Manisha Koirala Chose Heeramandi After Four Heroine Rejections?

The acting of Mandi Kotha operator Mallikajaan (Manisha Koirala) in Netflix's most expensive Indian show to date 'Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar' is being discussed everywhere. Everyone in Bollywood is saying and writing - "Wow Manisha wow! You have brought Mallikajaan's character to life." Especially when she has come out victorious after battling a disease like cancer, the famous actress 'Umrao Jaan' Rekha is also one among those who praised her.

Manisha Koirala: Rekha's Influence & 'Heeramandi' Premiere

Manisha Koirala has been a big fan of Rekha. At the beginning of her career, she told me in an interview that she wanted to get a role like Rekha. Manisha wanted that she should get a film and discussion like 'Umrao Jaan'. Now when she got a role which is a memorable role, at this age...in which she does not dance, she makes others dance. Rekha also attended the premiere of 'Heeramandi - The Diamond Bazaar'.

The next day, after hearing Rekha's congratulatory words, Manisha's eyes filled with tears and she said - 'You will make me cry!' Rekha told Manisha that the role was offered to her 18-20 years ago, but the film was not made. Years later, when the discussion about Heeramandi started and Manisha's name came up, Rekha, as Manisha, said that she had prayed that this role should go to Manisha only. Her prayer was fulfilled. It was a tearful moment for Manisha to hear this from Rekha. Manisha says- There is no one like Rekha ji. She is a legend. Her voice, dialogue delivery, acting style, charm, and grip on the role are all unique.

Now let's talk about how Manisha got this role. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, producer-director of the web series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar', while discussing the selection of the cast at the premiere of Heeramandi in Los Angeles last week, said that his first choice for the role of Mallikajaan was Rekha. He had talked to Rekha about this project 18 years ago but the project could not be completed then. Apart from Rekha, Rani Mukherjee and Kareena Kapoor were also in his thoughts. At one time, he also thought of working with Pakistani heroine Mahira Khan. At that time, the names of Pakistani actors Imran Abbas and Fawad Khan were also in his mind while trying to connect him with this project. Finally, we talked to Manisha Koirala and the matter was resolved. With Manisha being finalized, other brothel queens (tawaif) – Sonakshi Sinha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Sharmin Sehgal, Aditi Rao Hydari, and Richa Chadha were finalized and Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah, and Adhyayan Suman, was finalized. That is, after the names of four actresses were considered and rejected, the role of Mallikajaan went to Manisha Koirala.

Just as it is said that the grain has written the name of the eater, similarly in Bollywood it is said that the name of the actor or actress is written on every immortal role. Manisha Koirala's name has been registered as Mallikajaan of Heeramandi.

-Sharad Rai

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