After enjoying a successful position in the 90s, MANISHA KOIRALA, the luminous star is enjoying her second innings in the Hindi film industry. From indie movies to a Netflix anthology, she is defying the archaic norms and making daring choices. In conversation with TMM, she talks about her learnings of life, career and why she is not in favor of herd mentality of the Bollywood industry.
Your character in Mann was of a strong woman with substance. How close is Manisha to such characteristics in real life?
I think none of the characters I have played on screen are anyways closer to me in real life. I believe that an actor’s job is to live the character created by the writer and director of the film. And in case you are relatable to the character, then you are not doing justice to the role. An actor should always opt for roles that he/she is not at all relatable with and preferably thinks that such characters don’t even exist. In that situation, you turn out to be a real actor. So, an actor’s job is not to portray himself or herself, but the character and to do the closest the director has imagined.
You were recently seen in the Lust Stories. What made you say yes and what are your views on the web series and digital world?
Foremost, I wanted to work with Dibakar Banerjee and that factor was motivating enough for me to say a yes. I am not a big fan of extramarital affair, but in this story in some way, the character of the woman got my attention who takes back her power that she had lost in the years of marriage. As far as web series are concerned, I guess change is something that is very obvious and every new thing that helps the creative industry grow is worth attention. The web world has added a new dimension to the entertainment world and I appreciate it.
Do you have any complaints in life?
Life is like that one book, where every page some suspense and by the time you complete the page you realize that you got to know a new dimension of it that has many more characters to it. So, it is a learning experience where there are ups and down and it is not always fair to you. There are times when you feel you are right, but the very next moment life proves you wrong. Nature has its own way of teaching you lessons and with time I have understood, that’s the beauty of life. As early as you accept, more you get to explore.
How much have you evolved as a woman with time and its learnings?
The roller coaster ride of life evolves every individual in some way or the other. It is up to you how far you learn from it. I have always been of the mindset that I will make mistakes and learn the lesson. So, I was a kind of person who will never listen to others. Having said that, today I am wiser and have realized that it is good to pay attention to those who are elder and have seen more of life. At times, rebelling unnecessarily is a waste of time and energy.
You’ve lived life on your own terms. Comment.
Yes, I always wanted to do that and I am proud that I did so. Now when I look back, there is a sense of satisfaction and the learnings have made me stand where I am today. I have tasted success, light, darkness and have even gone to the zenith of life and came back with bright colors. For many, this might sound bizarre, but I could not have done it any other way. It is always good to learn on your own and bring the best of you to the world.
You love to read books, what made you write the book and give us a glimpse of it.
The habit of reading books was nurtured by my father at an early age. The first book he gifted me was ‘To Kill a Mockingbird. Over the years I read all the creations of Socrates and Aristotle. I was always the person who used to question everything and with time I started questioning even my existence and this inclined me towards spirituality, human psychology and my connection with the supreme power (almighty). Reading books on spirituality helped me understand the meaning and value of life and somewhere that energy helped me pen down my own book.
Apart from the box-office success, what are the small sweet things in life which make you feel the happiest?
Of course, box-office matters a lot, as it decides your future in the industry. But, having said that, I feel the creative satisfaction is incomparable. There had been instances when a film has not worked in terms of commercials, but I have got the chance to play a character that I don’t associate with, it gives me a certain kind of satisfaction that money can never fulfill. In my opinion, that’s the magic of following your passion. Apart from that nature, family, travelling solo, and meeting new people in life makes me feel happy. The whole idea of being a part of the journey of others, sharing joys and sorrows makes life a beautiful space that I am blessed with.
Would you like to wear the hat of a producer and be on the other side of the table?
I did produce Paisa Vasool way back in 2004 and realized it is a tough job. I think with time it has become easier, as things are way easier now and a lot more professionalism has been nurtured within the industry. I might wear the hat in the future, but nothing has been planned to date.
What are your future plans?
After facing death and cancer, I have stopped making long-term future plans. I try to live in the moment and make the best of it. Short-terms plans help me frame my mind and live a disciplined life, but that is also spiced with spontaneity to cheer my soul and keep the spark of life alive.
Indian cinema has changed over the years. What is your take on remakes and biopics?
I will say the change has been good for all the creative people who are part of the industry and also for those, who wish to be a part of this world. The young pool of writers, directors, actors and actresses at times amaze me with their energy and caliber. As far as remakes and biopics are concerned, I don’t relate with the ‘herd mentality’. If one remake or biopic has worked, it doesn’t mean that all others will also work. People need to understand that cinema is an art of story-telling and it is important to tell the story in a good way.
Rapid Fire
One thing that makes you feel confident: looking back, seeing all that I survive. I know the universe has my back.
One thing you are scared of: Fear itself!
One fashion faux pas you can never forget: Too many to mention here
What’s the one garment that makes you feel ‘body confident’: I love sarees
Your favourite actor from the current lot: Ranveer Singh and RanbirKapoor
Must-haves in your bag: Phone and sunblock
Your beauty mantra: Happiness
Two things that people don’t know about you: I am an open book, there’s hardly anything that people don’t know about me
A biopic on you would be named as: Conquer
If not an actress, you would have been: Can’t think of anything
Also read | Manisha Koirala’s battle against cancer is now a book.
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