Manisha Koirala is a legendary actress, social activist, and cancer survivor, who has made her mark in Indian and Nepali cinema. Never before has an actress possessed classic beauty and delivered emotion filled performances with such conviction, all whilst remaining at the top of bollywood in the 90’s and 2000’s. Manisha has undergone a metamorphisis, from award winning actress to a decorated inspiration, a symbol of strength and resilience. In this article we will take a deep look about Manisha Koirala age, height, biography, husband, movies, and more.
Who is Manisha Koirala?
Manisha Koirala is a film actress from India who was born in Nepal. She has acted in several languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Nepali. Manisha is a member of the prominent Koirala family of Nepal, which has produced several Prime Ministers. With her graceful presence and acting ability, Koirala established herself as one of Bollywood’s most recognized leading ladies, featuring in the classic films 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Khamoshi: The Musical, and Dil Se.
Manisha Koirala Biography Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manisha Koirala |
| Date of Birth | 16 August 1970 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 55 years |
| Birthplace | Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Social Activist |
| Years Active | 1989–present |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Debut Film | Pheri Bhetaula (1989, Nepali) / Saudagar (1991, Hindi) |
Manisha Koirala Age
Manisha Koirala was born on 16 August 1970 and is currently 55 years old (as of 2025). After the long passage of her career, she still commands the attention of viewers worldwide with her charms and elegance.
Manisha Koirala Early Life and Education
Manisha Koirala was born into a prominent political family in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, was a Prime Minister of Nepal, and her father, Prakash Koirala, was also a senior minister in the Nepalese government.
She spent several years of her childhood with her grandmother in Varanasi, India. Manisha completed her schooling at Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi, and then she attended Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya (VKM) Varanasi.
She originally aspired to become a doctor but developed an interest in modelling and acting during her childhood. Eventually, she even studied film-making at New York University to develop her creative abilities.
Manisha Koirala Physical Stats
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | Around 63 kg |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Figure Measurement | 34-28-36 inches (approx.) |
Manisha Koirala’s classic looks and expressive eyes made her one of the most elegant actresses of the 1990s.
Manisha Koirala Family Background
Manisha comes from the illustrious Koirala political family of Nepal. Her family has had a long-standing influence on the country’s politics.
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Prakash Koirala (Former Minister of Environment, Nepal) |
| Mother | Sushma Koirala (Homemaker) |
| Brother | Siddharth Koirala (Actor & Producer) |
| Grandfather | Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (Former Prime Minister of Nepal) |
Despite her political lineage, Manisha chose a creative path in the entertainment industry and made her family proud with her international recognition.
Manisha Koirala Career Journey
Manisha first appeared in the movie “Pheri Bhetaula” (1989), marking her debut in the Nepali film industry, before making her Bollywood debut in Subhash Ghai’s film “Saudagar” (1991), which turned out to be blockbuster success. Manisha’s significant breakthrough role was in the film “1942: A Love Story” (1994) and Mani Ratnam’s award-winning feature film “Bombay” (1995), where she established herself as a talented actress with her outstanding acting performances.
In the late 1990s, she was responsible for consecutive hits such as:
- Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995)
- Khamoshi: The Musical (1996)
- Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997)
- Dil Se (1998)
Her ability to act in various capacities was seen in movies such as Company (2002) and Lajja (2001). After having hit with cancer in 2012, she made an impressive comeback with Dear Maya (2017), followed by Lust Stories (2018) and Sanju (2018).
Coming up, is a Netflix series, Heeramandi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, which showcases her unforgettable elegance.
Manisha Koirala Husband
On June 19, 2010, Manisha Koirala united in matrimony with Nepali businessman, Samrat Dahal, but the marriage ended a divorce by 2012. Since then, she has remained single and indulged in her personal health, advocacy, and continued works in film.
Manisha Koirala Movies List
| Year | Movie / Series Title | Role | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Saudagar | Radha | Hindi |
| 1992 | Yalgaar | Anu Verma | Hindi |
| 1994 | 1942: A Love Story | Rajeshwari “Rajjo” Pathak | Hindi |
| 1995 | Bombay | Shaila Bano | Tamil / Hindi |
| 1996 | Agni Sakshi | Madhu | Hindi |
| 1996 | Khamoshi: The Musical | Annie Braganza | Hindi |
| 1997 | Gupt: The Hidden Truth | Sheetal Choudhry | Hindi |
| 1998 | Dil Se.. | Meghna | Hindi |
| 1999 | Mann | Priya Verma | Hindi |
| 2002 | Company | Chandrakala | Hindi |
| 2003 | Escape from Taliban | Sushmita Banerjee | Hindi |
| 2010 | I Am | Megha | Hindi |
| 2018 | Sanju | Nargis Dutt | Hindi |
| 2019 | Prassthanam | Saroj | Hindi |
| 2020 | Maska | Diana | Hindi (Netflix) |
| 2024 | Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar | Mallika Jaan | Hindi (Netflix) |
Manisha Koirala Social Media
Manisha Koirala is quite present on social media, where she shares her views on wellness, spirituality, and positivity.
- Instagram: @m_koirala_
- Twitter (X): @mkoirala
- Facebook: Manisha Koirala Official
She’s frequently uses her social media accounts to spread cancer awareness, as well as promoting self-love and healing.
Manisha Koirala Awards and Achievements
Below is a summary of Manisha Koirala’s notable awards and achievements:
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for Bombay (1996).
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for Khamoshi: The Musical (1997).
- Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress for Company (2003).
- Asian Academy Creative Award for Best Actress for Heeramandi (2024).
- Priyadarshni Gala’s Smita Patil Memorial Award (1994).
- Bengal Film Journalists’ Award for Best Actor for Escape From Taliban (2004).
These awards acknowledge her impressive contributions to the Indian film industry, starting over 30 years ago, and her influence during that time.
Manisha Koirala Net Worth
In 2025, the approximate net worth of Manisha Koirala is between ₹90 – ₹100 crore (around USD 12 million). This figure does not include additional income, which she earns in the form of brand endorsements, public speaking events, and her investments. She also contributes to a number of social and health causes.
Controversy on Manisha Koirala
Over the years, Manisha Koirala has faced a number of controversies:
- Aishwarya Rai Feud (1990s): Rumors suggested that Manisha Koirala had accused Aishwarya Rai of being romantically involved with her then-boyfriend, Rajeev Mulchandani. Aishwarya denied the allegation, stating it was “baseless gossip.”
- Religious Controversy (2006): An unsubstantiated rumor claimed that Manisha Koirala had named her dog after a well-respected Muslim name, causing an uproar. Manisha Koirala issued a denial, and police officials later confirmed that it was an untruth.
Despite media attention, she has always carried herself with grace and dignity, focusing on her own work and causes.
Lesser Known Facts About Manisha Koirala
- She has trained in the dance styles of Bharatanatyam and Kathak.
- Manisha is a cancer survivor; she fought ovarian cancer in 2012.
- She authored a book called “Healed: How Cancer Gave Me a New Life”, inspiring millions of people.
- She was a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador in India and Nepal.
- She practices yoga and meditation in her daily life.
- She speaks Nepali, Hindi, and English fluently.
Conclusion
Manisha Koirala’s path has been filled with grace, valor, and motivation. Having been one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian film, and also having dealt with a diagnosis of cancer and its subsequent treatment, she has truly shaken up the ideas of strength and elegance. Koirala’s capacity to reinvent and stay relevant for decades is what distinguishes her as an icon, beyond simply acting in films.
FAQ’s
Who is Manisha Koirala?
Manisha Koirala is a film actress from India who was born in Nepal. She has acted in several languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Nepali.
What is Manisha Koirala age?
She is 55 years old (as of 2025).
What is Manisha Koirala Husband name?
On June 19, 2010, Manisha Koirala united in matrimony with Nepali businessman, Samrat Dahal, but the marriage ended a divorce by 2012.
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