With OTT bringing some fantastic content that will force you to binge-watch, Heeramandi: The Diamond Baazar happens to be the most anticipated Netflix web series. Starring Manisha Koirala in the leading role, the veteran actress makes her glorious comeback with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period saga.

As she is busy promoting her upcoming web series, Heeramandi marks Manisha Koirala's OTT debut, as she plays the role of Mallikajaan. The web series revolves around the infamous red-light area of Lahore and its shocking history.

In a recent interview, the actress recalled one of the biggest regrets of her career and spoke about how she was insecure about Madhuri Dixit. Because of which, she rejected what could have been a career-transforming movie for her.

When Manisha Koirala rejected Dil Toh Pagal Hai

Promoting her upcoming web series, the Lajja actress sat down with India Today for a candid chat. In the same interaction, she spoke about how she turned down the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra's film as it also starred Madhuri Dixit.

Recalling the same, Manisha said, 'One of the regrets that I have in my career is that I didn't do Yash Chopra's film. I was pitted against Madhuri ji (Dixit), and I got scared. I backed out of that project.'

Also Read: Fardeen Khan Gets Emotional Talking About his Comeback at the Heeramandi Trailer Launch

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However, years later, it was Raj Kumar Santoshi who brought the two divas together on the big screen with his film, Lajja.

'Madhuri Ji is such a good person and actress. There was no need for me to be insecure. I think when you have a strong actor in front of you, you only perform better. They encourage you to perform better. That comes from age and experience. I loved working with Madhuri Ji in that movie. I loved working with Rekha Ji as well,' she added.

For the uninitiated, Dil Toh Pagal Hai was offered to many actresses before Karisma Kapoor was roped in for the role of Nisha, who was pitted against Madhuri.

Before Manisha Koirala, artists like Juhi Chawla, Kajol, Raveena Tandon, and Urmilla Matondkar were offered the role. However, all of them backed out of the project, thus making Karisma the perfect fit.

More about Heeramandi

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's period drama marks his digital directorial debut. The story of Heeramandi revolves around the red-light district of Lahore, which is set against the backdrop of the 1940s pre-partition era, where courtesans were once the reigning queens.

Also Read- Sanjay Leela Bhansali On Heeramandi: My Biggest Project, I've Surprised Myself With This One



The upcoming magnum opus narrates the complex relationship between the courtesans, Nawabs of Heeramandi, and British rulers.

Along with Manisha Koirala, the web series also stars Aditi Rao Hydari, Sonakshi Sinha, Shekhar Suman, Fardeen Khan, Adhyayan Suman, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Richa Chadha, and Sharmin Sehgal in key roles.

Heeramandi: The Diamond Baazar releases on May 1 on Netflix.