Who's the Nepalese nerd? 

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 18, 2005 - 04:30 IST

We had no clue that we would be in for a big surprise when we did a raincheck visit at Manya's house. Curled in a corner was the gorgeous Manisha pouring over Da Vinci Code. Seeing us come she put away the book and greeted us but what caught our attention besides her achingly beautiful face, was the mini library that she had erected in her pad. We couldn't help but exclaim, 'Mind blowing, Manya!'

“Well, thanks, I have a 1000 titles stacked in there” she said, helping us to some chilled apple juice. While we savored the divine drink, she was gulping down bitter karela juice. And before we shot our question, she tells us, “Yeah, I know, I am keen on getting back into shape, actually Ritesh, my fitness instructor is keener. He keeps me on a leash; he is a tough daddy you see. The karela juice and a strict diet is an evil he has put me on!” the actress smiles.

We still haven't got over her treasure trove as we wonder aloud, 'Has she always been this book lover?' “Totally, books are immense in its nature. Like you saw, I have the Da Vinci Code and The Alchemist among bestsellers. I also enjoy autobiographies and biographies. I am very curious about the lives that others in my fraternity lead. It has always fascinated me. I feel there is so much I can learn from them” she points out. “Right now I am reading Arnie's 'The New Encyclopedia on modern body building. And I can't bring myself to put it down” says the Bollywood beauty.

Now she too joins the elite list of Bollywood actresses like Kajol and Preity who have a famous appetite for books. “Well, I didn't know about that, until you told me now. But Mr.Bachchan and Shahrukh are two people who are extremely well-read. Throw any topic at them and they can talk it for hours” she gests.

Does she ever feel like a nerd among the regular party-hearty crowd? “I don't know whether I qualify as a nerd. I actually take pride in the fact that I am a voracious reader. Take books out of my life and I'll perish!” she exclaims. Well, for now we'll leave you to live, Manya' we remark as we say our byes to the Nepalese.

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