Manisha Koirala on her Heeramandi experience, “When I first saw the set, I was taken aback” : Bollywood News

Manisha Koirala's return to the screen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated Netflix series, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, marks a significant milestone in her career. Portraying the role of Mallikajaan, the revered courtesan in 1940s Lahore, Koirala found herself overwhelmed during her initial encounter with the extravagant sets of the show.

Manisha Koirala on her Heeramandi experience, “When I first saw the set, I was taken aback”

In a conversation with DNA, Koirala recounted the moment saying, “I requested Sanjay to see the set because I wanted to immerse myself in Mallikajaan’s world. When I first saw the set, I was taken aback. I became so nervous because it hit me that I am going to be part of this.”

Despite her nerves, Koirala's dedication to her character remained unwavering. Avoiding influences from past portrayals of courtesans in Indian cinema, she sought to bring a fresh perspective to Mallikajaan. “If I want to create something that has never been done before, I need to have that disconnect,” she explained. Drawing from her instincts and personal experiences, Koirala infused her performance with authenticity. She added, “You pick up some incidents from your life and you reposition them in scenes where you feel they make sense.”

Heeramandi, touted as Bhansali's magnum opus and one of India's most expensive web series, boasts a stellar ensemble cast including Richa Chadha, Sonakshi Sinha, and Aditi Rao Hydari. Koirala's reunion with Bhansali after 28 years, since their collaboration on Khamoshi: The Musical, further adds to the anticipation surrounding the project. With its premiere set for May 1st on Netflix, Heeramandi promises to deliver a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of Indian history and culture.

Also Read: Manisha Koirala on reuniting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali after 28 years for Heeramandi: “I have seen him grow as an artist, he is a maestro and genius”