Veteran actress Manisha Koirala faced intense online and media backlash after tweeting her support for a revised Nepalese political map in May 2020. The map included the disputed territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. Her comments sparked fierce debate across social media and television.
The controversy unfolded as follows:
Manisha Koirala responded to a social media message by Nepal’s then-Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, expressing gratitude to Nepal’s leadership for upholding the country’s sovereignty while advocating for peaceful dialogue.
Her stance drew strong criticism from several Indian media outlets and commentators, who questioned her position in light of her successful career in the Indian film industry. Many social media users echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment that she supported Nepal’s cartographic assertion.
The geopolitical issue centered around the strategically important tri-junction of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. Nepal claimed these areas using historical treaties, while India maintained they were an integral part of its territory.
Regardless the temporary digital outrage, Manisha Koirala, whose family has a prominent political history in Nepal, continues to be widely respected for her contributions to South Asian cinema.
News Edit KV Raman
