Ram Gopal Varma’s gritty gangster drama featured her as Saroj, the wife of a gangster. This was a far cry from her romantic roles. Her confrontation scene with Ajay Devgn is cited by critics as one of the most powerful female performances in a male-dominated gangster film.

She documented her journey in her deeply personal memoir, which allowed fans to see a more vulnerable and resilient side of the superstar. Resurgence in the Digital Age

Before Devdas , there was Rajeshwari. Directed by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, this film was a visual and auditory masterpiece. While the male lead was Anil Kapoor, it was Manisha’s Rajeshwari—gutsy, patriotic, and tragic—that stayed with audiences.

(1995) : Portrayed Shaila Banu in this Mani Ratnam classic, earning her first .