If one had to name one of the most versatile actors in the Nepali film industry today, then Ashishma Nakarmi would definitely make it to the list. Apart from being an actor, Nakarmi is also a singer and a model. She was the runner up at Miss South Asia Texas 2012. In 2016, she won the award for best supporting actress for her role in the movie Adhakatti. Nakarmi who made her acting debut with the Nepali Bhasa movie, Nyalla Bha, and has acted in movies like Love You Baba and Bato Muniko Phool 2 to name a few, is slowly but steadily rising to the top. Her movie Sanrakshan is scheduled to release soon. The Week caught up with Nakarmi to get to know her a little better.
What inspired you to be a part of the Nepali film industry?
Apart from my interest, I would have to say that my family was the reason why I am where I am today. I belong to a musical family and my grandfather was my first music teacher. When my first baal geet ‘Sugandhit phool’ was released, my father took me to the set where its video was being shot. I think it was watching actress Kristi, clad in beautiful clothes, that made me first think of taking acting up as a career later on.
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Acting, singing, modeling, out of these three which one do you prefer?
I, personally, find singing more difficult than acting or modeling. You cannot sing only because you are fascinated by other singers or own a musical instrument. It requires the know-how and the dedication to follow through. Having said that, acting and modeling also have its fair share of challenges. I find it easy to smile while modeling but it can be quite hard to portray a character and the right emotions through acting. Every line of work, I believe, comes with its own set of challenges. You just have to be willing to work hard, and have the skills and enthusiasm to achieve your goal.
What would you say is the biggest challenge you face today?
For me, it’s not easy being in the limelight all the time. It almost seems like I have to give up my private life and lead a very public one, where everything I do is scrutinized. The sad thing is that even if you are very careful about your actions, you never know what will upset people and you have to bear the brunt of it. And then there are the baseless rumors. Even if they aren’t true, they do have the potential to hurt you and sometimes leave you crippled too.
Tell us about the toughest role you have played.
It’s really difficult to portray different kinds of characters and I don’t know if I have been able to do justice to the roles I have played till date but I had to prepare a lot for my character in Bato Muniko Phool 2. It had many action scenes and since I wasn’t used to that kind of strenuous activity, I really had to push myself.
That moment you felt really proud of yourself?
It definitely has to be the time I was featured on the cover of a Nepali Bhasa music album. Not only that, post the release of that album there were these huge posters of me hanging all around Basantapur and I remember looking at it with pride and getting this really giddy feeling in my stomach. That moment is something I will never forget.
What are the three characteristics that describe you best?
First, I’m a workaholic. I enjoy my work and thus work long hours. Second, I’m a family person. I really enjoy my time with my family. They help me unwind, relax, and recharge my batteries. And third, I like to think of myself as a good-hearted person. I believe one should be a good human first, before being called a good actor, model, or singer.
