Cancer survivor Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala said she will be revisiting a lot of moments of her own life while playing the role of Sanjay Dutt’s mother Nargis in a forthcoming biopic.
Nargis was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died in 1981.
“Whenever I see a cancer patient today it is like reliving the moment... I am yet to start [the] shoot, of course I will be revisiting that,” Koirala told reporters in Mumbai.
She was speaking at the launch of a social campaign, My Hair for Cancer, an initiative by the Nargis Dutt Foundation and hair care brand Richfeel. Dutt’s sister, former MP Priya Dutt, was also present at the event.
“It is a great opportunity and honour to be playing Nargis Dutt ji on-screen. She is a legendary figure. I hope I do justice to the chance that is given to me,” the 46-year-old actress added.
Directed by Rajkumar Hirani the biopic stars Ranbir Kapoor in the lead role.
Apart from the Dutt biopic, Koirala is also working on other projects and will soon make the official announcement.
“There are other films that I am doing and as and when we go ahead the producers will announce it. Also, as far as health is concerned I would want to do a chat show about it. I am glued to understanding health and [the] human body. If that comes my way I will do it.”
Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. After being declared cancer-free, she is now actively involved in spreading cancer awareness.
She said the period when she was diagnosed with cancer was the turning point of her life.
“After that a lot of things changed. I understood the importance of health and life and I connected with my soul. I think a person does become weak mentally and emotionally with any disease. But even in that time one should be strong. I believe in the divine. We all have the strength and courage within us we just have to look for it,” Koirala said.
