Filmfare returned with its iconic Black Lady, this time celebrating excellence on a special platform dedicated to the world of OTT.
The 5th edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards, held on December 1, 2024, honored the finest artists, directors, storytellers, musicians, and technicians in the OTT space. Presented by Danube Properties and co-powered by Hyundai and UP Mahakumbh 2025, the grand event brought together the best in the industry.
The timeless Manisha Koirala won the Best Actor Series (Female) – Drama award for her stunning portrayal of Mallikajan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi. Reflecting on the win, Koirala called the character “a hard nut to crack” and shared her gratitude:
“Heeramandi is my resurrection as an actress. This award proves it. I worked incredibly hard on my performance, look, Urdu accent, and body language. Mallikajan was an enigma—capable of untold kindness and unmentionable cruelty. I thank Sanjay Bhansali for creating that balance for me.”
Reuniting with Bhansali after Khamoshi: The Musical, Koirala spoke fondly of the director’s range and vision. She noted, “If Sanjay can make an intimate Khamoshi, he can also create a lavish Heeramandi. His range is staggering.”
For Koirala, Heeramandi marks a new chapter in her career. She added, “This award validates my resurrection. It shows I’m on the right path. I can’t wait to start work on Season 2 of Heeramandi. I think I’ll be even better this time.”
Acknowledging her growing fan base among younger audiences, Koirala said, “It’s a blessing to be loved by so many and to stay relevant to today’s generation. As actors, it’s important to be appreciated for our work, and I am hugely grateful.”
