The Week catches up with Sharma to discuss his experiences and views regarding the changing Nepali theatre.[break]
Photos: Bhaswor Ojha
When did you first realize that you wanted to be an actor?
I always had a passion for both acting and dancing. Although I was involved in dancing from an early age, I hadn’t pictured my life as an actor. All the same, when acting opportunities came along, I knew that this was something I would be doing for a long time.
Please tell us about your career.
After finishing my SLC examinations, I came to Kathmandu where I worked as a dance instructor for various organizations. However, even during this time, I was involved in open/street plays which were mainly based on awareness issues. After that, I also directed a few music videos and thus joined television. In the meantime, I also got various opportunities to work in plays such as ‘Doorie,’ ‘Burki,’ among others.
Then some friends also advised me to meet Anup Baral and take acting lessons. Although at that time I wasn’t financially able to take Baral’s theatre classes, I got an opportunity to work with and learn from him at Actor’s Studio after I got to play a role in one of his plays.
What are the various fields you’re involved in? And which one do you pick as your favorite?
I have quite an experience as a dance instructor. In addition, I also wrote scripts for and directed TV shows. But I’m basically known as an actor in both theatre and films.
Whatever the field, I believe that creativity is the most important thing for me. I believe that all of these fields that I’m involved in are interrelated and yet have their own individual significance. I use dance techniques in theatres and films, those of theatre in films, and vice versa. Thus, I coordinate and relate these various fields that I work in and hence believe that each of these is equally important to me.
How often do you experience stage fright?
I remember one particular play where a friend of mine had to leave due to some reasons and so I had to take his place. In that particular act, I was to enter the stage, first. Luckily for me, the first scene was such that I didn’t have to face my audience. However, when I eventually turned to the audience, I experienced complete stage fright. The huge crowd of people really got me nervous and I found myself battling between an actor and a character. However, as the play drew on, I slowly regained my confidence and actually managed to do quite well.
At times, I still get nervous during stage shows, especially when I first enter the stage. However, I think it’s okay to be a little nervous just as long as you don’t let your fears overcome your performance.
Did you ever forget your lines while on stage?
I was always good at improvisation and could always come up with things to say at the spur of the moment. I usually remember my lines and dialogues easily and cannot remember ever being blank on the stage. However, at times when I’m a little confused, I always improvise on my dialogues. Besides, I believe that as an actor one should be able to adapt and improvise on the stage.
Are your family/friends satisfied with your work? Did they have different expectations?
Yes, my family, though quite happy with my work, had different expectations. They probably wanted me to be more economically stable than I currently am.
My friends and family always expected me to join politics. Back home, we were a group of friends who often discussed politics as we were quite interested in it. A number of these friends actually went on to become politicians and they expected me to join them, which may have caused them to be disappointed in me.
I am, however, satisfied that I’ve got an opportunity to express myself constructively through this field.
Which one do you prefer as an actor, theatre or films?
The best part about theatre is that you perform before a live audience, and you can get their reaction, their satisfaction and disappointments as you perform. On the other hand, in a film, the reaction you get for your film is not immediate. But again, through movies, one can reach out to larger audiences, which is really very important. In addition, movies, unlike theatre, are preserved digitally and can be played over the years. Anyway, I wouldn’t really be able to choose between the two. I consider films to be an extension of theatre and theatre to be a part of films.
What kind of differences have you found in Nepali theatre over the years?
Previously, there were a lot of cultural and theatre acts in Nepal. There used to be events such as Ramleela, an enactment of the Hindu deity Lord Ram’s sagas, held frequently, especially in villages. These cultural events seem to be slowly fading away from our theatre acts. Folk and traditional dances also seem to be disappearing.
With the establishment of television in Nepal in 1985, there was a gradual shift of artists from theatres to television, which led to theatres losing a lot of committed artists. But technologies also seem to have positively affected the theatre sector as availability of props, lighting system and even organizing stages is easier nowadays. Now, we can also reach out to greater audiences through the help of social networking sites and other media.
In recent times, I’ve noticed an increasing interest in youngsters to theatres. The young population of Nepal is able to understand the true purpose of theatres: entertainment, expression, and generation of ideas, which are truly a significant change.
What are the essential characteristics of a good actor?
I believe that every individual has an actor within him. However, as an actor, one should be able to identify his strengths and weaknesses accurately. I feel an actor should have honesty at work, passion for work, dedication and self-discipline. Moreover, an actor can also increase his potential through training as its helps one learn and develop new things.
What are you currently working on? What are your future plans?
Currently, I’m working on a play titled “The Moon for the Misbegotten” by Eugene O´Neill. This is quite a difficult play and I’m concentrating all my energy on this. Besides, I also work at an orphanage where I give young children theatre classes. There are a few upcoming projects and a few films lined up for me. However, I like to stick to the present, aim high and work with commitment.
What message do you have for the upcoming artists?
I believe that it’s the young artists who will define the future of Nepali theatre. I’m also very positive that these young minds will bring about new ideas and creativity into Nepali theatre. As for suggestions, I strongly recommend new artists to find an appropriate teacher, learn well and work with honesty and passion. I also believe that one should have patience along with passion as this will help you in the long run.
Related story
Insightful quotes to draw inspiration for the day
