Manisha Koirala recalls Madhuri Dixit's role in launching her career in Saudagar

Manisha Koirala reflects on her connection with Madhuri Dixit, from their collaboration in Lajja to Madhuri's recommendation that led her to Saudagar.

Madhuri Dixit and Manisha Koirala in a still from Lajja

Recently, Manisha Koirala remembered how Madhuri Dixit had suggested to Subhash Ghai her role in Saudagar thanks to her association with various famous faces in the business. In an interview with ANI, she reminisced about her time co-starring with Madhuri in Lajja and how her suggestion landed her 'Saudagar'.

Madhuri Dixit's role in Manisha Koirala's casting for Saudagar

Manisha gushed to the news agency that Madhuri is just stunning and she loves her. Subsequently, Manisha learned that the Dil actor had suggested her name. Manisha was in a photoshoot with Rakesh Shrestha, and Madhuri had seen her. Additionally, she had informed Ghai that I had met a girl; see her for Saudagar Madhuri suggested. The filmmaker requested Manisha's picture from Shrestha.

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Reflecting on her time working on the Ghai film from 1991, the actor recalled that Saudagar was a positive experience. Manisha said that she was too innocent and immature, having just graduated from high school. At the age of 18 or 19, she had limited exposure to real life and was filled with fear. She preferred to maintain her distance from everyone.

Dancing with Madhuri in Badi Mushkil

They were both in the 2001 film Lajja directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, and Madhuri and Manisha also danced together on the famous song Badi Mushkil.

Further, she discussed her initial reaction to being named Madhuri's lookalike. Manisha stated that, to be honest, she wasn't very flattered on those days. Now, however, she finds herself in awe of Madhuri's breathtaking beauty. Madhuri exudes an exquisite air of ease and is a fantastic woman, but that's just the beginning. Simply put, Manisha adores Madhuri as a person; it was a true privilege.

Recalling their time together on screen in Lajja Manisha expressed that by that time, she had also matured. Her eyes had now opened, and she could see her kindness—stunningly gorgeous and incredibly gifted.

Manisha's acclaimed filmography

As an actor, Manisha has showcased her skills in numerous films, including 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Khamoshi: The Musical, Gupt, Dil Se and countless more.

In Sanjay Leela Bhansali's first web series Heeramandi, Manisha recently portrayed the role of Mallika Jaan. In addition to Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chadha, Sanjeeda Shaikh, and Aditi Rao Hydari, Manisha appeared alongside them in the show. The show delves into the cultural dynamics of Heeramandi and examines the lives of courtesans and their patrons against the backdrop of India's war for independence in the 1940s.

Meanwhile, Saudagar can be streamed on Prime Video and ZEE5 (OTTplay Premium), while Lajja is available on Disney+ Hotstar and Prime Video.

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