Manisha Koirala Opens Up That She Rejected Film with Madhuri Dixit Due to 'Insecurity'; Reveals How She Made Amends

Insecurity led Manisha Koirala to reject a film with Madhuri Dixit.

Manisha Koirala Opens Up That She Rejected Film with Madhuri Dixit: Sanjay Leela Bhansali's new series, Heeramandi, stars Manisha Koirala as the main character in pre-independence India.

She regretted to say no to a movie written by Yash Chopra because Madhuri Dixit was also in it. According to Manisha, one of her regrets in life is that she did not work on Yash Chopra's film. She said, "I got scared when I was pitted against Madhuri ji (Dixit) and backed out of that project."

However, years later, Manisha worked with Madhuri in Raj Kumar Santoshi's Lajja. She pointed out, “Madhuri ji is such a good person and actress. There was no need for me to be insecure."

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"I think when you have a strong actor in front of you, you only perform better. They encourage you to perform better. That comes from age and experience. I loved working with Madhuri ji in that (movie). I loved working with Rekha ji as well.”

Karishma Kapoor played the role of Nisha in Yash Chopra's Dil To Pagal Hai, which was considered by several Bollywood actors from the 90s.

The dance-off between Karishma and Madhuri, known as the "Dance of Envy," became a fan favorite. Prior to Karishma, Urmila Matondkar, Kajol, Raveena Tandon, and Juhi Chawla had also declined the opportunity.

As Mallikajaan, Manisha portrays a courtesan in Lahore's red-light district Heera Mandi.

Taking place in pre-partition India, the series depicts the relationship between courtesans and the Nawabs (governors during the Mughal Empire) and British officials during the 1940s.

In addition to Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Sheikh, and Sharmin Segal, Heeramandi also stars Aditi Rao Hydari.

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