Veteran Actor Madan Krishna Shrestha: “It’s Time for Youth to Lead the Nation”

10th September 2025, Kathmandu

In a powerful social media post, renowned Nepali artist Madan Krishna Shrestha called for the country’s leadership to be handed over to the younger generation, specifically endorsing the ongoing Gen-Z-led protests.

It’s Time for Youth to Lead the Nation

He argued that today’s youth are more educated and intellectually equipped to lead the nation than the older generation and that their demands are a legitimate reflection of the nation’s needs. His statement, which was both strategic and deeply emotional, also expressed profound grief over the loss of young lives during the recent clashes.

A Call for Generational Leadership

Madan Krishna Shrestha’s message is a strong endorsement of the youth-led movement, which has gained momentum in recent days. By stating that “the country and the era are demanding change,” he framed the protests not as a momentary uprising, but as an inevitable and necessary generational transition. His comparison between the youth of 50 years ago and today’s young people—who are more globally connected and intellectually savvy—serves as a powerful argument for a fundamental shift in political responsibility. Shrestha’s long-standing status as a cultural icon in Nepal gives his words significant weight, making his support a major morale boost for the protesters.

The artist’s appeal for unity among all Nepalis, both at home and abroad, goes beyond the current political turmoil. He urged a collective effort to “protect, preserve, and rebuild our priceless physical structures” and to establish a corruption-free system of governance. This vision suggests that the Gen-Z protests should be viewed as a national awakening, a chance to rebuild institutions and restore public trust.

The Emotional Toll of the Protests

Shrestha’s post also included a deeply personal and emotional reaction to the violence. He admitted that seeing images of the young lives lost during the protests had left him in tears and that he could not understand how anyone could “mercilessly fire bullets at such innocent, defenseless souls.” His raw grief underscores the tragic reality of the situation and highlights the human cost of the government’s response to the demonstrations. By mentioning that many peaceful demonstrators were carrying flowers, he further emphasized the innocence and non-violent intentions of the youth, contrasting them with the brutal violence they faced.

This emotional component of his message is particularly significant because it resonates with the core reason for the protests—a demand for justice and accountability. By expressing his sorrow, Shrestha connected with a sentiment of collective anguish and validated the frustration felt by many citizens. This emotional alignment adds a layer of moral authority to his call for change, making it clear that his support is not just political, but a deeply personal plea for a more just and humane society.

The Broader Context and Implications

The veteran actor’s endorsement adds cultural legitimacy to the youth-led movement. In a society where political activism has traditionally been linked to established political parties, Shrestha’s independent voice helps to frame the Gen-Z protests as a genuine, non-partisan call for reform. His support, along with that of other public figures like academics and entrepreneurs, suggests that the movement has transcended a simple protest and is now becoming a broader societal conversation about the future of Nepal.

The ongoing protests have already had a tangible impact on the nation, leading to curfews, the suspension of trading on the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE), and the closure of financial institutions. However, the momentum of the movement continues to grow, fueled by the support of figures like Shrestha. His powerful message, which blends a strategic call for generational change with a heartfelt plea for an end to violence, reflects what could become a historic turning point for Nepal’s democracy. For many, his words reflect the dawning realization that a new generation is ready to lead the nation toward a future of transparency, justice, and prosperity.

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