Conroy, the current Australian ambassador to Nepal. [2001]





She has a younger brother, Siddharth Koirala

She is an accomplished Bharatnatyam and Manipuri dancer.



In the 90s, she was voted the most beautiful Bollywood actress.



Diagnosed with ovarian cancer. [November 2012]



Starred in Ashish Balram Nagpal's shelved film "Jigarbaaz". Co starring Jackie Shroff, Akshay Kumar, Mamta Kulkarni, Bindu, Amrish Puri. Directed by Robin Mukherjee. This was in the year 1997.



Starred in the shelved movie, Creative Combines "Sitaron Se Aage" (Do Rang) (1993). Starring Akshay Kumar, Manisha Koirala (Replaced Pratibha Sinha), Sheeba, Farheen, Laxmikant Berde, Aruna Irani, Paresh Rawal, Music by Lamikant-Pyarelal, Directed by Poltoo Sen. 11 Reels.



Starred in the shelved movie Prince & Prince International's "Prince" (1995). Starring Akshay Kumar, Monica Bedi (Replaced Manisha Koirala), Suresh Oberoi, Alok Nath, Mohan Joshi, Paresh Rawal. Music by Anand Milind, Directed by Sameer Malkan. Reels: 2.



Starred in the shelved film "Dus Numbri"(1996) Starring Akshay Kumar, Manisha Koirala, Monica Bedi, Directed by David Dhawan.



Manisha Koirala's shelved home production " Raja Dil Ka Ghulam"(2002). Starring Siddharth Koirala, Sonali Kulkarni, Sayaji Shinde, Anurag Kashyap. Directed by Makrand Deshpande.



Starred in the shelved movie " Tanman.com"(2008) Starring Manisha Koirala, Aman (Nephew of Suresh Wadkar),Kabir Bedi,Paresh Rawal,Johnny Lever,Kunika,Meghna Kothari,Sita Thompson,Saakshi Sivananad, Rajpal Yadav,Sachin Khedekar, Kittu Gidwani, Joy Sengupta,Aleque Padamsee,Music by Sandesh Shandliya, Produced by Alok Tony Gupta, Suresh Wadkar,Sangeeta Chanda, Directed by Pradeep Chanda.



K. Shashilal Nair had planned a film titled " Madam M" based on Manisha Koirala. The film was to be about the controversy between Manisha and K Shashilal Nair after the release of Ek Choti Si Love Story. The film was eventually shelved .



Personal Quotes (16)

Im basically tired of doing what I have been doing for the last 10 years. My interest level was dipping. I was doing a fairly good job, when compared to others. The standards I have set for myself are higher. When I watched the Broadway show Miss Saigon, I was ashamed of being called an actress. The leading lady's performance was outstanding. I was ashamed that I am in the same profession but could not touch those heights.



People appreciating my performance is good enough for me. I don't care much for awards and have never given it much thought. And anyway, I can't play the games people play to win awards.



I can't play chulbuli roles all over again. Give me roles like I had in Company and Escape from Taliban and I will happily do them. I came from nowhere, made a mark. I am happy. Looking back there are no regrets.



I won't do decorative roles even if they are a part of hit films.



In Nepal, where I come from, people die for their beliefs. I can never compromise on my principles. I can't play games to get roles.



I guess being an extremist proves harmful and that's why my relationships haven't lasted.



I wish I could be like other actresses who claim they haven't kissed even at the age of 27!



I can't see myself changing nappies and cooking dinner for too long. I'm too independent to live off a man's earnings.



I refuse to be a doormat to any man. I will never allow anyone to push me around. I am my own mistress.



"Not only is it a film that sears my heart each time I see it, but Masoom is also my all-time favourite movie. I remember I cried bitterly the first time I saw the film. I guess I could empathise with the little boy because I was equally young at the time. Jugal Hansraj looked so innocent and helpless; he always managed to touch my heart... He had this halting and unsure speech. Each time he wanted to say something, he wasn't really sure whether he should. His tone always conveyed more than words". (On film that always made her cry).



Listen, I have made mistakes in the past. I have rubbed people the wrong way. I have always gravitated towards the wrong men. But its okay, given a chance, I'll live my life all over again.



The question is, what would you differently if you got a second chance ?



Only looking after the physical body is not enough. Its about the body, mind & spirit.



We need more women in our board rooms, court rooms, in our schools & universities.



Be proactive and responsible towards your own health. Because what you can do for yourself other people cannot do.



We can make the worst situation of our life into a narrative of triumph.

