Manisha Koirala opens up about mental health struggles during 'Heeramandi' shoot

Since the release of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series "Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar," fans have been swept away by its brilliance. Each actor's performance has been captivating, breathing life into their characters in a way that lingers long after the credits roll.

Manisha Koirala's portrayal of Mallika Jaan has garnered particular praise, but few may know the challenges she faced behind the scenes. In a candid conversation with NDTV, Koirala opened up about her battle with depression, stemming from her previous struggle with cancer. Reflecting on her experiences, she emphasized the intricate connection between physical and mental health, revealing, 

"Impacted by cancer, I know how body and mind health are intertwined."

Despite her resilience, Koirala confessed to grappling with depression even during the filming of "Heeramandi," acknowledging the toll it took on her well-being. She further added, “Even now, sometimes I go through depression. During the Heeramandi shoot, depression consumed me so much that my mood swings were like... I was like, 'Sail through this phase. Once this is out, focus on your health."

In a recent interview with Filmygyan, Koirala unveiled another intriguing detail about her journey. She disclosed that the role she portrayed was initially offered to veteran actress Rekha, a revelation Rekha had shared with her nearly two decades ago. Expressing her admiration for Rekha, Koirala recounted the emotional moment when she received the blessing of the esteemed actress, whom she considers a "goddess."