I wouldn’t say anything so ludicrous — Hrithik

When asked about the Nepal controversy, Hrithik insisted to The Indian Express that he has given no TV or print interview making any derogatory remarks about Nepal or the Nepalese. “I have utmost regard for the country and their people. I would never make comments that would hurt the sentiments of Nepali people,” he said.

The actor says he suspects vested interests of creating a controversy. “I know my fans believe me, and that they’re confident I wouldn’t say anything so ludicrous,” he adds. The actor claims he is upset about the uproar that has been caused in Nepal and hopes the truth will be out soon.

It might be interesting to note that two years ago, when Madhuri Dixit visited Nepal for the audio release of her film, Arzoo, she made a faux pas while addressing a gathering there, that caused havoc among the locals. The actress inadvertently remarked that Nepal had once been a part of India. The statement had upset the sentiments of Nepalis, who demanded an apology which Dixit promptly rendered.

It is said that Hrithik’s PR is managed by daddy Rakesh Roshan. The senior Roshan operates as Hrithik’s official spokesman, issuing statements on everything from the supposedly-insulting Pepsi commercial, to Hrithik’s marriage plans. According to the grapevine, it was papa Roshan whom Simi Garewal had to coax, in order to get that exclusive first-time TV interview with the light-eyed superstar.