Manisha Koirala (pronounced [mʌˈnisa ˈkoirala]; born 16 August 1970) is a Nepalese actress who works in
Indian films, predominantly in Hindi and Tamil. Known for her work in both commercial and independent cinema, she is the recipient of several accolades, including three Filmfare Awards and one Filmfare Awards South. In 2001, the Government of Nepal awarded her with the Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu. Born to the politically prominent Koirala family, she is the daughter of Prakash Koirala and granddaughter of Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal. Koirala made her acting debut with the Nepali film Pheri Bhetaula (1989), and went on to feature in the Hindi drama
Saudagar (1991). Following a series of commercial failures, she established herself as a leading actress with the romantic dramas
1942: A Love Story (1994) and the Tamil-language
Bombay (1995). She subsequently starred in a series of commercial successes, including
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