Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Manisha Koirala on Khamoshi's 30 Years and Bhansali Friendship
A famous actress named Manisha Koirala is talking about a very special movie she made a long time ago.
The movie is called Khamoshi: The Musical, and it is turning 30 years old this month.
It was the very first movie made by her director friend Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
In the movie, Manisha plays a girl named Annie whose parents cannot hear or speak.
Manisha says it was hard to play that part, but there was beauty in the struggle too.
She says other famous actresses were thought of first, but she asked to be picked if they said no.
After the movie, she and Sanjay stopped working together for a long time.
Years later, when Manisha came home after cancer treatment, Sanjay threw her a big welcome party.
That hug made her feel their friendship would last forever.
She is grateful for her life, her career, and the love she has received.
Khamoshi: The Musical clocks 30 years in August, marking Sanjay Leela Bhansali's directorial debut.
Manisha Koirala calls Khamoshi her all-time favourite film and Bhansali her favourite director.
Koirala asked Bhansali to consider her for Annie after other actresses, including Madhuri Dixit and Kajol, were in mind.
She and Bhansali went their separate ways after Khamoshi but reunited years later for Heeramandi.
Bhansali hosted a big welcome-home party for Koirala when she returned from cancer treatment, cementing their friendship.
- Who
- Actress Manisha Koirala and director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, along with co-stars Salman Khan, Helen, Nana Patekar and Seema Biswas.
- What
- An interview marking 30 years of the film Khamoshi: The Musical, reflecting on the film and the friendship between Koirala and Bhansali.
- When
- August 2026, as the film clocks 30 years; Koirala's birthday is August 16, her 55th year.
- Where
- The film was shot in Goa; the interview was conducted by Subhash K Jha.
- Why
- To celebrate the film's 30th anniversary and share Koirala's memories of making it and her bond with Bhansali.
- Film
- Khamoshi: The Musical
- Milestone
- 30 years in August
- Director
- Sanjay Leela Bhansali (directorial debut)
- Main Cast
- Manisha Koirala, Salman Khan, Helen, Nana Patekar, Seema Biswas
- Koirala's Character
- Annie, a hearing daughter of deaf and mute parents
- Shooting Location
- Goa
- Later Collaboration
- Heeramandi
- Koirala's Birthday
- August 16 (55th year)