Manisha Koirala, born on August 16, 1970 (55 years old), in the city of Biratnagar, Nepal, is a well-known name in Indian and Nepali cinema.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, she ruled the screen with her unforgettable performances in films like 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Khamoshi, and Dil Se.
She’s not just a Bollywood star. Manisha has also worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Nepali films, proving her talent across languages.
Her comeback after surviving cancer inspired millions, and she’s still impressing audiences, most recently in Netflix’s Lust Stories and series like Heeramandi.
Curious to know more?
Keep reading Manisha Koirala’s Wiki to explore her ex-husband, family, career, awards, net worth, education, and much more.
Manisha Koirala Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Manisha B. Koirala |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Social Activist |
| Age | 54 years old |
| Date of Birth | 55 years old |
| Nationality | Nepalese & Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Leo |
| Birthplace | Biratnagar, Nepal |
| Current Address | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Manisha Koirala Ex-husband & Ex-boyfriends
Manisha Koirala is currently divorced, but she was previously married.
Manisha tied the knot with Samrat Dahal, a Nepali businessman, on June 19, 2010. The wedding took place at the beautiful Gokarna Forest Resort in Kathmandu, Nepal, following traditional Hindu customs. It was a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.
However, just a few months into the marriage, things began to fall apart. The couple faced many personal differences, and they eventually separated within six months. Their divorce was finalized in 2012.
About Samrat Dahal
Samrat Dahal is a businessman from Nepal and the son of Surendra Dahal, who owns the footwear company Leather Wings.
He studied alternative energy in the United States before returning to Kathmandu, where he joined the family business and also worked at NCC Bank.
Manisha and Samrat first met on Facebook, where a simple online connection turned into a real-life relationship. At the time of their marriage, Manisha was 40, and Samrat was about 33, making him seven years younger.
Sadly, the marriage didn’t last. Manisha later shared that her idealistic view of love and marriage played a big role in the split. Since the divorce, she’s spoken openly about the experience and said she might be open to love again, but only if it feels right.
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Ex-husband | Samrat Dahal |
Earlier Relationships
Before marrying Samrat Dahal, Manisha Koirala had several high-profile relationships that made headlines over the years.
Here’s a look at some of the most talked-about ones:
Vivek Mushran
Manisha’s first known on-screen connection was with actor Vivek Mushran, her co-star in Saudagar (1991). They were said to have dated for a brief time in the early ’90s, though details remain private.
DJ Whosane (Hussain Babai)
After Nana, Manisha was linked to DJ Whosane, a veteran Indian DJ and music producer. They lived together, but split when talks of marriage emerged.
Aryan Vaid
She had a short-term fling with model-actor Aryan Vaid, even doing a C-grade film (Chahat Ek Nasha…) for him. The relationship didn’t last long.
Prashant Chaudhhari
Manisha then connected with Prashant Chaudhri, the younger restaurateur. They dated briefly, but family pressure ended it
Tariq Premji
Rumors tied her to Tariq Premji, son of Azim Premji. They briefly dated when she was around 35 and he was about 25, but it didn’t last.
Nana Patekar
Manisha’s relationship with actor Nana Patekar was one of her most intense and controversial. They started dating in the mid-1990s while working on the film Agni Sakshi. Their bond was passionate but also stormy.
There were rumours of jealousy and emotional stress. The relationship ended around 2003, after Manisha caught him with another actress, Ayesha Jhulka.
Akshay (Australia)
She dated Akshay, an Indian-origin businessman from Australia, in the late 1990s. Their relationship lasted about a year, and at one point, there were even talks of marriage.
But things fell apart because he wasn’t ready to commit long-term, and they eventually parted ways.
Sandeep Chowta
Manisha also dated Sandeep Chowta, a Bollywood music director.
Not much is known about how serious the relationship was, but they were seen together at public events and parties in the early 2000s. It seems their connection didn’t last very long.
Cecil Anthony
Manisha was once linked to Cecil Anthony, a UK-based hotelier. Their relationship was kept mostly private and didn’t receive as much media attention. Like others, this romance, too, ended quietly.
Christopher Dorris
Christopher is a motivational speaker and entrepreneur from the U.S. Manisha dated him seriously before marrying Samrat Dahal.
Their relationship was stable for a while, and some even believed they might end up getting married. However, the two eventually separated quietly.
Other Rumored Connections
Manisha was also rumored to be involved with model Rajeev Mulchandani, who was previously linked to Aishwarya Rai.
