"I backed out of that project."
Manisha Koirala admitted that she regrets passing on Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997).
The romantic musical starred Shah Rukh Khan (Rahul).
Madhuri Dixit was also signed as the female lead character, named Pooja.
Yash Chopra faced difficulty in casting the second female role of Nisha as none of the actresses at that time were willing to play second fiddle to Madhuri.
Manisha Koirala was one of the stars who was offered the role.
Opening up on rejecting the offer, Manisha said:
“One of the regrets that I have in my career is that I didn’t do Yash Chopra’s film.
“I was pitted against Madhuri Ji, and I got scared. I backed out of that project.”
However, Manisha added that she made up for the loss when she starred with Madhuri in Lajja (2001).
Delving into this, the Dil Se actress continued: “Madhuri Ji is such a good person and actress.
“There was no need for me to be insecure. I think when you have a strong actor in front of you, you only perform better.
“They encourage you to perform better. That comes from age and experience.
“I loved working with Madhuri Ji in that (movie). I loved working with Rekha Ji as well.”
As well as Manisha Koirala, the role of Nisha in Dil Toh Pagal Hai was also rejected by the likes of Kajol, Juhi Chawla and Raveena Tandon.
Urmila Matondkar was signed for the part at one point, but she withdrew from the film shortly after filming commenced.
Juhi Chawla also divulged into rejecting the film as well as other projects.
She said: “I became pig-headed. I suddenly thought the industry will stop if I don’t work.
“I got some amazing chances to work in films, but my ego came in the way.
“I didn’t do some films, which I could have done, which may have been harder work and more competitive.
“I just didn’t do them because I wanted the easy stuff and I wanted to work with people I was comfortable with. I didn’t break barriers.”
The role of Nisha was eventually essayed by Karisma Kapoor, who garnered widespread acclaim for her performance, winning a Filmfare and National Award.
Meanwhile, Manisha started her career with the blockbuster Saudagar (1991).
She has appeared in hits including 1942: A Love Story (1994), Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995) and Khamoshi: The Musical (1996).
Manisha Koirala will next star in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s web series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.
The show is set to premiere on Netflix on May 1, 2024.
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