One actress the Indian film industry couldn’t bend to its will is Manisha Koirala. She’s erratic and unpredictable but never a fake. A non-conformist, she has lived her life without an eye on approval. Extremely talented and almost casual about it, Manisha is passing through probably the most interesting phase of her life, where she can pick work she wants, not needs.
Q: What made you choose a film like “Tanman.com”?
A: I like the character I am playing in the film. I play an actress who has deep spiritual stirrings. And as the film’s title suggests, not only does the film deal with technological progression but also with the simultaneous spiritual regression. That is what made me do the film.
Q: How was it working with a newcomer like Aman?
A: Aman is a sweet guy. I have always encouraged newcomers. Moreover it’s always the subject that matters most to me. And then the intention of the director is also very important. Pradeep Chandra is very passionate about his film.
Q: Are you spiritual in real life?
A: I think I am. But that’s a very private part of me. In fact, I have just started meditation. Besides there is so much one would want to know. There are so many questions and one is constantly looking for answers. For some it is a way of life, unfortunately for me it is not like that.
Q: Recently there was some controversy regarding Shashilal Nair’s “Ek Chhotisi Love Story.” Is it true that you are upset with Nair for using a double for some of your scenes?
A: I did this film only for Shashilal Nair. I did not charge a single penny for it because after “Grahan” he didn’t have much work and being a friend I thought I should stand by him. There were a couple of scenes I was apprehensive about in the film and Shashi asked me if he could use a body double for those scenes and assured me that if I didn’t like them, he would remove them. I told him to give it to me in writing that he would not incorporate the scenes without my approval. He agreed. But when I saw the film I realized that the scenes were not tastefully executed. So I have asked Shashi to delete those insertions.
Q: How come a person like you decided to become a producer and take on such a huge responsibility?
A: I know it is a huge responsibility for me. But life is all about taking risks and stretching yourself. It hasn’t yet become a nightmare for me. There are hassles, but they are not so bad that I can’t handle them. Besides I always wanted to make films. I love cinema.
Q: Your first production “Paisa Vasool” has Sushmita Sen and you playing the main lead.
A: The film is about two girls living in a city. Their life is not exactly a bed of roses but they get even with life. And then it is about how they get caught up with the underworld and how they deal with it. They even try to outsmart the goons. It is a pretty neat film. Sushmita was the best choice for the role.
Q: Who is directing it?
A: Srinivas. He was an assistant to Mani Ratnam and has also assisted Kamal Hassan. The film is written by Anurag Kashyap. My brother Sidharth is also there who will be the executive producer of the film. My entire crew is totally charged about the project. (The Asian Age)