It is said parents are the ultimate role models for their children. This was true in case of Ankit Sharma, the son of well-known Nepali actor and director Ashok Sharma. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ankit chose the film industry for a career. Ankit, now 26, first came to fame in 2019 with the film 'Rato Tika Nidhar Ma'. He started acting as a child, participating in his school plays. "My teachers used to encourage me to participate in various plays and then I became fond of acting," said Ankit. During his days in school, he landed a number of roles in theaters. One of the defining moments in his career was when he played the lead role in the musical drama 'The Lion King' (2010) by Jyoti Man Sherchan in which he played the role of 'Scar'. This not only catapulted him to a sudden fame, but also helped him to decide his future career. Over the years, he also played small roles in other plays such as 'Pied Piper' and 'True West'.
Ankit Sharma playing the role of 'Scar' in the play 'The Lion King' in 2010
Born on March 25, 1995, in Kathmandu, Sharma has a background in theater and films. As the son of renowned cine artists Ashok Sharma and Kiran Sharma, who are also director and producer, he spent much of his time meeting with actors and learning about filmmaking. "I was inspired by my parents to choose this career. I have to say that my role model is my father," said Ankit. He pursued a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Digital Film and Television from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, Malaysia in 2016. He has studied Anthropology, Environmental Systems and Societies, and Theater in Ullens School, Lalitpur under IB Diploma Programme. He got his primary education from Malpi International School, Panauti, Kavre and secondary education from St Paul's School, Darjeeling, India.
Heart to Heart with Malvika
Ankit Sharma with the National Film Award(2019)
In addition to his acting works, Ankit has also directed films. He has worked as a director or assistant director in projects like Chakravyuh, Awakening of Spring, True West, Jaya and Jai Bhole (2018). In 2019, he was awarded the National Film Award in the category of Best Debut Actor Male and in 2021 he was honored with the Dcine Award, both for his film debut in 'Rato Tika Nidhar Ma', directed by Ashok Sharma and produced by Kiran Sharma and Kriti Sharma for AA Group of Companies. The movie was released on September 27, 2019.
Ankit Sharma with Dcine Awards
Similarly, in Malaysia, Sharma had played in a short movie titled 'Block' by a Pakistani director, which competed with other Ukrainian and Malaysian films. For this film, he won the Global Nepali Award for Best Actor in the Short Movie category. Buoyed by the success he has already achieved in his career, Sharma intends to continue working in the movie industry.
Ankit Sharma starring in the short movie 'Block'
Talking partially about his future plan, he added, "My next project is titled 'Project 3' with Ujjwal Ghimire, director and producer. Probably, we will start shooting in January or February of the coming year which will be a love story and comedy film. We are currently working on pre-production,” said Ankit. Describing his priority on acting as a director, he said, “Being an actor, it gives more of a public persona and recognition."
As a person, Ankit describes himself as an easy going person and fitness enthusiast who loves to read, play video games like FIFA and travel new places. He said that his favorite travel destinations are Argentina, Egypt and Dhorpatan, Nepal. When asked about portraying a protagonist character, he said that he won't be doing the negative role for now but will think of it later in his life. "I started my lead role as a positive character and so as not to break a certain perception that has been built about me in the eyes and minds of the audience, for now, I am inclined to playing positive roles," he clarified.
