Actress Manisha Koirala is finally back in Bollywood with film Dear Maya, after five years of being cancer-free, fighting with the disease and it’s emotionally and physically taxing treatment. But having overcome those hardships returning to cinema — the industry she loves is all she can talk about.
“In life, the most unexpected things happen to us. But we should just try and do the best we can in those situations,” says the actor, who was in the city during the press conference of Dear Maya, directed by debutante Sunaina Bhatnagar.
For Manisha, who has previously worked with B-town biggies like Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Mani Ratnam and Dibakar Banerjee, feels grateful to have worked with a new director and debutant actresses Madiha Imam and Shreya Chaudhary. “Contemporary directors are the future, they are making beautiful movies. This was not how we used to have it previously. Different kinds of subjects are emerging today and it’s a great time in cinema. I enjoyed working with these young people, who are very passionate and focussed about their work,” she says.
In the film, Manisha plays the role of a middle-aged woman (Maya) who is pranked by schoolgirls — who write love letters to her in the name of a secret admirer. The situation turns worse when the Maya goes missing for almost six years, in search of this admirer.
“Is the character close to you?” has been a question posed to her several times, ever since the movie has been out for promotions. For this, she laughs and informs, “I don’t think so!” and adds that the message of never giving up and saying ‘yes’ to life is what her character portrays — and the same fundamental principle the Lajja actress follows in her own life too.
However, she is quick to mention that she always looks forward to playing something “out of the ordinary”. “I think that all actors are hungry for roles where they can extend themselves as artistes,” she explains.
Despite being surrounded by a whole bunch of reporters who seek for an emotional response from the actress about her fight with cancer or how has she been able to manage to make a comeback to the glamorous world of stardom, the actress has only positive and encouraging answers to give.
“I believe that a situation in life can be difficult or easy. But if you have an insight of using that situation in your favour, life becomes easy. Then, you become that kind of a person who doesn’t get let down by the challenges that life throws at you,” says Manisha, adding, that for any kind of sickness, mental or physical, one should never shy away from taking professional help.
When asked about why she chose to return to the industry after a troublesome phase? She says with a smile, “Films have been a part of my life for almost 20 years. I enjoy acting and I love cinema, it’s a part of my life. So I look forward to some good movies and a healthy and happy life.”
