Exclusive: âœI went through one year of therapyâ - Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala, celebrated for her nuanced performances in films like 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, and Dil Se.., has experienced the highs and lows of stardom. Reflecting on the tumultuous phases of her career, she candidly shares, “You know the thing is, I don’t think I was immune to all that or I had any kind of support system to really fathom what was going on. I only had to live through it.” She acknowledges that the absence of a support system during challenging times, led her to navigate hardships independently.

Following her battle with ovarian cancer, Manisha recognised the importance of addressing her mental well-being. A friend’s observation led her to seeking professional help she said, “One of my friends, who is an artist, suggested, ‘Manisha, I think you’re depressed and why don’t you go through therapy?’ I was game. I said yes, I want to, because I don’t want anything that is lurking and I’ve not paid attention to.” Embracing therapy, she reveals, “I went through one year of therapy and it really opened my eyes.”

Emphasising the significance of mental health, she draws a parallel with physical ailments, “When we have a physical ailment, we go to the doctor. We don’t try to heal it ourselves. Mental health is the same; there are experts who can guide you.” Manisha advocates for normalising therapy, stating, “That old school of going to an extreme and putting them in a box is gone.”

Her resilience and commitment to self-healing are mirrored in her recent portrayal of Mallikajaan in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar. The series, set against the backdrop of India’s independence movement, delves into the lives of courtesans in Lahore’s Heera Mandi district. Manisha’s compelling performance earned her the Best Actress in a Drama Series award at the 2024 Filmfare OTT Awards. The show, lauded for its grandeur and storytelling, has been renewed for a second season, reaffirming her enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.

Manisha Koirala’s journey underscores the importance of mental health awareness, and the strength found in seeking help. Her story serves as an inspiration, highlighting that with courage and support, one can navigate life's challenges and emerge stronger.

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