The rumors led to quite a bit of drama in the media. However, Manisha denied the claims and said the story was blown out of proportion.
| Name | Profession | Relationship Period |
| Vivek Mushran | Actor | Early ’90s |
| Nana Patekar | Actor | Mid‑90s–2003 |
| DJ Whosane | DJ/Producer | Early 2000s |
| Crispin Conroy | Diplomat | c. 2000 |
| Cecil Anthony | Businessman (Nigeria) | c. 2003 |
| Aryan Vaid | Model/Actor | Mid-2000s |
| Prashant Chaudhhari | Restaurateur | Mid-2000s |
| Tariq Premji | Businessman | Mid-2000s |
| Akshay | Businessman (Australia) | Late ’90s |
| Sandeep Chowta | Music Composer | 2007 |
| Christopher Dorris | Counselor/Author | 2008–2009 |
Manisha Koirala Family
Manisha Koirala comes from a very influential and respected family in Nepal.
Father
Manisha’s father, Prakash Koirala, is a respected politician in Nepal. He has held various important positions in the government and comes from a family with a deep political legacy.
Mother
Her mother, Sushma Koirala, prefers to stay away from the public eye. Still, she has been a strong pillar of support for Manisha throughout her life and career.
Brother
Manisha has a younger brother named Siddharth Koirala. He tried his luck in acting and appeared in a few films, but later moved away from the film industry.
Grandfather
Her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad (B. P.) Koirala holds a special place in Nepal’s history. He was the country’s first democratically elected Prime Minister.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Prakash Koirala Mother: Sushma Koirala |
| Siblings | Brother: Siddharth Koirala |
Manisha Koirala Education
Manisha did her early studies at the Army Public School in Dhaula Kuan, Delhi. Later, she moved to Varanasi, where she studied at Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya.
After stepping into the world of cinema, she also wanted to learn more about what goes on behind the camera.
So, she flew to the United States and completed a diploma in filmmaking from New York University.
| School | Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya (Varanasi); Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan (Delhi) |
| Alma Mater | New York University |
| Highest Qualification | Diploma in Film Making |
Manisha Koirala Career
Manisha Koirala‘s first steps into acting began in her home country with the 1989 Nepali film Pheri Bhetaula.
Though it was a small role, it gave her early exposure to the world of cinema and set the stage for her journey ahead.
Breakthrough in Bollywood – Saudagar (1991)
Her big break came just two years later in Bollywood with the film Saudagar (1991), directed by Subhash Ghai.
Sharing screen space with legends like Dilip Kumar and Raj Kumar, Manisha instantly grabbed attention with her expressive face and natural charm.
The film was a commercial success, and it launched her career in Indian cinema.
The Golden Era – Rise to Fame (1994–1999)
The mid-to-late 1990s were Manisha’s most successful years. She gave back-to-back hits and became known for portraying deep, emotional characters with elegance.
Some of her standout roles during this phase include:
- 1942: A Love Story (1994): A romantic drama set during India’s freedom struggle. Her role was widely praised, and it got her a Filmfare nomination.
- Bombay (1995): Directed by Mani Ratnam, this Tamil film became iconic. She played a Hindu woman who marries a Muslim man during a time of religious riots. The film was both a box-office hit and critically acclaimed.
- Khamoshi: The Musical (1996): Her performance as Annie, the daughter of deaf-mute parents, earned her massive respect and the Filmfare Critics Award.
- Dil Se (1998): Paired opposite Shah Rukh Khan, Manisha played a mysterious woman linked to terrorism. Her intense portrayal left a lasting impression.
- Other notable films: Agni Sakshi, Gupt, Akele Hum Akele Tum, and Lajja, where she continued to show range and boldness.
A Shift to Realistic & Regional Cinema (2000–2010)
In the early 2000s, Manisha started moving away from mainstream Bollywood and explored different types of cinema.
She took on more socially conscious and artistic roles:
- Escape from Taliban (2003): Based on a true story, this film showed her as a woman trying to escape a violent marriage in Afghanistan.
- Market, Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story, and Anwar were other roles where she played more grounded, serious characters.
She also acted in regional films like Elektra (Malayalam) and Mappillai (Tamil), proving her versatility across languages.
Health Crisis & Career Pause (2012–2014)
In 2012, Manisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She immediately took a break from acting and underwent treatment in the United States.
Her battle with cancer became a turning point in her life. She returned to India in 2014 after being declared cancer-free, stronger than ever.
She also wrote a memoir, Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life, sharing her emotional and physical journey. This phase earned her immense respect, not just as an actress, but as a survivor and motivational figure.
The Comeback Era (2017–Present)
Manisha made her acting comeback with Dear Maya in 2017, playing a middle-aged woman rediscovering life and love. Though the film had a limited release, her performance was appreciated.
