Singer, journalist and athlete Komal Oli has a special link to the palace. Apart from being a long-time Radio Nepal journalist, Komal Oli had received scholarship from the palace during her school days. She was invited to the palace during Dashain. King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya used to know her in person because of her talent and celebrity status.
There was a rumour going on at the time of monarchy. People used to talk about the relationship between Komal and then prince Dhirendra. Dhirendra had a reputation of a playboy. It was a common belief that any girl in Dhirendra’s radar was not safe. Komal was one of his favourite singers and she was also an athlete. Dhirendra was the chief of Nepal Sports Council. In an interview, Komal Oli had quoted Late Sarad Chandra Shah, one of the right hands of Dhirendra (and also main force behind the notorious ‘Bhumigat Giroha’) telling her about Dhirendra’s affection towards her. Here is a video report about the affair rumour:
