Heeramandi actor Manisha Koirala took inspiration from Peaky Blinders, tried to replicate Cillain Murphy’s Tommy Shelby

12 days ago | 19 Views

Manisha Koirala, who plays the lead role of Mallikajaan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s series Heeramandi, actually took inspiration for her role from another successful Netflix show. The actress spilled that she had to watch Peaky Blinders to prep for her character. Yes, in case you didn’t figure it out yet, Manisha’s Mallikajaan was created keeping Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders in mind. His cold gaze and expressions became the highlight of the show and Manisha had to recreate something similar.

Manisha spills the tea

During her interview with Filmygyan, Manisha went on talk about what went behind bringing Mallikajaan to life. “I was asking his (Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s) very good assistant, ‘Mita, do you think there is some reference?’ She told me ‘Manisha, watch Peaky Blinders,” the actress recalled, further commenting on how it was his cold gaze that got through to her. She wanted to incorporate the same because it was core Mallikajaan and a challenge for her as an actor.

Manisha on Rekha’s wishes after Heeramandi success

Back in the day, Rekha was offered the role of Mallikajaan. The actress reached out to Manisha, who eventually played the character in the magnum opus. She praised Manisha and called it ‘marvelous.’ Rekha was offered the role nearly two decades back and she called up Manisha to say that she was hoping the actress ends up playing the role, which of course happened. “You have gone through so much in life and you have brought life to the character,” Rekha said.

Old vs new cast

18 years back, Sanjay Leela Bhansali had revealed the cast for Heeramandi at the Los Angeles premiere of the series. Back then, Rekha, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rani Mukerji were a part of the show. Then, the filmmaker wanted to make the show with Pakistani actors Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan and Imran Abbas. Eventually, it is six ladies – Manisha, Sonakshi Sinha, Richa Chaddha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Sheikh and Sharmin Sehgal leading the show.