Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala faced one of the most challenging battles of her life when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012. Recently, the actress shared her cancer journey and how she managed to overcome it. She recounted to ANI how she first discovered her diagnosis. 'In 2012, I was diagnosed, and I had no idea it was the last stage of ovarian cancer. When I was diagnosed in Nepal, I was, of course, very scared, just like anyone else would be. We were at Jaslok Hospital. When the top doctors came to talk to me, I felt like my life was coming to an end,' she said.

'We knew a couple of people who had gone to New York for treatment. My grandfather had also been treated at Sloan Kettering,' she added. The actress spent about five to six months in New York undergoing treatment. She discussed her successful 11-hour surgery and how the doctors were supportive to her family. She also mentioned how she responded positively to chemotherapy.

'My mother had brought a Rudraksha from Nepal, which she had consecrated to Mahamrityunjaya and gave it to the doctor to keep with him. Somehow, he managed to keep it with him, and after 11 hours of surgery, he said that this mala had done wonders,' she said.

'I also started responding very well to chemo. The doctor introduced me to Vicky Makker, who is half Punjabi and American. She started treating me and gave me a lot of hope,' Koirala said.

'There were many times I would break down and see only darkness... hopelessness, pain, and fear. She was the one who kept saying, 'Manisha, you're doing well. Your medicine is working on you,' she added.

Reflecting on her journey, Koirala talked about how surviving cancer made her reevaluate her career. She decided that if she got a 'second chance' at life, she would give her best to her work, and 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar' was that opportunity for her.

'I knew that if I got a second chance at life, I had to make amends because life had given me so much. I felt I was the one who had messed everything up. So, I wanted to correct that mistake. I felt responsible towards my work... because there were so many fans I had let down by doing bad films,' she said.

'I prayed that if I got a second chance, I really wanted to do my best and not disappoint my fans. So, I felt 'Heeramandi' was that for me. I really put my every effort into that,' she added.

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