KATHMANDU: Nepal-born Bollywood star Manisha Koirala has ignited political and public debate with a striking Republic Day message on social media, urging a “national reawakening” and advocating for a return to Nepal’s past identity as the world’s sole peaceful Hindu kingdom.

In her statement, Koirala described the day as one of “deep reflection,” voicing concerns about the current trajectory of the country.

“I believe it’s time we talk honestly, not emotionally, about the direction Nepal is heading,” she wrote, urging a frank national conversation about identity, unity, and governance.

Koirala proposed that Nepal should re-establish itself as a Hindu kingdom—not driven by coercion or religious extremism, but by spiritual values, cultural continuity, and unity.

“A constitutional monarchy, above political parties, can serve as a symbol of unity—something political parties, by their very nature, cannot provide,” she said.

Criticizing the current political system, she argued that Nepal needs a non-political institution to act as a check on power and corruption.

“In today’s political system, where corruption has seeped deep into governance, we need a non-political institution that can serve as a check and balance—to protect the people, the culture, and the values of this land,” she added.

Koirala, who is known for her nationalistic views and has voiced royalist sympathies in the past, emphasized that her statement was not a call for division but for rediscovery.

“We need to remember who we are—not just a small republic caught in endless political games, but a proud civilization with a unique identity and a sacred duty to the future,” she concluded.