Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala is a celebrated Nepali actress who has made a remarkable mark in both Nepali and Indian cinema. Born on August 16, 1970, in Kathmandu, Nepal, she hails from a prominent political family — her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, was Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister. Manisha began her acting career with the Nepali film Pheri Bhetaula (1989) and gained widespread recognition in Bollywood with Saudagar (1991). Throughout the 1990s, she became one of the most admired actresses in Indian cinema, delivering powerful performances in films such as 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Khamoshi: The Musical, Dil Se, and Company.

In 2012, Manisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a life-changing event that she bravely overcame after receiving treatment in the United States. Following her recovery, she emerged as an inspirational figure, becoming an advocate for cancer awareness and sharing her journey in her memoir Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life. She later returned to acting, appearing in acclaimed projects like Dear Maya (2017), Lust Stories (2018), and Sanju (2018). In 2024, she earned renewed praise for her role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Manisha Koirala continues to be admired not only for her artistic talent but also for her strength, grace, and dedication to inspiring others through her life story.