Manisha Koirala, portraying Mallikajaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi,' looked to 'Peaky Blinders' for inspiration. Intrigued by Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby, Manisha adopted his intense gaze and demeanour to define her character in the series.
The Creative Process
In a chat with Filmygyan, Manisha shared insights into her preparation for the role. She discussed how a suggestion from Bhansali's assistant led her to study 'Peaky Blinders' to capture the essence required for Mallikajaan, emphasizing the challenge and excitement of embodying such a complex character.
Rekha’s Endorsement
Originally considered for Mallikajaan, veteran actress Rekha passed the torch to Manisha, praising her portrayal as "marvellous." Rekha, who was connected to the role decades ago, expressed her satisfaction and support for Manisha taking on the character, highlighting the depth Manisha brought to the role.
Cast Evolution
The casting for 'Heeramandi' has seen significant changes over the years. Initially announced with stars like Rekha, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Rani Mukerji, the project later shifted focus towards including Pakistani actors. The final cast features a dynamic ensemble of actresses, including Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chaddha, and Aditi Rao Hydari, showcasing a diverse range of talent.
