Manisha Koirala, born in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a prominent Bollywood actress, UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and a social activist. Making her acting debut in the Nepali movie Pheri Bhetaula (1989), Koirala made her acting debut in Bollywood with Subhash Ghai's top grossing drama Saudagar (1991). She was among the most popular actresses of the 90s, and turned to be one of the most versatile actresses of her generation, working with some of the most successful film directors of her times. In 2004, she returned from New York after receiving a diploma in filmmaking. She is actively involved in social work, specifically working with organizations to promote women's rights, prevention of violence against women, and to prevent the human trafficking of Nepali girls for prostitution.
