Manisha Koirala, known for her powerful roles in films like 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, and Dil Se.., has seen both the bright and dark sides of stardom. In a recent interview, the actress opened up about the tough times she faced during her career and how she had to go through them alone.
“You know, I don’t think I was immune to it all, or that I had any support system to understand what was happening. I just had to live through it,” she shared honestly. This shows how difficult it can be for actors to deal with fame and personal struggles without help or guidance.
After her battle with ovarian cancer, Manisha became more aware of her mental health. It was a friend who helped her realise that she might be going through depression. “One of my friends, who is an artist, said, ‘Manisha, I think you’re depressed. Why don’t you try therapy?’” she recalled. “I was open to it. I said yes, because I didn’t want to ignore something that might be affecting me.”
Manisha went through a full year of therapy, and she says it changed her life. “It really opened my eyes,” she admitted. She now strongly believes that mental health should be treated just like physical health. “When we have a physical illness, we go to a doctor. We don’t try to treat it on our own. Mental health is the same – there are professionals who can help us,” she explained.
She also talked about how people should stop looking down on those who seek mental health support. “That old way of thinking – where people are judged or labelled for getting therapy – is gone,” she said. Manisha encourages everyone to be open to therapy and to take care of their emotional well-being.
Her strength and self-awareness were clearly seen in her latest role as Mallikajaan in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. The series, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is set during India’s independence struggle and explores the lives of courtesans in Lahore’s Heera Mandi area. Manisha’s powerful performance earned her the Best Actress in a Drama Series award at the 2024 Filmfare OTT Awards.
Heeramandi has received praise for its stunning visuals, engaging story, and strong performances. It has now been renewed for a second season, proving that Manisha’s talent and charm continue to shine in the entertainment world.
Manisha Koirala’s journey is not just about surviving cancer or returning to acting. It’s also about her courage to face mental health struggles and speak openly about them. Her story is a reminder that it’s okay to ask for help – and that healing, whether emotional or physical, takes time and support.
By sharing her experience, Manisha is helping break the stigma around therapy and mental health in India. Her journey inspires many to believe that no matter how hard life gets, with strength and support, it is possible to come back stronger.
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