Khamoshi turns 28: Manisha Koirala reveals Madhuri Dixit and Kajol were first choice for the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film 28 : Bollywood News

As Khamoshi: The Musical celebrates 28 years since its release, actress Manisha Koirala shared a surprising revelation about the iconic film. Directed by her long-time friend Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Koirala disclosed that she wasn’t the first choice for the role of Annie Braganza, a character that has since become one of her most remembered performances.

Khamoshi turns 28: Manisha Koirala reveals Madhuri Dixit and Kajol were first choice for the Sanjay Leela Bhansali film

Madhuri Dixit and Kajol Were Considered First

In a candid discussion with PTI, Koirala recalled that Bhansali initially had other leading ladies in mind for the 1996 film. "Sanjay was clear that his preferred lead would be either Madhuri Dixit or Kajol," she said with a laugh. Despite their friendship, Bhansali was set on casting one of the two Bollywood icons before eventually considering Koirala for the part.

"Luckily, That Worked for Me"

Koirala recounted her reaction upon reading the script of Khamoshi and how she playfully remarked to Bhansali, “Ye dono nahi mili to main hoon, haan?” (If you don’t get either of them, I’m here, right?). Fortunately, the role of Annie Braganza, a musically talented woman torn between her passion and her duty towards her deaf and mute parents, ultimately went to Koirala, and her performance remains one of the film's highlights.

Reuniting with Bhansali for Heeramandi

The actress and director duo didn't collaborate again until recently, when they worked together on Bhansali's OTT debut, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. Koirala, who was "chilling, gardening, and in a different world altogether" in Kathmandu when she received the call, was thrilled to reunite with Bhansali after so many years. In Heeramandi, Koirala plays Mallikajaan, the ruler of the courtesans in a drama set in Lahore’s red-light district during India's freedom struggle. The series has been a significant success and is slated for a second season.

Also Read: Khamoshi: The Musical: Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial debut starring Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala completes 28 years