Manisha Koirala, who is recovering from cancer, had to stay immersed in the water inside a fountain for 12 hours to shoot a sequence for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, the actress has recently shared on social media.
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Manisha wrote a long note to describe in detail the “physically demanding” fountain scene. She said the shoot for the sequence tested her resilience as the pores in her skin were soaked in the water, which became muddied as the crew members were stepping inside the fountain.
“Even though I was beyond exhaustion by the end of the shoot, I felt a deep happiness within my heart. My body had taken the stress and remained resilient. I knew I had passed a critical physical test,” she wrote on Instagram.
The 53-year-old actress also recalled how she was initially plagued by doubts and anxieties about whether she would be able to deal with the intense shooting schedule. “Still recovering from the dreaded C, would my body be strong enough to deal with the intense shooting schedules, heavy costumes, and jewelry, and perform a role requiring so much nuance and effortless effort,” she mentioned.
Manisha went on to mention how the actress in her was “overjoyed” about not being stuck playing peripheral roles in movies anymore due to the wider scope of OTT platforms. “Finally, female actors, technicians,and other professionals have started getting the long overdue and well-deserved good quality of work and respect in a professional environment. I am fortunate to be a part of this evolving era.”
The Mann actress urged her fans to never give up. “To you, who think your time has come and gone, whether it’s due to age, illness or any setback, never give up! You never know what could be waiting for you around the bend,” she signed off.
Bollywood celebrities flooded the comment section, heaping praise on Manisha’s performance in the series. Preity Zinta expressed her gratitude to the actress for being an inspiration at the beginning of her own acting career. “I love you Manisha. I saw the show for you & you killed it. You are such a powerhouse of talent & an even better human being. I will never forget how lovely, welcoming & generous you were to me in Dil Se,” she commented below Manisha’s post.
“Thanks to you I started my film journey on such a positive note. You never made me feel I was working with a superstar & nurtured me on the shoot - always smiling, accommodating & ready for rehearsal & suggestions. You will always be a Hero on & off camera. More power to you always,” she added.
Fashion designer-turned-producer Manish Malhotra also praised Manisha’s performance in Heeramandi. “You were Excellent,” he wrote.
Marking Bhansali’s OTT debut, Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar is currently available to stream on Netflix.