Over the past few years, Gen Z has emerged as a powerful force in politics, raising questions about accountability, corruption and governance across countries, including Nepal and India. Speaking at the NDTV World Anvishka Summit in Kathmandu, Manisha Koirala reflected on the role of the younger generation in politics and offered advice to young people stepping into leadership.In September 2025, Nepal witnessed Gen Z-led protests that reportedly contributed to the fall of then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government. A new government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah subsequently took over. In India, young people have also participated in protests over issues including National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) paper leaks.
Manisha Koirala backs Gen Z’s fight against corruption
Talking about the younger generation’s political activism, Manisha said she supports their energy and applauded their decision to speak out against corruption.“I support the younger generation’s energy. I support and I salute the fact that they stood up against corruption, against a political class failing to address corruption,” the actor said.Manisha added that it was too early for her, or anyone else, to discredit the movement. However, she also cautioned against assuming that youth alone automatically translates into effective leadership.“I also believe that only because you’re young doesn’t mean you’ll be a good leader. You know, there is a wisdom, there is an experience, there is something which is also very much a country needs,” she said.The Heeramandi star stressed that ultimately, the performance of any government should be judged by its accountability and ability to deliver.“At the end of the day, accountability matters. At the end of the day, delivery matters. So let’s see,” she said.
‘Nepal has examples of young people taking leadership’
Manisha also pointed out that young people taking up political leadership is not a new phenomenon in Nepal.“In Nepal’s political history, this is not the first time the younger generation has taken a leadership,” she said.She cited her grandfather, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, Nepal’s first democratically elected Prime Minister, who assumed the leadership role at a relatively young age. Koirala noted that several of his contemporaries, including Krishnaprasad Bhattarai and Ganesh Man Singh, were also young when they entered politics and took on leadership responsibilities.“So we already have examples of younger people coming into the politics and taking leadership. So maybe the present leadership, the present young leadership should have an example of such times as well,” she said.
Manisha Koirala urges Gen Z to have ‘a vision’
While acknowledging the energy of the younger generation, Manisha also urged young people to approach activism and leadership with a sense of direction.Reflecting on her own youth, the actor said she had once considered herself “a rebel without a cause”. With age and experience, however, she realised that young people do not necessarily need to learn every lesson through their own mistakes when they can seek guidance from those who have already experienced life’s challenges.“My request would be to not discredit the wisdom and experience of older people. Take good guidance and have a vision,” she said.Manisha also cautioned young people against becoming so convinced of their own perspective that they overlook the experiences of others.“Life is multi-layered, and it’s not black and white. It has many layers and complexities,” she said.The actor concluded that struggles are an inevitable part of life and that they can ultimately make people sharper, stronger and more sensitive.
