The close relationship between India and Nepal is evident in their shared cultural aspects. Amidst the current situation in Nepal, with protests and unrest, many Indian citizens are offering their support. This shared history also reflects in the backgrounds of many Indian celebrities. Here’s a compilation of seven Indian stars with connections to Nepal.
1. Manisha Koirala: The actress Manisha Koirala, born in Biratnagar, Nepal, comes from a notable political family. Her grandfather was Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, the former Prime Minister of Nepal. Her father, Prakash Koirala, served as a Cabinet minister in Nepal, handling Environment, Science, and Technology.
During the Nepal protests, Manisha wrote on Instagram: “Today is a black day for Nepal — when bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption and demand for justice.”
2. Rohit Saraf: Rohit Saraf was born in Kathmandu, Nepal, to a Marwari family. He later moved to Delhi and then to Mumbai at the age of 15 to pursue acting. Although away from Nepal, he expressed his support for the people and mourned the lives lost during the violent protests. He stated, “To everyone in Nepal… my thoughts and prayers are with you. No struggle should come at the cost of innocent lives. Violence is never the answer. Hoping for dialogue, compassion, and peace.”
3. Bharti Singh: Comedian and actor Bharti Singh has Nepali roots through her father. Her father was reportedly of half Indian and half Nepali descent. She has spoken openly about her connection to Nepal and her fondness for Nepali cuisine.
4. Danny Denzongpa: Danny Denzongpa, who was born in Sikkim, belongs to a Nepali-speaking Bhutia family. He is a well-known actor with a career spanning over five decades, appearing in over 190 films. He was awarded the Padma Shri.
5. Udit Narayan: Singer Udit Narayan’s father was a Nepalese national. Udit was born in Baisi village of Supaul district, Bihar, India, at his maternal grandparents’ home near the India-Nepal border.
6. Mala Sinha: The veteran actress Mala Sinha’s parents were Christian Nepalis who immigrated to West Bengal. She acted in the Nepali film ‘Maitighar’ in 1966. She also married Nepali actor Chidambar Prasad Lohani in the same year.
7. Sunil Thapa: Sunil Thapa is a Nepali actor known for his work in Indian movies. He has been in films such as Ek Duuje Ke Liye, Aaj Ki Awaaz, Manav Hatya, Bandhu, and others, as well as various Bhojpuri films.
