Manisha Koirala Reveals Shah Rukh Khan’s Character Wasn’t Originally Meant to Die in “Dil Se”.
The 1998 classic Dil Se, directed by Mani Ratnam, holds a special place in the hearts of fans. Recently, Manisha Koirala shared an interesting detail about the film’s original script: Shah Rukh Khan’s character wasn’t originally intended to sacrifice himself in the final scene. According to Manisha, the film’s ending was altered at the last minute, adding an unexpected shift to the story.
In Dil Se, set amid the insurgency in Assam, Manisha portrays a female terrorist, while SRK’s character sacrifices his life alongside her in a dramatic climax. In a recent interview, Manisha revealed that initially, SRK’s character was meant to let her die, reinforcing the significance of the cause over romance. However, she noted, “They changed it last minute,” and while the new ending highlighted SRK’s intense love and sacrifice, she preferred the original because it emphasized the impossibility of their union.
Reflecting on her role, Manisha said she was initially in talks with Ram Gopal Verma for a different project before Dil Se was offered to her. She was drawn to the complex character, even though other actresses were initially considered. Guided by Mani Ratnam, she portrayed her character as a “normal” woman driven by pain and anger, rather than a stereotypical portrayal, adding layers of depth to the role.
On the professional front, Manisha recently appeared in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi, earning praise for her portrayal of Mallikajaan alongside a talented ensemble cast. She also shared the screen with Kartik Aaryan in Shehzada.
Manisha Koirala revealed that Shah Rukh Khan’s character in *Dil Se* was originally meant to survive, as the initial script focused on their cause over romance. The ending was later changed to highlight SRK’s character’s sacrifice for love. Manisha preferred the original version, believing it emphasized the tragic impossibility of their union.
Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan will soon return to the screen in Sujoy Ghosh’s action thriller King, alongside his daughter Suhana Khan, Abhay Verma, and Abhishek Bachchan.