Then came Sanju (2018), where she played Nargis, Sanjay Dutt’s mother. Her sensitive and elegant portrayal received wide praise.
That same year, she appeared in Lust Stories (Netflix), showcasing a modern, mature character in a bold segment directed by Dibakar Banerjee.
In 2024, she returned to the limelight with Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, a grand period drama directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Her role as Mallikajaan, a powerful courtesan, was a show-stealer and earned her the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actress.
| Year | Role/Film/Series | Platform |
| 1989 | Pheri Bhetaula (Nepali) | Nepali Cinema |
| 1991 | Saudagar | Subhash Ghai/India |
| 1994 | 1942: A Love Story | Bollywood |
| 1995 | Bombay | Mani Ratnam |
| 1996 | Khamoshi: The Musical | Sanjay Leela Bhansali |
| 1998 | Dil Se | Bollywood |
| 2003 | Escape from the Taliban | Bollywood |
| 2010 | Elektra (Malayalam) | Malayalam Cinema |
| 2017 | Dear Maya | Bollywood |
| 2018 | Sanju | Rajkumar Hirani |
| 2018 | Lust Stories | Netflix |
| 2024 | Heeramandi | Netflix |
Books
Manisha Koirala has shared her journey through writing, most notably in her inspiring memoir.
| Year | Title | Description |
| 2018 | Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life | A memoir about her battle with ovarian cancer and recovery. |
Awards and Achievements
Manisha Koirala’s talent and bold role choices have earned her several awards and honors throughout her career.
| Year | Award Name | Work/Reason |
| 1996 | Filmfare Critics Award | Bombay |
| 1997 | Filmfare Critics Award | Khamoshi: The Musical |
| 2003 | Filmfare Critics Award | Company |
| 2001 | Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu | Contribution to Arts (Nepal Government) |
| 2024 | Filmfare OTT Award (Best Actress) | Heeramandi |
Controversies
Over the years, Manisha Koirala has faced a few controversies that caught public attention.
Here’s a quick look at some of the key ones.
| Year/Period | Controversy | Description |
| 1990s | Aishwarya Rai Love Triangle | Manisha accused Aishwarya of stealing her boyfriend, Rajeev; Aishwarya strongly denied it. |
| 2000s | Karisma Kapoor’s Public Comment | Karisma indirectly called out Manisha for boasting about her relationships in the media. |
| 2000s | Underworld Allegations | Gangster Abu Salem claimed Manisha sought help from Chhota Rajan to target two people, unproven. |
| 2012–2014 | Cancer Recovery & Loneliness | Manisha shared that many friends and political contacts abandoned her during cancer treatment. |
Manisha Koirala Net Worth, Salary
Manisha Koirala has an estimated net worth of around $12 million(₹ 100.19 crores). She charges about $120,000 (₹1 crore) per project, which is roughly.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $12 million (₹ 100.19 crores) |
| Salary (Approx.) | $120,000 (1 crore) |
Manisha Koirala Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Manisha Koirala stands at around 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall and weighs approximately 55–63 kg (121–139 lbs). She has a graceful presence with brown eyes and naturally black hair.
| Height | In centimetres: 165 cm In meters: 1.65 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 5 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 55–63 kg In lbs: 121–139 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 36–26–36 inches |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Manisha Koirala Instagram, X, Facebook
 @m_koirala | |
| X |  @mkoirala |
 @manishakoirala70 |
Interesting Facts About Manisha Koirala
- Manisha Koirala was once selected as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador for India and Nepal.
- She belongs to Nepal’s most influential political family; her grandfather was Nepal’s first elected Prime Minister.
- She studied filmmaking at New York University before returning to act in Indian cinema.
- Manisha survived ovarian cancer and became a motivational speaker after her recovery.
- She wrote a memoir titled Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life.
- Koirala is trained in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form.
- She’s acted in over five Indian languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
- Manisha once dreamt of becoming a doctor before turning to acting.
FAQs
What is Manisha Koirala’s age?
Manisha Koirala is 54 years old. She was born on August 16, 1970, in Biratnagar, Nepal.
Is Manisha Koirala married?
Manisha Koirala was married to Samrat Dahal in 2010, but they divorced in 2012. She is currently single.
What type of cancer did Manisha Koirala have?
Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012 and declared cancer-free in 2014 after treatment in the U.S.
What was her debut Bollywood film?
Manisha Koirala’s Bollywood debut was in Saudagar (1991), directed by Subhash Ghai.
Has Manisha written a book?
Yes, Manisha Koirala authored a memoir called Healed, which shares her cancer journey and how she found new strength.
