The use of digital platforms is at an all-time high. Though responsible uses of social media invites a number of opportunities, its misuse can bring about daunting effects. More than any other group, prominent members of the show-biz become the center point of social platforms, being victims of hate comments, more often than not.
To find out how Nepali celebrities manage their social media and cope with hateful comments, My City’s Aditya Neupane and Rahat Poudel interacted with four prominent faces. Following are the excerpts:
Gaurav Pahari, Actor
Gaurav Pahari is known for his performance in movies like ‘Hostel’, ‘Mr. Virgin’, ‘Chhakka Panja 2’ and the music video of ‘Suna Saili’. He is the son of the veteran actor Tika Pahari.
1. What social media do you use?
I use Facebook and Instagram to post my status and keep my followers updated.
2. How long have you been using social media?
I have been using it for almost nine years. I signed up on Facebook before I was an actor.
3. Why do you use social media?
Mainly, I use them to connect with my fans and family. It’s an absolute way to stay connected. It’s fun to find tagged photos on different platforms.
Social Media Addiction
4. Do negative comments and messages affect your work?
I receive both, good and hateful comments. Some people are nice, while others aren’t. Sometimes good comments can be inspiring. However, my social media is mostly filled with bad messages and comments. I try to reply as many messages and comments as possible but ignore mean ones. Bad comments don’t affect my work, but I feel good when I receive good comments.
Trishana Gurung, Singer
Trishana Gurung is one of the most influential singers of the Nepali music industry. The singer has given more than 20 hit songs. Gurung’s song, ‘Maya Pirati’, is her most popular song to date with more than 8.8 million views on YouTube.
1. What social media do you use?
I use Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube. I am not that active on social media. However, I post pictures on Instagram once in every two or three days.
2. How long have you been using social media?
I have been on social media for four years.
3. Why do you use social media?
For me, social media is the best way to interact with people and to stay updated on the happenings in our society. I take social media as a medium of entertainment too.
4. Do negative comments and messages affect your work?
Yes, I receive both negative and positive comments and messages, but I am lucky that I don’t receive lots of negative comments. I always try to read all the comments. My hectic schedule keeps me from replying to all the messages but acknowledges them by hitting the like button.
Barsha Siwakoti, Actor
Barsha Siwakoti is one of the most popular female actors of the Nepali film industry. She debuted in 2014 with ‘Nai Nabhannu La 2’. Siwakoti is also known for her role in ‘Pashupati Prasad’. Not just in the cinema industry, Siwakoti is equally famous among social media users as well.
1. What social media do you use?
I am active on Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp and Viber.
2. How long have you been using social media?
It’s been more than seven years that I started using social media.
3. Why do you use social media?
Social media is a good platform for communication. It also allows us to know what is happening in the world, that’s another reason why I use social media.
4. Do negative comments and messages affect your work?
Millions of people use social media. There are people who send all sorts of messages, but I think my fans appreciate my work. That’s why I rarely receive negative comments. I give my haters a chance to become famous by posting the screenshot of their messages on my story.
Dayahang Rai, Nepali movie personality
Known for blockbusters like ‘Kabaddi’, ‘Loot’ and many other hit movies, Rai has garnered acclamation for his acting, directing and playwriting skills. Active as an actor since 2002, the versatile actor has three National Awards in his name.
1. What social media do you use?
I have an Instagram account and a Facebook page.
2. How long have you been using social media?
I don’t remember the exact time I started using social media. It’s probably been around 10 years.
3. Why do you use social media?
Apart from updating my fans and followers, I use it to gain knowledge about the world and to connect with my friends and family.
4. Do negative comments and messages affect your work?
I don’t usually read comments and messages. However, I know there are good comments and bad comments also. The comments and messages don’t affect my work in any way.
