Breaking ageism,

Actress Manisha Koirala talks about life after 50, facing ageism & how she continues to take on new challenges

- Ria Sharma

Actress Manisha Koirala has been entertaining the audience with her performances for three decades. From iconic roles in Dil Se and Heeramandi to her courageous battle with cancer, she has been an epitome of resilience and reinvention. In this candid conversation with The Free Press Journal, Manisha opens up about life after 50, breaking societal norms, and navigating ageism in the entertainment industry. With unfiltered honesty, she also discusses the hurdles faced by women in Bollywood. Excerpts:

Q. You recently said the best part of life begins after 50...

A. By 50, a lot of us are financially independent, we are job secured, we have reached a certain level of thairaav. I'm talking about a mind frame, a sense of security, and about being at peace with your life. We gain clarity a lot about ourselves and about the world by 50. We are on our path of doing what gives us joy. We realize who our best friends are. We realize where we should be spending more time. We are in tandem with our soul. So it's not only about pursuing a hobby. It's got to do with your life, your attitude, and your mindset.

Q. Many women fear aging in the entertainment industry. What would you like to say about that?