Manisha Koirala had reservations about love-making scenes owing to 'bad experiences with onscreen intimacy in the past' 

Manisha Koirala

Actress Manisha Koirala gave a strong performance as Mallikajaan in Sanjay leela Bhansali's debut web series 'Heeramandi' that is currently streaming on Netflix. The actress had previously discussed her reservations about performing intimate scenes on screen. Before being apart of Karan Johar's 'Lust Stories', Manisha had expressed her skepticism about the love-making scenes in the film, mentioning past negative experiences.

Manisha Koirala had appeared in a segment of 'Lust Stories' that was directed by Dibakar Banerjee. Before that film, in an interview with Masala, Manisha had said, "I was deeply impressed by Dibakar's open-minded responsive attitude. He listens to everyone, not just actors but also the crew. He narrated the film to me on Skype as I was in Nepal."

The actor had explained, "I had my reservations about the love-making scenes. I very frankly told Dibakar that I've had some bad experiences with on-screen intimacy in the past. I thought he would not be able to get around that problem."

In another interview with The Hindu, Manisha had elaborated further on her skepticism. "I am a little conservative in my approach. I was unsure if I would be a fit [for it]. I told Dibakar you might need a bolder person. I had seen and loved his short in Bombay Talkies . I knew he would make something sensible… At every step [Banerjee] was careful. He has been sensitive and respectful."

Manisha stepped into the world of acting with the Nepali film ‘Pheri Bhetaula' in 1989. It was in 1991, when she featured in the Hindi film ‘Saudagar'. She has starred in several acclaimed movies such as ‘1942: A Love Story', ‘Bombay', ‘Indian', ‘Gupt: The Hidden Truth', ‘Khamoshi: The Musical', ‘Dil Se..', ‘Kachche Dhaage' and ‘Ek Chhotisi Love Story', among many others.

For her recent performance in Heeramandi, the actress has been receiving rave reviews. Veteran actress Rekha who was the initial choice for the role also praised Manisha. Speaking about the same, the actress told Filmygyaan, Koirala said, "I love her a lot (Rekha). She called me up the next day after watching Heeramandi. She said, 'Bachcha, I was praying if I couldn't do the role, you get to do it. My prayers have come true. You have done it marvellously, you have gone through so much in life. You have added soul to the role.' To get a blessing and praise from an artist of her calibre is something else. I had tears in my eyes, and I told her, 'You are making me cry.' She loves me a lot. Rekha ji was offered this role 18-20 years ago."