Bollywood actor Manisha Koirala has spoken out against the violent crackdown on protesters in Nepal, calling it a “black day” for the country. The comments from the Nepal-born actress come after deadly unrest erupted, with Gen Z demonstrators taking to the streets to protest against corruption and a controversial government ban on social media platforms.
Koirala shared an image of a blood-soaked shoe on her social media, accompanied by a powerful message in Nepali. The translated post read: “Today is a black day for Nepal. When bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption and demand for justice.”
The protests, which began as online dissent, escalated when thousands of young people stormed the Parliament complex in Kathmandu. Security forces responded with batons, tear gas, and live rounds, leaving at least 20 people dead and over 250 injured. As the unrest spread, the army was deployed in several major cities, and curfews were imposed to restore order. Amid mounting public pressure, home minister Ramesh Lekhak tendered his resignation, taking moral responsibility for the violence.
Manisha Koirala, who is known for her iconic roles in films like Dil Se, Bombay, and 1942: A Love Story, recently made a critically acclaimed comeback with Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Netflix series Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar.