Deepti-Manisha's special dosti

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By: Upala KBR, Mid-Day

Actress-painter Deepti Naval and Manisha Koirala share a very special friendship that goes back 15 years - when they first met, during the shooting of Subhash Ghai's Saudagar (1991). Deepti shares with us some of her experiences with Manisha, her close ties with her.

Mazboot bonding
Says Naval, "Manisha and I go back a long way and are very close. Today we are part of each other's everyday lives.

She's someone I have to talk to, every day. I met Manisha during the shooting of Saudagar and we bonded. What I liked about Manisha immediately was that she is an open and trusting person. There was no pretence about her and I connected to that.

Manisha is what she is - she doesn't have a front. We've also gone on many trips. I love travelling and we have been to places all over the globe. Our first trip was to South France.

Manisha is dogged by controversies and is often misunderstood but she's a lovely person. She's a strong-headed girl, yet she's one of the most vulnerable people I have met."

'Manya's matured'
Deepti says that she advises Koirala at times. "I give her an insight as to what's happening and she's receptive to that. Manisha knows and values my opinion but she has to live her own life and go through her experiences on her own. Success hasn't changed her, only made her more mature.

Mishaps like the Ek Choti Si Love Story controversy have wisened her... But she remains the simple, down-to-earth girl she was in Saudagar.

There's no starry attitude to her. She gave senior artistes the respect they deserved. I am saddened and disillusioned about the younger generations of stars today who don't have basic courtesy towards their seniors.

I remember an incident when Manisha and I had gone out for dinner. After dinner, while leaving we crossed a table where an actress was sitting. She was a newcomer and today has grown into a wonderful star.

A lady sitting with her had called Manisha over at their table. While they chatted, the young actress just looked through Manisha and me. I was shocked and Manisha was so hurt! It was so rude."