If we needed a proof of just how volatile Nepal's political scene has become, then this week was it. A rumour that Indian actor Hritik Roshan had slandered Nepal in a television show on 14 December spread like wildfire, triggering riots and demonstrations all over the country. Indians were targetted, as political factions, parties and student groups rushed to cash in. No matter that Roshan himself denied ever having said anything to insult Nepalis. He was quoted as saying: "The fact is I love Nepal as I love India and have tremendous respect for the Nepali people."

But the damage had been done, and the street unrest took a momentum of its own. Several young people were killed in police firing in the capital, including a 12-year-old schoolgirl hit by a stray bullet in her home in Thamel. Several dozens were injured. The government realised that events were overtaking its ability to control them. Congress factions, emboldened by the crisis, smelt blood. A group of five leftist student unions saw this as an opportunity to boost their agitation. Little-known rightist groups spread leaflets demanding the restoration of "nationalist" rulers to correct what it said were the wrongs of the past 10 years of democracy in Nepal. In the wings, the Maoists benefitted from this escalating atmosphere of anarchy.

It was apparent that the catalyst that triggered the violence was forgotten as the anger spilt over into the streets of the capital and other urban areas of the country. The dangerous anti-Indian edge of the agitation was especially worrisome because of the implication for millions of Nepalis living in India, as well as for the hill-plains relations within Nepal. Hritik also said that the question of his saying anything derogatory towards Nepal or its people just doesn't arise as both his cook at his family home in Bombay and his personal assistant are Nepalis.

We checked out www.hritikroshan.com to replay the interview on Simi Garewal's show on Star Plus. We found no reference to Nepal in the entire show in which his father, Rakesh Roshan and mother, Pinky, also answered questions.