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Manisha Koirala to Hrithik's rescue

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

Bollywood sensation Hrithik Roshan may have many Nepalese ranged against him. But there is one Nepali who has stood by him in this crisis.

Few people know how actress Manisha Koirala helped the star get his denial across to the media in Nepal.

Violence erupted in the Himalayan kingdom after Nepalese newspapers alleged that the actor had made uncharitable remarks about Nepal and its people.

Hrithik, however, denied he ever said that 'he hated Nepal and its people' in an interview with Simi Garewal aired on the Star Plus television channel.

Star, on its part, said Hrithik's interview 'did not touch upon Nepal.'

Manisha, a member of Nepal's powerful Koirala clan, played a key role in getting Hrithik's version on the controversy through to the Nepali media.

She called Hrithik in Australia, got him to issue a rejoinder and had it published in Nepal.

Hrithik is currently in Australia with his newly-wed wife Suzanne Khan on their honeymoon.

Officials in Kathmandu admit if it were not for Manisha, Hrithik's rejoinder would not have reached Nepali newspapers even on Wednesday evening.

Manisha was in Kathmandu when violence erupted on the city's streets.

Hrithik wrote a two-page rejoinder, explaining that he never made any anti-Nepal remarks and faxed it to Manisha's home in Kathmandu.

The actress then distributed it to all newspapers and the local Nepali television station.

"She played a very crucial role," a senior Indian diplomat in Kathmandu said.

Manisha also asked Hrithik to grant a telephone interview to Nepal television, denying the allegations made against him. She also ensured that the interview was given a prominent slot on the channel's news bulletin.

"Hrithik's denial has had a very positive impact. The violence has come down, at least for now," the Indian official said.

What had been worrying officials is the anti-India tone of the protests. "With most Nepali newspapers and the television channel playing up Hrithik's denial prominently on December 28, there seems to have been some reduction in the violence," the official added.

The violence is mostly targeted against Indians and Nepalis of Indian origin, especially the rich and powerful Marwari community. Several Marwari establishments were destroyed in the attack.

ALSO SEE:
Anti-Hrithik stir assumes political undertones
Anti-India wave sweeps across Nepal

EARLIER REPORTS:
IA operates empty flight to Kathmandu
I am totally innocent
Indian mission clarifies on Hrithik controversy: PTI
Nepal bans Hrithik films, seeks apology

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