KATHMANDU: Recovering from cancer Manisha Koirala reached in Mumbai and drove straight to her house in Versova in Mumbai on Monday.

The actress had been diagnosed with the disease in November last year and was briefly treated at the Jaslok Hospital before moving to the US.

The 42-year-old actress maintained a vibrantand cheerful demeanour as she stepped out of the airport, say eye-witnesses, a picture of confidence as she went up to her house that she had left to undergo treatment in Manhattan, New York. But Manisha was not alone. Her close friend and compatriot Deepti Naval was with her.

“We were in the same flight,” Deepti told Indian media soon after they had landed. “Manisha is looking great and healthy. I had gone to the US for my nephew’s wedding. We coordinated with each other so that we could return on the same flight. She’ll have to go to the US for a few checkups though, but you can’t imagine my happiness today. Manisha is now ready to resume her normal life in Mumbai,” said the veteran actress, one of the few to have been in constant touch with Manisha during her long battle with the ailment. She was also by Manisha’s side when she had been admitted to a New York hospital for surgery and subsequent treatment.

A few days ago, Manisha had posted on her social networking page, ‘Got to know (about) lovely rains in Mumbai. Can’t wait to be on my terrace!’

“I have special memories of that terrace,” Jackie Shroff, Manisha’s other friend told us last evening. “My Manu (as he fondly calls her) used to sit there, enjoy good food and chat for long hours. I am looking forward to going over to her place very soon and revisit those moments. Manisha was determined to beat cancer- and she has. I used to chat with her on the phone when she was being treated in America. Trust me, she never for a moment sounded despondent or depressed.

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!”