In India, where some movie actors are revered as demigods and millions of fans imitate their life styles, people have become fascinated by a furious clash between actors and movie journalists over the right to privacy and press freedom.

At the center of the furor is Anupam Kher, one of India's best-liked and most versatile actors, who slapped a reporter after being accused in print of molesting a girl.

"I felt that I had to take a stand," said Mr. Kher. "This was a total lie and if I did not stand up to it, I could not face myself any longer." Libel vs. Freedom

The incident has thrown the Indian movie industry into turmoil, with actors directors and producers rallying to Mr. Kher's side and focusing widespread attention on their love-hate relationship with the gossip press and the gray area between license, libel and freedom to publish.