New Delhi: Manisha Koirala was recently seen in ‘Hiramandi: The Diamond Bazaar’ directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. She played the character of ‘Mallikajan’ in the show. The actress took to her social media account to share about the challenges and experiences she faced while filming the water fountain scene for the show. Talking about the note, she gratefully says that I could never have imagined that after cancer and turning 50, my life would come to this second phase.

The actress posted a series of snapshots from the shoot and also opened up about the two reasons her life blossomed into this new phase after battling cancer.

1. Hiramandi has been an important milestone. As a 53-year-old actor who has got a pivotal role in a high-profile web series, I am very happy that I am not stuck playing unimportant peripheral roles thanks to OTT platforms and changing audience profiles. Finally, women actors, technicians and other professionals have started getting the long awaited and good quality work and respect in the professional environment. I am fortunate to be a part of this evolving era.

2. Today, when I am receiving so many compliments, I can’t stop myself from remembering the doubts and worries that haunted me when I was about to start shooting. Still recovering from the dreaded C, will my body be strong enough to deal with the intense shooting schedule, heavy costumes and jewelery and play a role requiring so much nuance and effortless effort?

The fountain sequence proved to be the most physically challenging. For this I had to remain immersed in a water fountain for more than 12 hours. This tested my flexibility! Although Sanjay had thoughtfully ensured that the water was warm and clean, within a few hours the water turned dirty (because my team members, the team of cinematographers and art directors had to enter the water to work around the scene). Every pore of my body was drenched in that dirty water. Even though I was exhausted by the end of the shoot, I still felt deep joy in my heart. My body endured the stress and remained flexible. I knew I had passed an important physical test.

Taking the same further he further said, You, who think that your time has come and gone, be it due to age, illness or some setback, never give up! You never know what might be waiting for you around the turn!

I am so grateful for your love and generosity of spirit!

After the post went public, Preity Zinta also commented on it, saying, ‘I love you Manisha, I watched the show for you and you killed it. You are a powerhouse of talent and an even better person. I will never forget how loving, welcoming and generous you were to me in Dil Se. Thanks to you, I started my film journey in such a positive way. You never made me feel like I was working with a superstar and nurtured me during the shoot – always smiling, friendly and ready for rehearsals and suggestions. You will always be a hero on and off camera. May you always have more power.

The show is available for streaming on Netflix.