Manisha Koirala shares Rekha’s advice on Heeramandi: “I prayed that if I couldn’t do the rol”

Actress Manisha Koirala, who reunited with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali after 28 years for his debut OTT project “Heeramandi,” shared in a recent interview the touching moment when veteran Bollywood icon Rekha praised her performance in the Netflix series. Rekha, who was initially Bhansali’s choice for the role of Mallikajaan in “Heeramandi,” called Koirala to express her admiration for her portrayal of the character and her joy in seeing Koirala take on a role she herself couldn’t do. Koirala recounted Rekha’s words in an interview with Filmygyan, saying, “Bachcha, I was praying that if I couldn’t do the role, you would get to do it. My prayers have been answered. You have performed marvelously, having experienced so much in life. You have infused soul into the character.” Reflecting on this moment, Koirala said, “To receive blessings and praise from an artist of her caliber is truly special. I had tears in my eyes and told her, ‘You are making me cry.’ She loves me dearly.” Koirala also shared, “Rekha ji was offered this role 18-20 years ago. She is a divine figure. I adore her. She is the epitome of grace and poetry, a phenomenal artist. Her voice, dance, style, and aesthetics… she is a beautiful soul. Ashok Mehta ji (cinematographer) used to say, ‘No actor can match Rekha.'”

Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar earns 3 out of 5 stars. The novel maintains its focus on women while vividly portraying a vast array of emotions and events, including love, jealousy, deceit, and rebellion. It also vividly describes processions, street clashes, and instances of custodial torture, all of which are depicted with graphic detail, leaving behind a chilling trail of blood and unspeakable horrors.