She recently completed a movie and also tried her hands with theatre in the play “The God of Carnage.”[break]
For the last few months, Bajracharya has also been conducting meditation sessions at Vajra Hotel. She shares her spiritual experience and her takes on movies and theatre with Republica.
How was your experience when you got into film for the first time?
I didn’t know much about glamour. But I think that due to my Miss Nepal background, it was easier for me to gain respect from people. I don’t think I had to struggle much in the field, as my colleagues were supportive, too. It’s been a very pleasant experience so far.
How different was acting in mainstream cinema from theatre?
It was a very good experience, overall. But I think theatre is very different and more difficult than acting onscreen. In cinema, you can give one shot and rest for a while. But in theatre, the act prolongs and you have to maintain certain emotions and life in your acting. There’s no break, and the character flows. So you need to concentrate and not let go. Since you have to hold the character for a very long time, the act is steady and you can’t break the momentum.
How was your experience in acting for theatre in the play “The God of Carnage”?
Firstly, I was apprehensive about theatre acting and wasn’t so sure and I thought it would be really difficult. But as I took up the idea and went on and saw the script and started rehearsing, I was really into it and liked it as well. The feedback was also incredible as you get live reaction from the audience and that’s something really worthwhile.
Tell us about your new movie.
I recently completed doing a film called “Safe Landing” which is a Malaysian production in which I play the role of a corrupt cop. The movie has three main characters in it and there are no love songs or dancing around the trees. It’s a very different story of a girl and I’m looking forward to it.
What do you think about the changing trends in Nepali movies?
I think change is good and I think movies these days are different and better in many aspects. There are more educated people in the industry and many people are taking it as a profession. There are many new ideas and approaches that are being used. During my time, there wasn’t so much creativity and sometimes we had to spend around forty days in just one set. But there’s new technology and advanced cameras being used nowadays. So it’s a lot better.
How did you get into meditation and spirituality?
I started meditating since 1997 when I participated in a ten-day retreat known as Vipassana at Budhanilkantha. I started giving classes four months ago. It’s been a really enriching experience since teaching and learning come together and I’m learning a lot in the process.
Why do you think meditation is important?
I think when you meditate, your mind becomes really peaceful and you’re more in contact with yourself. I started acting at the age of 16 without knowing much about the glamour field. We often get so engrossed with our work that we hardly take time to reflect on what’s happening around. But spirituality has helped me a lot and made me aware about myself and who I am. So meditation plays an important role to explore your inner self.
Who do you think should meditate?
I think many people tend to believe that meditation usually should be done by people who are aging, depressed or after they have retired. But this isn’t true. There’s a lot of wisdom in meditation and it’s a study of both the mind and body. So there’s no age bar when it comes to meditation. So I recommend it to everyone.
You were writing a book. How has the progress been so far?
I’m writing a book based on my experiences and it’ll be a memoir. But it’s still in progress. Due to my other projects, I haven’t been able to give it as much time, which is why nothing much is happening right now. But I do hope to complete it in the near future.
What are your future plans?
Besides meditation, I’m also doing music videos and commercials as well. I plan to continue my meditation sessions, and when it comes to movies, I may or may not take them, as it totally depends on the circumstances.
By Nistha Rayamajhi
Related story
Jharana Thapa turns director
