KATHMANDU, Jan 10: More than three decades after its release, the iconic Bollywood song “Nayak nahi, khalnayak hoon main” (Not a hero - I am villain) has gone viral again on social media, triggered by veteran actor Sanjay Dutt’s brief but high-profile visit to Nepal.
Adding to the attention was a viral photograph of Dutt meeting Nepali Communist Party co-ordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The image, often shared with the Khalnayak theme song, prompted playful commentary online questioning “who is the hero and who is the villain.”
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Dutt, who played anti-hero role in his iconic movie Khalnayak, arrived in Kathmandu on Thursday evening to inaugurate the Badshah Casino at Hotel Barahi. Though his stay was short, it created a buzz across Nepal’s film industry and social media platforms. Following the inauguration, Dutt visited the Pashupatinath Temple on Friday morning before returning to India the same day.
His arrival sparked a surge of nostalgia online, with clips and songs from his classic films widely shared on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram—particularly among younger audiences. The renewed popularity of Khalnayak highlights Dutt’s enduring stardom and his legacy as a compelling anti-hero.
Several Nepali film personalities also met Dutt during his stay, sharing emotional tributes on social media. Comedian Sandeep Chhetri, actor Pradeep Khadka and actress Niti Shah were among those who posted photos, reflecting Dutt’s lasting influence across generations.
