Actor Manisha Koirala, who has successfully battled ovarian cancer, maintained a vibrant and cheerful demeanour as she stepped out for a public function in New York recently. The 42-year-old was seen wearing trousers, a white shirt, a casual white coat and a red hat. Manisha covered her head with a tied-up stole, and then further concealed it with the bright red hat.

She not only looked elegant, she was also happier and healthier. Even her face and her smile reflected a unique glow as she interacted with several women in a green, open space.

“I am free from cancer,” Manisha said at the event, thanking all those who wished her recovery during her tough time, according to Nepalese channel White Himal TV, which operates from New York.

Manisha, who carved her own niche in the Hindi film industry with films like Bombay, 1942: A Love Story and Dil Se, was initially admitted to Mumbai’s Jaslok Hospital on November 28 last year after which she flew down to the US for further treatment. She is expected to return to India towards June end, her manager Subroto Ghosh said, adding, “She is now fine, all hale and hearty.”

The actor is missing the Mumbai monsoons. She took to her Facebook page to share her thoughts, and posted, “Got to know (about) lovely rains in Mumbai. Can’t wait to be on my terrace!”

“Manisha is recovering. I had a word with her yesterday (Sunday). She said she is feeling much better now. She will not be coming to India at least for next six months. She is undergoing her treatment there, so she will be back only after her treatment,” the actress’ manager Subroto Ghosh told IANS.

He added, “She is not allowed to talk much but as I always say, she has taken things very positively. Her parents are by her side.”

Known for her roles in Saudagar, Bombay, Lajja among others, the 42-year-old is right now going through chemotherapy in New York.