To many, Nepal is the land of the Himalayas, monasteries, and timeless beauty. For Manisha Koirala, however, it is far more than just scenic landscapes.
Nepal is her legacy. Born into the powerful Koirala dynasty, her lineage is steeped in politics and history. Her grandfather, B.P. Koirala, became Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, while her father, Prakash Koirala, also held important ministerial roles.
For Manisha, Nepal has always been her anchor. Despite spending her formative years in Varanasi, Delhi, and Kathmandu, she carried her homeland with her everywhere. Even at the height of her fame, when Bollywood demanded all of her time, she found peace in her Kathmandu residence, a serene white-walled sanctuary where she could leave behind the world of arc lights and simply be herself.
How did she rise to fame in Indian cinema?
Born on August 16, 1970, in Biratnagar, Manisha had a modest upbringing. She studied at Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya in Varanasi before moving to Delhi’s Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan. Her first taste of acting came with the Nepali film Pheri Bhetaula in 1989. By 1991, she stepped into Bollywood with Subhash Ghai’s Saudagar.
Though her initial films received mixed responses, it was Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s 1942: A Love Story (1994) that truly established her. The film brought her a Filmfare Best Actress nomination, marking her arrival as more than just a newcomer. She then worked with Mani Ratnam in the critically acclaimed Bombay (1995), a performance that won her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance, the first time a non-Hindi film had achieved this recognition.
The mid-90s saw Manisha at the peak of her career with films like Akele Hum Akele Tum, Khamoshi: The Musical, Gupt: The Hidden Truth, Dil Se.., Kuchhe Dhaage, and Mann. Her versatility and emotional depth made her one of the most admired actresses of her generation.
What challenges did she face, and how did she make a comeback?
Life took a difficult turn when Manisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. After a long and difficult treatment, she emerged as a survivor, not just of illness but of life’s toughest challenges.
Her comeback was powerful. She impressed audiences with roles in Do Paise Ki Dhoop, Chaar Aane Ki Baarish, Netflix’s Lust Stories, Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju, and most recently, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama Heeramandi, where she played the commanding Mallikajaan.
What defines her life beyond films?
Manisha’s Kathmandu home remains her retreat, a tranquil, white-themed residence with wooden floors, family portraits, and views of surrounding hills. Often seen on her Instagram, the house mirrors her personality: calm, artistic, and deeply connected to her roots.
She also commands strong remuneration in today’s industry. Reports suggest she earns around Rs 1 crore per major project, a fee she received for both Heeramandi and Shehzada (2023), where she starred alongside Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon.
When not shooting, Manisha travels widely, exploring Europe, Asia, and lesser-known adventure spots. For her, travel is less about luxury and more about personal renewal.
What is her legacy today?
Manisha has appeared in more than 60 films across Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Nepali, and English cinema. With a net worth of around $12 million, as reported by Lifestyle Asia, her success is not just a reflection of her acting career but also her strong family legacy.
Her journey, from a young girl in Biratnagar to an internationally recognised actress and a cancer survivor, makes her one of the most inspiring figures in Indian cinema today.
Highlights:
- Manisha Koirala belongs to Nepal’s powerful Koirala political dynasty.
- Her career-defining films include 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Dil Se.., and Heeramandi.