Actor Manisha Koirala recently launched her memoirs in Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life, published by Penguin Random House India. The Quint met up with her at the Jaipur Literature Festival to discuss getting a second chance at life, her Bollywood days and upcoming books.
Manisha had already gone through a tumultuous and tiring Bollywood career when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. According to Manisha, cancer has changed her as a person and she has become kinder, more gentle and has started enjoying every perspective of nature.
“When I was sick, I was searching for positive stories. I could not get many stories... So I decided that when I get okay, I will share my stories with people... Hence, I wrote the book and I am here at JLF 2019 as I had decided to be here once I become an author.”Manisha Koirala
The Three Mistakes She’d Never Repeat
Manisha told us the three mistake she never wanted to repear once she had gotten a second chance at life. Working on her health and accepting that alcohol did not suit her was the first. Next she wanted to work on her relationships but also becoming whole by herself. Finally she needed to let go of drama. That’s advice we can all use!
“I Didn’t Care, I Was Blessed”
Manisha said that as a young woman actor, she really did not give in to the pressure placed on her or play by the rule book. She added that playing strong female leads was a blessing she received and she couldn’t take ownership of that. But she did get in trouble for expressing herself.
Being A Koirala Girl
Manisha confessed that being a Koirala girl came with certain notoriety and she plans to write another book on how strong-headed Koirala women are.
She concluded the chat by revealing that she has a lot more stories to tell. Manisha last appeared in 2018’s Lust Stories and Sanju.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)