Manisha Koirala regrets not doing any Yash Chopra's film in her career, says, 'I was pitted against Madhuri Dixit'

Manisha Koirala, who will be seen in the much-anticipated series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar', has spoken of a decision in her career she wishes she could redo. Reflecting on the days when she was first offered a role in Yash Chopra's 'Dil To Pagal Hai', a film that also starred Madhuri Dixit, Manisha shares her feelings of insecurity at the time which led her to decline the opportunity.

Speaking candidly, Manisha shared with India Today her feelings of being intimidated at the thought of sharing the screen with Madhuri Dixit. This led her to step away from the project. She said, "One of the regrets that I have in my career is that I didn't do Yash Chopra's film. I was pitted against Madhuri ji [Dixit], and I got scared. I backed out of that project."

Yash Chopra, renowned for his depiction of women in film, was a director that many actors dreamed of working with. Manisha herself expressed this desire to Yash Chopra, "I went to Yash Ji's office and told him, 'Sir, it is my dream to be your heroine, solo. You are pitting me against Madhuri ji'". She now views this as a misjudgement.

Despite her initial hesitation, Manisha eventually did share the big screen with Madhuri in the film 'Lajja'. This decision came from a place of growth and a desire to not repeat past mistakes. "Years later, when Raj Santoshi ji offered 'Lajja' to me, I took it because I had done the mistake before. 'Lajja's' story was mind-blowing, it was women-centric, and I was bowled over by the subject," she explained.

Manisha believes that working alongside formidable actors like Madhuri and Rekha helped her enhance her own performance, something she learned with time and experience. Praising her co-stars, she reflected, "Madhuri ji is such a good person and actress. There was no need for me to be insecure. I think when you have a strong actor in front of you, you only perform better. They encourage you to perform better."

Now, on the cusp of her return with 'Heeramandi', Manisha seems eager and optimistic. The show promises a strong lineup, with actors like Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chaddha, and Sonakshi Sinha doing significant roles. This marks an exciting phase for Manisha, who, with 'Heeramandi', seems to be embracing a new chapter with the same spirit and passion that has defined her career to date.

Set to be released on Netflix from May 1, 'Heeramandi' will present a tale woven with intrigue and the rich tapestry of storytelling that Sanjay Leela Bhansali is known for. Manisha's participation in it is already generating buzz and anticipation among viewers eager to see her back in action.