Who Is Manisha Koirala? Age, Biography and Wiki
Manisha Koirala, born on August 16, 1970, in Kathmandu, Nepal, is renowned as a prominent Nepali actress and a significant figure in Bollywood. With a career spanning over three decades, Koirala has captivated audiences with her performances in films like "Dil Se," "Bombay," and "Khamoshi: The Musical." As of 2025, Manisha is 54 years old.
| Occupation | Film Producer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 16, 1970 |
| Age | 53 Years |
| Birth Place | Biratnagar, Nepal |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Nepal |
Popularity
Manisha Koirala's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Manisha Koirala stands tall at 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) and maintains a balanced weight of around 55 kg (121 lbs). Her body measurements are approximately 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm), which contribute to her enduring charm and on-screen presence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Over the years, Manisha Koirala has kept her personal life relatively private. As of 2025, she is reportedly in a relationship, although specific details regarding her boyfriend remain under wraps. Previously married to Samrat Dahal in 2010, the couple divorced in 2012. She enjoys a close bond with her family, which includes her father, a prominent politician, and her mother, who instilled in her a love for the arts.
Koirala made her acting debut with the Nepali film Pheri Bhetaula (1989), and later debuted in Indian cinema with the Hindi drama Saudagar (1991).
Following a brief setback, she established herself with commercial successes in both Bollywood and Kollywood films, including Bombay (1995), Agni Sakshi (1996), Indian (1996), Gupt: The Hidden Truth (1997), Kachche Dhaage (1999), Mudhalvan (1999) and Company (2002).
She also received critical recognition for playing a naive girl in 1942: A Love Story (1994), an ambitious wife in Akele Hum Akele Tum (1995), the daughter of deaf-mute parents in Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), a terrorist in Dil Se.. (1998) and a mistreated woman in Lajja (2001).
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Manisha Koirala's estimated net worth is around $10 million, a figure accumulated through her successful film career, brand endorsements, and appearances. Her income is reflective of her contributions to the Indian film industry and her status as a respected public figure.
Career, Business and Investments
Manisha Koirala's career took off in the early '90s, and she quickly became one of the leading actresses in Bollywood. Her versatile acting skills have allowed her to cross genres, from romance to drama. In recent years, she has also ventured into production and has been involved in several philanthropic activities, especially focusing on health and women's issues. Additionally, Manisha has invested in various businesses that align with her interests and values.
Koirala spent her early life in India, and she stayed in Varanasi at her maternal grandmother's home for some years and later in Delhi and Mumbai. While at home in Varanasi, she attended the Vasant Kanya Mahavidyalaya until Class X.
Aspiring to become a doctor, she moved to Delhi and studied at the Army Public School (APS) of the Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi campus. In an interview, she said that living on her own in Delhi helped her become "strong and independent." Determined to pursue a career in acting, Koirala later moved to Mumbai for film roles.
Social Network
Koirala has a significant presence on social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and shares insights into her life. With millions of followers on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, she uses these platforms to promote her projects, advocate for causes she believes in, and update her audience on her latest endeavors.
Koirala's career prospects improved after starring in Vidhu Vinod Chopra's romance film 1942: A Love Story (1994), set during the Indian independence movement. She played Rajjo, the daughter of a freedom fighter who falls in love with Naren (Anil Kapoor), the apolitical son of a British colonial employee.
Chopra dismissed Koirala as a "terrible actress" after her first screen test, but was impressed with her performance for a second audition and decided to cast her in place of Madhuri Dixit.
The film featured the protagonists sharing a deep kiss; it was certified U/A (Parental guidance required) by the Central Board of Film Certification, becoming the first Indian film to receive the rating. Koirala's performance received positive reviews, with critics hailing her as "a sensitive performer". The film proved to be a box office flop.
However, it fetched Koirala her first nomination for Best Actress at the annual Filmfare Awards ceremony.
Education
Manisha Koirala completed her schooling in Nepal before pursuing a degree in Political Science from the University of Tokyo, Japan. This educational background adds a unique dimension to her persona, reflecting her interests beyond acting.
Over the course of the next decade, she garnered praise for her performances in several unconventional and art-house films, such as the survival drama Escape From Taliban (2003), the Malayalam psychological drama Elektra (2010), and the anthology film I Am (2010).
In 2012, Koirala took a break from acting after being diagnosed with last stage ovarian cancer and underwent an year-long treatment, making a successful recovery by mid-2014. She returned with the coming-of-age drama Dear Maya (2017), followed by her portrayal of actress Nargis in Sanju (2018).
The same year Koirala featured in the Netflix production Lust Stories. She has since starred in the acclaimed period drama series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar (2024).
