Manisha Koirala Opens Up About A Year Of Therapy
From cancer to mental healing, Manisha reveals her year-long journey in therapy, strength.
Jehangir Irroni is a filmmaker and creative director with over 18 years of experience in directing ad films, corporate videos, web series, and television shows. As assistant vice president - Videos at IncNut Digital, Jehangir is involved in producing and directing videos and infomercials.
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Veteran actress Manisha Koirala, renowned for her memorable roles in Bombay, Dil Se, and Heeramandi, has long captivated audiences with grace and grit on screen. Off camera, however, the actress has faced battles that reach far beyond the glare of cinema lights. After emerging victorious over ovarian cancer, Manisha bravely turned her focus to a struggle that is both less visible and equally critical—her mental well-being. In a candid revelation, she shared, “I went through one year of therapy… and it opened my eyes.”
In an intimate conversation, Manisha recounted how a simple yet honest comment from a friend acted as the catalyst for her journey toward healing. When a close friend remarked, “Manisha, I think you’re depressed,” the veteran actress understood that she could no longer allow her inner pain to remain hidden. Determined not to let the burdens of depression accumulate, she opted for a full year of therapy—a decision that profoundly transformed her life.
Therapy As A Path To Healing
Manisha emphasized that the approach to mental health should mirror our method of treating physical injuries. “We don’t fix a broken leg ourselves; we go to a doctor,” she noted, drawing a compelling parallel between physical ailments and emotional distress. By comparing therapy to a necessary medical intervention, the actress underscored that self-care is not a luxury but an essential part of holistic healing. Her openness serves as a timely reminder that mental health deserves the same level of attention and professional care as any physical condition.
The journey was not easy. Overcoming the physical challenges posed by ovarian cancer was only one chapter in her life story. As the weight of her emotional struggles began to take shape, Manisha opted to confront them head on through therapy. The process allowed her to unearth and address long-suppressed feelings, ultimately offering her a renewed sense of clarity and purpose. Her experience serves as an encouragement to anyone wrestling with similar internal battles—a message that mental health, much like physical well-being, must be tended to with professional help.
Manisha’s Resilient Comeback On Screen
Armed with new-found strength, Manisha returned to the screen with an intensity that resonated deeply with her audience. In her recent portrayal of Mallikajaan in the drama series Heeramandi, she delivered a performance that not only reflected the pain of her past but also the resilience garnered through therapy. Her role earned her the Best Actress in a Drama Series award at the 2024 Filmfare OTT Awards, a testament to both her artistic talent and the inner strength she has cultivated.
Her recent Instagram post on Bollywood Bubble’s handle (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJrVugPhVHJ/) captured her revealing statement and instantly struck a chord with fans and followers alike. As hashtags like #manishakoirala, #therapy, and #bollywood resonated across social platforms, it became clear that her personal journey was inspiring a broader conversation around the critical importance of mental health in today’s society.
The impact of her disclosure extends beyond her individual story. In an industry often characterized by its focus on glitz and glamour, Manisha’s willingness to share the vulnerabilities behind her success challenges prevailing stigmas associated with mental health. Her remarks suggest that acknowledging personal pain and seeking help is an act of courage—one that can empower others to take charge of their own emotional well-being.
Moreover, Manisha’s journey offers a roadmap for integrating mental health care into our everyday lives. She likens the process of attending therapy to seeking medical assistance for a physical injury—a perspective that can help demystify and destigmatize the path to emotional recovery. By sharing her experience, the actress not only cements her legacy as a performer but also as a trailblazer for mental health advocacy in Bollywood.
Her story arrives at a time when discussions around mental health are gaining unprecedented momentum both on and off screen. With public figures increasingly speaking out about their personal battles, the conversation is shifting from silence to solidarity. Manisha’s account reinforces that vulnerability is not synonymous with weakness. Instead, her narrative illustrates that true strength lies in acknowledging one’s struggles and having the courage to heal.
Manisha Koirala’s candid admission about her therapy journey stands as a beacon of hope for many. It reminds us that the road to recovery is multifaceted and that professional support—whether through therapy or medical care—is crucial. Her triumphant return in Heeramandi, underpinned by her personal journey through pain and healing, exemplifies how life’s challenges can yield not just recovery, but remarkable artistic and personal growth.
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