Manisha Koirala (born on August 16, 1970 in Kathmandu, Nepal), is a Nepali actress who works in Indian films, as well as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and social activist. Koirala has primarily worked in Hindi cinema, though she has appeared in a considerable number of Tamil films as well. She is also an accomplished Bharatnatyam and Manipuri dancer.
Making her acting debut in Nepali movie Pheri Bhetaula (1989), Koirala made her acting debut in Bollywood with Subhash Ghai’s top-grossing drama Saudagar (1991). She went on to collaborate with some of the most prominent Indian filmmakers of her times, and throughout the 1990s, was one of the best-known actresses in India, mostly recognised for her critically acclaimed performances.
Noted for her portrayals of strong dramatic characters, Koirala mostly ventured into serious and realistic cinema. Although box office collections of her films have varied considerably, critics have noted that her niche as an actor remains unharmed irrespective of box office collections.
Born Manisha B. Koirala
August 16, 1970 (1970-08-16) (age 39)
Kathmandu, Nepal
Occupation Film actress
Years active 1989 – present
Spouse(s) None
Early life
Manisha Koirala was born into the politically prominent Hindu Koirala family; Her grandfather Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala was the Prime Minister of Nepal during the late 50s-early 60s, as well as two of her great grand uncles, Girija Prasad Koirala and MP Koirala. She studied at Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi and Vasant Kanya Mahavidhyalaya (VKM) Varanasi. She lived with her grandmother in Varanasi during her studies. Her ambition was to be a doctor, but a modelling stint opened a career path into Bollywood.
Her brother Siddharth Koirala is also an actor, and collaborated with her once in the film Anwar.
In 2004, she returned from New York after receiving a diploma in filmmaking. She became a member of an independent documentary filmmaker’s society
Personal life
Manisha has dated several high profile and lesser known men including her earliest boyfriend Sameer (who was a working professional in the US), actors Rahul Roy, Vivek Mushran, Nana Patekar, Aryan Vaid, Australian ambassador Crispin Conroy, UK based Cecil Anthony among others. She is now reportedly marrying an American named Christopher Dorris. Manisha is known for her gregarious and easy going nature.
Filmography
Year Film Role Other notes
1989 Pheri Bhetaula Nepali film
1991 First Love Letter Radha
Saudagar Radha
1992 Yalgaar Meghna Kumar
1993 Insaaniyat Ke Devta Nisha
Anmol Anmol
Dhanwan Anjali Chopra
1994 Yun Hi Kabhi Pooja
1942: A Love Story Rajeshwari “Rajjo” Pathak Nominated, Filmfare Best Actress Award
Sangdil Sanam Sanam
1995 Bombay Shaila Bano Winner, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance
Winner, Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress
Tamil film
Anokha Andaz
Milan Priya
Criminal Shweta Kumar
Guddu Salina Gupta
Ram Shastra Anjali Sinha
Akele Hum Akele Tum Kiran Kumar Nominated, Filmfare Best Actress Award
1996 Dushmani Sapna Oberoi
Agni Sakshi Shubhangi/Madhu
Yeh Majhdhaar Radha Rai
Khamoshi: The Musical Annie Winner, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance
Winner, Star Screen Award for Best Actress
Indian Ishwarya Tamil film
1997 Sanam Sanam
Loha Manisha Koirala
Gupt: The Hidden Truth Sheetal Choudhry
Dil Ke Jharokhe Mein Suman
1998 Yugpurush Sunita
Achanak Pooja
Dil Se Meghna Nominated, Filmfare Best Actress Award
Maharaja Shaili Mathur
1999 Kachche Dhaage Rukhsana
Lal Baadshah Kiran (Life Insurance Agent)
Laawaris Anshu Mehra
Jaihind Sheetal
Mudhalvan Thenmozhi Tamil film
Kartoos Mini
Mann Priya Verma
Hindustan Ki Kasam Roshanaara
2000 Champion Sapna Khanna
Khauff Neha
Baaghi Rani
Raja Ko Rani Se Pyar Ho Gaya Manisha/Sapna Khanna
2001 Grahan Paro, Parvati Shastri
Chhupa Rustam Nisha
Lajja Vaidehi
Aalavandhan Sharmilee Tamil film
Guest appearance
Moksha Ritika Sanyal
2002 Company Saroja Winner, Filmfare Critics Award for Best Performance
Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani Vasundhara/Divya
Ek Chotisi Love Story The Woman
Baba Chamundeeswari Tamil film
2003 Escape From Taliban Sushmita Bannerjee/Sayed Kamal
Calcutta Mail Sanjana
Market Muskaan Bano/Kaalia
2004 Paisa Vasool Maria
Tum – A Dangerous Obsession Kamini
2005 Chaahat – Ek Nasha Mallika Arora
Mumbai Express Ahalya Tamil film
Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story Jahan Ara
2006 Anjaane – The Unknown Shivani Malhotra
Darwaza Bandh Rakho Julie
2007 Anwar Anita
2008 Tulsi Tulsi
Sirf Devika
Mehbooba Varsha
Khela Sheela Bengali film (dubbed in Hindi)
2009 Ek Second… Jo Zindagi Badal De?
