For the 17-year-old actor, the 10-year long journey with Tito Satya is nothing short of ‘fantastic.’ The realist that he is, Raj wants to study and make a career with more promising results, all the while affirming that acting is really his passion.[break]
The 12th grade student of Bridgewater International College will soon be debuting as an actor in film in his home production called “Love Forever.”
From a child actor to a debuting young actor, how would you explain your transition?
I started young, as a two-and-half-year-old in an advertisement. Then when I was four, I acted in the tele-serial “Bishwas.” I remember how my on-screen father would often forget his dialogues, and though I was just four years old, I would teach him. But it was really as a child artist in the film “Santanko Maya” that made me want to pursue acting further. The film did very well and I was even nominated for the Best Child Artist award. I was six and half years old then. “Tito Satya” was my introduction to comic acting. I was a serious actor before that. I’ve been a part of this serial since I was eight, and I’ve realized that making people laugh is more difficult a task compared to making them cry.
“Love Forever” has a little bit of everything. The audience won’t be able to predict what is next in store for them as they watch the film. Acting for films is different as there are many cameras capturing you from different angles. Where you get your shot ready in about two takes for tele-serials, you need many takes from different angles before it’s good enough for a film.
Who’s the most influential person in your life?
He’s definitely my father, Shankar Acharya. He’s been my teacher, my encouragement and my inspiration. Of all the compliments that I get, his is the one I strive to receive. I actually get goose bumps when he’s very happy with my work. However, my mother is no less an inspiration. She’s the one who teaches me about the moral things in life and wakes me up to study. Deepak Raj Giri and Deepa Shree Niraula are also people I look up to.
Have you watched any of the recent Nepali films?
I haven’t watched ‘Loot’ or ‘Highway’ yet. I was never able to make time to watch ‘Loot’ with my friends and I dislike watching films alone. My favorite among the most recent films is ‘Sayad.’ I do plan to watch ‘Loot’ someday soon.
Where do you see yourself in a few years?
I want to focus on my studies. After I pass my 12 Boards, I plan to go to the US. I’ve been awarded scholarships for many years now and I want to study with the aid of a scholarship there, too. Studies have always been easy for me. The fact that I’m a hard worker also helps, I guess. I can study filmmaking in the US, but I think it’s not very useful in a film industry like ours. And I can always learn about it from my father. So I’ll probably be focusing on something academic that I can make use of and earn my living with. Films will be a part of me, of course. I’ll act and may even direct films. Versatility is what I seek. I enjoy singing and want to record an album, too.
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