Manisha Koirala shares heartfelt tribute to friendship with 'Saudagar' co-star Deepti Naval: 'The heart always feels at home'

Manisha Koirala recently reminisced about her long-standing friendship with Deepti Naval and the memorable moments they shared on screen. In an emotional Instagram post, she reflected on her early days in cinema and conveyed her deep connection to Mumbai, a city she credits for playing a vital role in her growth both personally and professionally.
Instagram Post: Cherished Memories and Friendship
The actress shared two photos-one showing her walking alone along the famous Juhu Beach, and another capturing a happy moment with her longtime friend and co-star, Deepti Naval. The two first appeared together in the 1991 film 'Saudagar', where Deepti played a role closely linked to Manisha’s character.

Manisha on Friendship and Mumbai
Manisha recalled in the caption, "Walking on the beach with my closest buddy… I remember watching her films growing up, and when we finally got to work together in Saudagar — where she played my sort-of mother-in-law — I was overjoyed. Our bond has remained just as warm and effortless over the years. Mumbai, to me, has always been more than just a city. It’s the scent of the sea breeze at twilight, the golden glow of sunsets on Juhu Beach, the echo of dreams in every street corner. It’s where magic happens — where creative minds come alive, where friendships are forged and nurtured, and where the heart somehow always feels at home."
She further added, "And oh — the street food! From spicy bhel puri to piping hot vada pavs — nowhere in the world does it taste better. Every bite carries a memory, every flavor a story. Every walk on the sand here reminds me of where I began my film journey, the people I’ve met, and the unforgettable journey this city has given me."
About 'Saudagar'
Directed by the legendary Subhash Ghai, 'Saudagar' was the debut film for both Manisha Koirala and Vivek Mushran. The movie boasted a stellar ensemble cast, including Amrish Puri, Anupam Kher, Mukesh Khanna, Dalip Tahil, Gulshan Grover, Dina Pathak, and Jackie Shroff. Significantly, it marked only the second time that legendary actors Dilip Kumar and Raaj Kumar appeared together on screen since their 1959 film 'Paigham'.

Moreover, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar turned one recently, celebrating a year of cinematic grandeur. Manisha Koirala’s powerful portrayal of Mallikajaan stood out, earning widespread acclaim. With opulent sets and rich storytelling, the series redefined period drama on OTT, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and the digital entertainment landscape. 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' is a 2024 Hindi period drama series directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. It premiered on Netflix on May 1, 2024, marking Bhansali's first venture into the OTT space. Set in the 1940s during India's fight for independence, the series explores the lives of courtesans in the Heera Mandi area of Lahore.