Manisha Koirala latest new passion

By: Upula KBR, Mid-Day
Thursday, July 05, 2007
All those wondering what actress Manisha Koirala has been up to lately, she's been learning how to dance with choreographer Sandip Soparrkar. She tells us all about her latest passion.

When did you develop this interest in Latin American dancing?
I have always liked the Latin and ballroom dance forms. The emotions of these dances fascinate me, but being busy at work kept me out of it. I've been learning from Sandip for about a year now, but I've been very irregular. I wish to now get back to it now as my health is better.

What other forms of dancing have you learnt?
I learnt Kathak for a long time and simply adore the dance form due to its structure and history, just like Latin ballroom forms.

You have been learning salsa too?
Nowadays, salsa is the term used for all types of couple dances. Now that I have learnt various dance forms, I must say that all couple dances are not salsa. Salsa is one of the many Latin American dances popular here.

There are so many of them and I am learning a few besides rumba, cha cha cha, samba, jive, merengue, lambada, bachata and paso doble. The paso doble is one dance that I'm looking forward to learning.

Shannon and Priti (the couple participating in the Asian Latin American dance championship and Sandip Soparrkar's pupils) will be showing that dance to us. It's a Spanish bull fight dance -wonderful and dynamic.

Sandip calls you his star pupil.
When I'm in class, I am his student and he is my teacher. No one is a star. We all are dance lovers. Sandip is a fabulous teacher. I have enjoyed my dance lessons with him.

The best thing is that he has educated me about various dances and their histories which is so interesting -dances I have learnt a bit of are waltz, samba, cha cha cha, rumba. As I said, I've been irregular.

What do you think of Dino Morea as your dancing partner? Sandip calls him his star pupil too.
I believe he has learnt from Sandip too, so he has to be good!

Is dancing a good form of exercise?
If practiced regularly, yes. With dedication it is indeed a great fitness form, a good stress buster and helps develop confidence. I would recommend dance to everyone.

Why have you disappeared?
With the good wishes of my friends, loved ones and fans, I am doing well and very much in the city.