Manisha's Feelings On Comparing Her With Madhuri

Manisha Koirala, who debuted in Subhash Ghai's Saudagar (1991), was initially not flattered by being compared to Madhuri Dixit. However she now admires Madhuri for her beauty, grace and wonderful personality. Manisha a self-described "rebel" in her early career, later grew to appreciate Madhuri after working together in Lajja (2001). 

By then, she had matured and recognized Madhuri’s humility and talent. Manisha also discovered that Madhuri had played a key role in her Bollywood debut by recommending her to Subhash Ghai for Saudagar, having seen her in a photoshoot by Rakesh Shrestha. 

Reflecting on her debut Manisha admitted to feeling scared and naive at the time. Years later she replaced Madhuri in 1942: A Love Story (1994). Recently, Manisha appeared in Heeramandi (2024) on Netflix while Madhuri starred in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (2023).