When Manisha Koirala was hibernating the whole of last year, her detractors were quick to dismiss her as a `has been`. Since she had put a total ban on the press, it was easy to believe the stories that she had no work and was, therefore, planning to settle down with her umpteenth phirang boyfriend.

A smart Manya, on her part, distanced herself from the industry and even refused to scotch the rumours. She quietly went about consolidating her position. Though the film with Shyam Benegal has slipped out of her kitty, the Nepali kanchi has signed as many as eight new projects.

She has also announced five films under her production banner to be directed by South Indian directors for various television channels. Says she: "Who says I have been twiddling my thumbs?" No wonder she flashes one of her brightest smiles now that four of her films are nearing completion.