Opinion | Screen idols and Nepali pseudo-nationalism
Summary
The enduring impact of Bollywood in Nepal intertwines with sentiments of nationalism and controversies over perceived slights by Indian film actors and movies.
Key Points
- Indian film actor Dharmendra was notably not screened in Kathmandu due to alleged past insults towards Nepal or Nepalis.
- Nepal has a history of reacting strongly to perceived Indian insults, exemplified by the 2000 Hrithik Roshan riots.
- The 2023 Hindi film Adipurush was pulled from Nepali theatres for references seen as disrespectful to Nepali heritage.
- Nepal's complex relationship with India is marked by a mix of cultural admiration and nationalist sentiment.
