At 47, Manisha Koirala is looking to make a fresh new start. Having survived cancer, the actress is now making a comeback to films. While her last film, Dear Maya, was a box-office dud, her latest, Lust Stories, has got a lot of people talking. But none of that compares to how she has stunned people in the trailer of Sanju, where she plays Nargis Dutt.
She almost refused the film but was taken in by director Rajkumar Hirani’s simplicity. It seems unlikely that someone might even consider passing an opportunity to work with the director, but Manisha tells The Woods that she had valid reasons. Excerpts.
 
The Woods:What were your thoughts when Rajkumar Hirani approached you?

Manisha Koirala: I was unsure if I should do it. First, I was supposed to play mother to Ranbir, who is just 10 years younger than me. Plus, I was supposed to portray Nargisji, whose memory is still fresh in a lot of minds. Another concern was that both of us had a history with health problems. I was not sure whether I have enough guts to revive that memory… whether I wanted to live that. So, I was very hesitant. I actually thought I would say no. But when I met him (Hirani), I realised I should work with him. He is just a good person. I am so glad I did it. 
 
And working with Ranbir?

Ranbir is such a wonderful actor. I have always enjoyed working with good performers, and working with him was a joy altogether. He is a brilliant actor. I feel he is the finest actor of this generation or the one before.
 
Including the previous generation? You have worked with his father too (Anmol, 1993). Who is a better actor? 

I hope people don’t mind this, but I got to be honest. Rishiji is a very good actor. His timing, dance, everything is phenomenal. No question. But, hands down, it is Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir for me, honestly speaking, I have not seen that kind of work before. He is a superior actor.
 
 

You are in your second innings now. Are you happy with what you are being offered as an actress?

I think when an actress is good, roles in mid-forties is a great thing. I feel it is a great time for Indian cinema because the audience is now open to watching different kind of films. 
 
You have got opportunities to work with some great directors in your career. How has that helped your growth?

Whenever you get the chance to work with good directors... you get to see their soul. Some directors are like poets. I got to work with Mani Ratnam, Mansoor Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali... like when I worked with Vidhu Vinod Chopra, he was full of romance. I learned acting from him. He was a strict taskmaster. After that, I took my profession a lot more seriously and wanted to excel in it. 
 
Much has been talked about the need to look young despite the age. More recently, after Sridevi’s demise, the discussion sprung up again about how she was always under pressure to look great. How do you deal with that?

In our world (films), looking good is a very important part. And if you look at the fashion industry, you will see only young people. I feel somewhere there is a fault in this whole mindset of not accepting the natural process. To age gracefully, to accept life with grace has more beauty and charm. But you have to be fit and healthy. And that is something we should strive for.