One is a former PM of the country. The other is an actress who has earned critical acclaim. Manisha Koirala plays Indira Gandhi in Nitin ‘Gadar’ Keni’s Indira Gandhi: A Tryst With Destiny — and she can’t stop raving about the role of a lifetime.

 ‘‘I was very happy when I was approached for the role. This film is an actress’ delight since there is so much of intensity and depth to the character,’’ says Manisha. While political dramas often get mired in controversy, Manisha faced no such apprehensions before taking on the role.

‘‘I signed the film from an actress’ point of view. Mrs Gandhi was a strong woman who implemented radical steps. I have got to know her better because of this film and find her to be a very interesting person,’’ she elaborates, ‘‘The film is inspirational in nature and portrays Mrs Gandhi both as a human being and a national leader.’’ 

With Indira Gandhi: A Tryst With Destiny being autobiographical in nature, Manisha has prepared for her role by watching footage of the late PM. Incidentally, shortly after Manisha took on the movie, the grapevine had it that she underwent a nose job to look the part. ‘‘Well, that is a rumour, but I must say that it has generated interest in the film!’’

 Directed by N Chandra, Indira Gandhi: A Tryst With Destiny is scripted by Kamleshwar, who also penned the script for the Suchitra Sen-starrer Aandhi, which was loosely based on Indira Gandhi’s life. Manisha, on her part, acknowledges that comparisons are inevitable, but it is ‘‘an honour’’ being compared with Suchitra Sen. ‘‘She is one of my favourite actresses and her performance in the movie was excellent.’’

 Beyond playing Indira Gandhi, Manisha has a lot to look forward to on the professional front. She has turned producer with Paisa Vasool and confesses that production is a tough job. ‘‘It is a challenge, but I love challenges. I will not pretend to smile and say everything is wonderful.’’ Manisha Koirala is ready — not just to play Indira Gandhi, but for life itself.