. Born into the politically prominent Koirala family in Nepal, she moved to Bombay in 1991 to pursue acting, eventually becoming one of the most respected leading actresses of the 1990s. Filmography Highlights
In 1989, Manisha moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in Bollywood. She made her debut with the film "Sanskritik" (1990), but it was her second film, "Saajgah" (1991), that brought her to the attention of critics and audiences alike. Her early years in Bollywood were marked by a string of successful films, including "Bol Radha Bol" (1992) and "Raja Hindustani" (1996), which earned her her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress.
In Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s directorial debut, she delivered arguably her career-best performance as Annie, the protective daughter of deaf-mute parents, earning another Filmfare Critics Award . She made her debut with the film "Sanskritik"
– Reena. Starred in Dibakar Banerjee's segment of the Netflix anthology.
Manisha Koirala grew up in a traditional Indian family in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her parents, Prakash Koirala and Sushma Koirala, were both involved in the film industry, and her maternal grandmother, Bimala Koirala, was a well-known theatre personality. Manisha's exposure to the world of cinema from a young age instilled in her a passion for acting, and she began her career as a model and actress in Nepal. – Reena
Then came the OTT revolution. Netflix’s and especially the web series "Heeramandi" (2024) —where she plays Mallikajaan, a cunning, tragic courtesan—introduced her to a new generation. The video of her performing the thumri "Phir Aur Kya Chahiye" in Heeramandi went viral not for dance moves but for the power of a single, teary-eyed smile.
📌 : She has also acted in Nepali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada films – a true pan-South Asian artist. The film’s most popular video
– Shubhangi/Madhu. A massive box-office hit showcasing a woman fleeing domestic abuse. Majhdhaar (1996) – Radha Rai.
Manisha began with , a massive multi-starrer where she played a village belle. Lost in the shadow of stars like Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar, she was noticed but not yet a sensation. Then came "1942: A Love Story" (1994) . Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, this lush, tragic romance saw Manisha play Rajeshwari, a passionate woman caught in the British Raj's turmoil. The song "Rooth Na Jana" became her visual signature—wind-blown hair, a simple white sari, and a melancholic gaze. This was not a dancing diva; this was an actress who could bleed emotion on screen. The film’s most popular video, "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha" (though sung for the hero), became iconic because of her silent, yearning reactions.
Mani Ratnam's masterpiece featured Manisha in a challenging role set against the backdrop of communal riots. Her performance is considered one of the best in Indian cinema history.
: Frequently listed among the most popular and emotional music videos in her career.