Manisha Koirala is all set to shine in upcoming debut series by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, ‘Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ which will also feature Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Shekhar Suman and Richa Chadha in the lead.

As she is currently busy with the promotions of the project, in a recent interview, the actress recalled the time she was offered the film by Mani Ratnam but wasn’t eager to do it as she had to portray the role of a mother.

The actress cited that back then it was assumed that if someone portrays a particular role it will follow the actor throughout as it gets attributed.

However, the actress revealed that it was cinematographer Ashok Mehta who persuaded her to take upon the role without thinking. 

Manisha said,  "In
the 1990s, especially in Bollywood or the Bombay industry, there was a taboo that even if you're a hero playing a protagonist if you play a mother on screen, you will quickly be put in a box and end up playing supporting mother roles. You will no longer be the main hero, and that scared everyone around me.”

She further added what the late cinematographer told her, "Silly girl, you're refusing a Mani
Ratnam film because you have to play a mother at 19-20? Big deal, please go ahead and do it. You should be lucky he's offered you a film. You should see the kind of movies he makes."

‘Bombay’ was released in 1995 and Manisha received a lot of praise for her performance in the film.

She later worked with the filmmaker on ‘Dil Se’ which starred Shan Rukh Khan alongside the actress.

Meanwhile, ‘Heeramandi’ is set to stream from May 1 on Netflix.

Source: India Today