Manisha says pressure on young actors to be always perfect is unfair
Ienjoyed my time in the film industry and I felt people here became family. Work ethics have remained the same but the times and people have changed. Yes, I do miss the old days, but I am adapting to the new ways as much as I can,” says actor Manisha Koirala, recalling her previous stint in Bollywood.
Recently, the Film Federation of India invited Koirala to an event in Sikkim, where she spoke about Bollywood as a lucrative industry to work in — not only before the camera, but behind the scenes as well. “There are pros and cons in every industry but what you choose to do should be something you love. If you love the job, then it will be enjoyable. I’ve enjoyed telling stories and I still do. If after two to three decades I’m still working out of choice, it means I love my work. For me, fulfilment comes from the fact that I have time for other things in my life besides work. In my 20s, I worked non-stop but today, I have my work, my ‘me time’, family, vacations, hobbies,” says the 49-yearold.
Koirala began her film career with Subhash Ghai’s Saudagar (1991) and went on to give memorable performances in 1942: A Love Story (1994), Bombay (1995), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Agni Sakshi (1996), Dil Se.. (1998) and Lajja (2001) among others. She feels life was simpler back then. “Today, I feel bad for young actors… because of social media they are constantly answerable. They are expected to be perfect all the time, be cautious of what they speak and how they look. Earlier, people were more forgiving. But today, there is no room for any mistake as competition is fairly high,” the actor shares.
Talking about her career and its many ups and downs, Koirala admits that at times an actor fails to realise they are passing through a low phase, believing the next film will be better. “I went through a long ‘down’ phase. But if I knew it was a down phase I would have done something. It took me a long time to realise…”
Out of action after a cancer diagnosis, Koirala made her Bollywood comeback with Dear Maya (2017). But it was her performance the next year, in the Dibakar Banerji-directed story in the Lust Stories anthology, which truly announced her return. Later, she was also seen in Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju (2018).
“I’m new to the digital world. I am also learning a lot about social media and trying to do my best. When I was offered short films and web shows, I was unsure but intrigued. When I got a phenomenal response, it gave me confidence to do more. I realised the potential of the medium,” she shares. Koirala, who will next be seen in Neeraj Udhwani’s Maska, adds she is always keen to play roles she hasn’t portrayed before.