Manisha Koirala, one of the most iconic and enduring figures in South Asian cinema, continues to fascinate audiences—not just for her powerful screen presence but also for her inspiring real-life story. From her early days in Nepali cinema to Bollywood success, a courageous battle with cancer, and a complex personal life, Manisha’s journey is a testament to resilience and reinvention. In this detailed article, we explore “Manisha Koirala age” and much more—her biography, career, relationships, and legacy.
Who Is Manisha Koirala?
Manisha Koirala is a Nepalese actress who rose to fame in Indian cinema, especially in Bollywood, in the early 1990s. Over the decades, she has delivered critically acclaimed performances in memorable films, survived life-threatening illness, and used her visibility to champion social causes. She belongs to the prominent Koirala political family in Nepal and enjoys a reputation as one of the finest actresses of her generation.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Manisha Koirala |
| Date of Birth | 16 August 1970 |
| Age | 55 (as of November 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Biratnagar, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepalese (also associated with Indian cinema) |
| Education | Diploma in Filmmaking, New York University |
| Occupations | Actress, Social Activist |
| Years Active | 1989 – present |
| Marital Status | Divorced (was married to Samrat Dahal) |
Manisha Koirala Height and Physical Stats
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Weight | 63 kg |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Figure Measurements | 34-28-35 inches |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Reading, Yoga, Spiritual Practice |
Manisha Koirala’s Career Journey
Early Years and Rise to Fame
Manisha’s acting journey began with a Nepali film Pheri Bhetaula (1989). Her Bollywood debut came with Subhash Ghai’s Saudagar (1991), where she played Radha. Through the 1990s, she starred in a string of acclaimed films such as 1942: A Love Story, Bombay, Khamoshi: The Musical, Gupt, and Dil Se…
Mid-Career Challenges and Comeback
In the 2000s, Manisha faced a lull in mainstream Bollywood roles. However, she made intermittent but impactful appearances in films across languages. After recovering from cancer (discussed later), she re-emerged with strong performances in projects like Lust Stories (Netflix anthology) and Sanju, where sheplayed Nargis, mother of Sanjay Dutt.
Off-Screen Work
Manisha is also deeply invested in social activism. She has served as a UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and has spoken out on women’s rights, human trafficking, and cancer awareness.
Awards and Achievements
Manisha Koirala has received multiple awards in her career, including:
- Filmfare Awards (multiple)
- Filmfare South Awards
- Order of Gorkha Dakshina Bahu (from the Government of Nepal) in 2001
Manisha Koirala Family & Personal Life
Family
- Father: Prakash Koirala, a politician.
- Grandfather: Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal.
- Sibling: Brother Siddharth Koirala, also actor.
Relationship & Marriage
Manisha married Samrat Dahal, a Nepali businessman, on 19 June 2010 in a traditional ceremony in Kathmandu. She revealed they had met via Facebook. They divorced in 2012.
She later expressed in interviews that, although she sometimes wonders what having a life partner might have been like, she values her freedom and the quality of life she leads today.
Who Is Manisha Koirala’s Husband?
Her ex-husband is Samrat Dahal, a Nepali businessman.
- Samrat Dahal’s Age: At the time of their marriage in 2010, he was reported to be 33 years old.
- Education & Business: Samrat reportedly studied in the U.S. (MBA), and his family has business interests in leather goods. He also planned to set up a bio-gas plant in Nepal.
- Net Worth: According to some public estimates, his net worth is relatively modest; PeopleAi reports around US$619,000.
Manisha Koirala & Samrat Dahal Marriage
- Married on 19 June 2010 in a traditional Nepali ceremony.
- Their wedding was attended by family, close friends, and notable personalities.
- The marriage lasted for about two years; they divorced in 2012.
- According to media reports, Manisha’s feelings turned complicated, and she later described her husband as an “enemy,” reflecting deep marital conflict.
Manisha Koirala Children
- Manisha Koirala does not have any biological children. After her divorce and cancer treatment, she has spoken about her pets (a dog and a cat) as her children.
- She has also mentioned that, given her health history and her love for freedom, she would consider motherhood only if it does not compromise her life’s quality.
Manisha Koirala Health
In 2012, Manisha was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a turning point in her life. She sought treatment in
New York and eventually recovered, making her journey an inspiration to many.
Style Quotient
Manisha has always carried a graceful, understated style. Known for her elegance, she often opts for classic sarees or refined western outfits. Off-screen, she maintains a simple yet sophisticated aesthetic, favoring comfort mixed with thoughtful fashion choices.
Manisha Koirala Net Worth
Manisha Koirala’s net worth is estimated to be between $11 million and $29 million, which means ₹80 crore to ₹100+ crore approximately.Social Media Presence
Known Facts About Manisha Koirala
- Initial Dream: She once dreamt of becoming a doctor before turning to acting.
- Social Media Love Story: She met her ex-husband Samrat Dahal on Facebook, which was fairly novel at the time.
- Entrepreneurial Connection: Samrat Dahal was reportedly involved in alternative energy projects (a bio-gas plant) in Nepa
- Public Confession: Just six months into marriage, she publicly referred to her husband as her “enemy” — highlighting deep personal struggles.
Conclusion
Manisha Koirala is much more than her age or her iconic roles—she’s a story of reinvention, strength, and purpose. At 55, she continues to inspire through her art, her battle against illness, and her authenticity. Her life journey—rooted in a powerful political legacy, marked by personal highs and lows, and driven by social conscience—is a beacon of resilience. Whether on screen or off, Manisha remains an enduring and luminous presence.
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FAQs
How old is Manisha Koirala?
She was born on 16 August 1970, which makes her 55 years old (as of November 2025)
Is Manisha Koirala still married?
No, she divorced her husband Samrat Dahal in 2012
What was Samrat Dahal’s age when he married Manisha?
Reports say he was around 33 years old at the time of their marriage.