After completing her schooling, Manisha moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. She made her Bollywood debut in 1991 with the film "Sanskrit," but it was her second film, "Saajan," that brought her to the attention of the film industry. The film, which starred Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit, was a massive success, and Manisha's performance earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.