If it's pop, it's effective.
Pop culture is one of the most powerful forces shaping people's mindsets, their view of society, and even their choices in the voting booth. Think about it, and I'm sure that it will only take you a second to find an example of how pop culture influenced politics in recent times in your country. The peacebuilding organization that I work for, Search for Common Ground, recognizes the influence that pop has on changing behaviors. That's why we've been using TV and radio for decades to steer people away from violence, towards cooperation and coexistence.In Nepal, we have adopted this method once again. Our new political drama Singha Durbar made its debut on Nepali national television on November 15. Nine episodes in, audiences across the nation are loving it.
Singha Durbar ("The Lions' Palace" in Nepali—the seat of Nepali government) has already been dubbed by film critics as a game-changer in the history of Nepali pop culture. It stars veteran film actress Gauri Malla in the role of the first female Prime Minister of Nepal, as Asha (meaning "Hope"). The show couldn't come at a more opportune time. This has been a crucial year for our nation. We suffered the great tragedy of the earthquake in April, but we picked ourselves up and started rebuilding. We adopted a new Constitution. Then we welcomed our first female Speaker of the House and—just a couple of months ago—our first female President.
These achievements surely are a sign that democracy in Nepal is thriving, but they don't eliminate the political challenges that affect us. Those challenges are the same that Singha Durbar's protagonist faces in her quest to set the country on a new path: lack of transparency, low levels of political engagement, corruption, and gender inequality. The show aims to mitigate public disillusionment and dissatisfaction with Nepali political leadership, highlighting the possibility of a collaborative political culture in Nepal. It aspires to create a national vision for leadership and governance by promoting positive role models like Prime Minster Asha.
Singha Durbar's premiere was held in the Jai Nepal Cinema Hall of Kathmandu. Prime Minister Aasha walked on the red carpet in her perfectly draped sari, the kohl in her eyes, and her signature bun hairdo. Her image is now an icon here, on the front page of magazines, in the evening news, and everywhere on social media. She was accompanied by the US Ambassador to Nepal, Her Excellency Alaina B. Teplitz, and the Speaker of the House Onsari Gharti, whose journey from Maoist combatant to political leader has become an inspiration for many.
Speaker Gharti herself mentioned that Singha Durbar "will make people realize that they have the power to make their leaders accountable"—a powerful statement coming from none other than the new face of female leadership. Ambassador Teplitz highlighted this point too when she said that "Singha Durbar is about more than the novelty of a female Prime Minister. It's about the day-to-day truths of a thriving democracy—partnership and collaboration between citizens and their leaders."
As a development communicator, I have always believed in the power of media. The discussion on positive and collaborative leadership has already started. Social media accounts from viewers show encouraging sign that the seed of celebrating role models in politics has already started. "All leaders need to watch Singha Durbar, because that is the type of leadership and governance we want," states one of the comments received on the TV series official Facebook page. Dipak Bharati, an ardent viewer of the TV series who currently resides in South Korea, writes, "Singha Durbar TV series presents a picture of a country that I want to see. The seed of such a country, with leaders who are honest, reliable, and people focused has been planted."
Media encourages and strengthens hope and possibility—we have seen manifold campaigns on health, education, sexuality being designed to educate the masses and they have been successful in changing behavior and generating desired response. "It's all about sparking a positive dialogue around role models in politics, and encouraging people to believe in a system that works for their best interest, and for the people to be accountable, and alert."
The 13-episode TV series with its thematic issue approach brings to the screen real-life scenario and challenges that politicians have to face, and gives them a 'human face'. I dwell on these very lines, "will the TV series bridge the difference between the people and the leaders?" I strongly believe that the first step has been taken and the seed of possibility has been planted.
The Aama Samuha (mother's group) in Getta, Kailali discuss women's leadership by giving an example of Prime Minister Asha of Singha Durbar TV series. Jasu Devi Bhatta, 55, a member of the Aama Samuha shares, "I have watched Singha Durbar and I feel inspired. I am confident that the reel-life Prime Minister of the TV series will inspire millions of women to take leadership roles." These positive ripples prove that the TV series have been effective, and is making people think, and act.
Only after the end of the show will we be able to assess its impact on political narratives here in Nepal. For now, I'm excited to see that it is furthering the conversation on how to improve our growing democracy. Less than a decade ago, we were a country grappling with civil war and divisions that seemed impossible to repair. Today, we are resilient and united in the face of adversities. Will a fictional Prime Minister make our long-sought democracy stronger? I don't know yet. But I believe in the possibility that it will.
The author is a Development Communicator
ajoshi@sfcg.org
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