PIX: Fashion lessons from Manisha Koirala

One of the most sublime talents to hit Hindi cinema in the 1990s, Manisha Koirala’s fascinating journey will make an unputdownable memoir someday.

Born in Nepal to an influential political family and schooled in Delhi, Manisha’s delicate good looks caught showman Subhash Ghai’s eye. He launched her alongside another newcomer, Vivek Mushran as the romantic relief amidst Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar’s war of words in Saudagar.

But it was her dewy-eyed magnetism in films like 1942: A Love Story, Khamoshi, Bombay, Agni Sakshi, Akele Hum Akele Tum and Dil Se.. that made her a favourite of critics and masses.

A couple of professional miscalculations and personal setbacks slowed down the actress considerably. Her marital split from Nepali businessman Samrat Dahal was immediately followed by the upsetting news of the 43-year-old being diagnosed with cancer.

Manisha’s awe-inspiring spirit and positivity even under trying circumstances, however, ensured a victory over the deadly disease for which she underwent intensive treatment and surgery in the US.

The beautiful star is back in the limelight with her radiant smile and inspiring enthusiasm as she took on the ramp for fashion designer Maheka Mirpuri at a recent charity event.

Here’s looking look at some of her other gorgeous appearances in the past on and off screen.

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From Anushka Sharma to Vidya Balan, Sabyasachi Mukherjee has a designer delight for every woman.

And the star of Dil Se.. seems understandably pleased with her pick from his collection.

Known for her distinct dressing style, which has mature from bohemian chic to individualistically aesthetic, Manisha looks fresh and relaxed in her woven sari and statement pearls.

The actress took a break from serious roles to doll up and portray the quintessential glam girl in Rajiv Rai’s whodunit, Gupt.

As the reason for Shah Rukh Khan’s uns (infatuation), ishq (love), adiqat (reverence), ibadat (worship), junoon (obsession) and maut (death) in Dil Se.., Manisha is lovely, unattainable, cold, hot and flawless.

Red carpet is filled with actresses resembling cosmetic commercials. Against such a scenario, Manisha’s sari-clad simplicity is most refreshing.

That doesn’t take away the stunner’s profound love affair with the camera though. Take a good look at the glossy CineBlitz cover and you’ll know what we mean.

Her sensitive portrayal from girl to woman in Mani Rathnam’s Bombay won her abundant accolades. One look at Shaila Bano and it’s not hard to understand why.

Before he became famous for his lavish features and poetic portrayal of the heroine, Sanjay Leela Bhansali aimed for the heartstrings through Manisha’s poignant turn as the curly-haired Annie in Khamoshi: The Musical.

Madhuri Dixit was the original choice to play the small-town girl Anil Kapoor would bestow a string of metaphors for in Ek ladki ko dekha, 1942: A Love Story. Her date issues proved to be a boon for the young Manisha and her doe-eyed vulnerability in the period patriotic drama.

The early 1990s saw a spate of debuts hit the big screen. Among the ones to make notice, Manisha Koirala’s attractive face and confidence whilst sharing screen space with legends in Saudagar contributed to the Ilu Ilu girl’s rise tremendously.