I was apprehensive about playing Nargis Dutt: Manisha Koirala

The actor opens up on her role in Sanju, and a recently announced Hindi film in which she'll be starring alongside Sanjay Dutt
I was apprehensive about playing Nargis Dutt: Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala, who was last seen on screen in the Netflix anthology, Lust Stories, will soon team up with Sanjay Dutt for the Hindi remake of the Telugu drama, Prasthaanam

Manisha and Sanjay have previously starred in films like Yalgaar, Kartoos, and Baaghi, among others. Last seen together in the 2008 release Mehbooba, the duo will be reuniting now, a decade later, for this upcoming film. 

On their latest collaboration, Manisha says, "I am super thrilled that I got the opportunity to work with him again. It's his home production and the remake of a South Indian film. The original film's director is directing the Hindi version as well. It's a political action-packed family drama; so I am very excited and looking forward to working on the film."

She is currently busy promoting her upcoming release, Sanju, which is a biopic on the life of Sanjay Dutt. Asked about her first impression of the actor, she says, "I have been a fan of Sanjay Dutt for a long time. I was in school when Rocky was released, and after a few years, I got an opportunity to work with him. I was always in awe of him. He is a huge star, but basically Baba (Sanjay Dutt) is all heart. The most endearing quality about him is that from spot boy to light man to the director and his co-actors, he treats everyone on the set equally and is full of love and affection."

Sanjay Dutt's mother, Nargis succumbed to cancer. Manisha, who is a cancer survivor herself, plays the legendary actor in Sanju. "I was actually apprehensive about playing the character of Nargis Dutt as I didn't want to relive those memories. I also had no idea whether I would be able to pull off the role," she says.

If a biopic is made on her life, who would be the ideal actor to play her on screen? "I don't think any film will be made on my life, but if it's made, I think Alia (Bhatt) or Kangana (Ranaut) should play my character."

In Prasthaanam, Manisha will be seen as the Sanjay Dutt's wife and Always Kabhi Kabhi-fame Satyajeet Dubey will play the role of his son. The film also stars Ali Fazal and Amyra Dastur in pivotal roles. Originally written and directed by Deva Katta, the remake will also be helmed by the same filmmaker.

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