Taking the big prize home National Film Awards 2015

On Tuesday, July 28, the National Film Development Board awarded the best in the Nepali Film industry at an award ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas in Maharajgunj. A jury comprising Rajendra Shalabh, Karishma Manandhar, Hemant Budhathoki,
Kapil Parajuli and Dipendra Lama selected the most deserving artists for the National Film Awards 2015 and the awards were presented by President Dr Ram Baran Yadav to winners in eight different categories. Actor Nir Shah received the ‘Dirgha Sadhana Samman’ award for his long term contribution to the Nepali film industry.

Republica spoke to the eight winners about their thoughts in winning the prestigious award.

Ram Babu Gurung and Upendra Subba
Best Script: Kabaddi

Were you expecting any kind of award for 'Kabaddi'?

Gurung: I did harbor some small ray of hope but it was for the script and not the direction category. In my opinion, 'Tulke' was my strongest competitor and I wasn't surprised when Nischal took the prize. In fact, Daya and I had often discussed how Nischal was very deserving of such awards. I am also happy that 'Kabaddi' won the Best Film award.

What kind of collaboration did you do while working in the script?

Gurung: I've worked with Upendra for a long time and I'm very conformable with him. I did the writing but we discussed every little detail of the script together from the beginning to the end.

Subba: We began work on the script three years prior to shooting the film. We did 16 drafts and along the way the story also took different turns. We worked really hard because both of us were new in the industry and we felt we had to prove ourselves.

How was the award day for you?

Subba: I wasn't really keen on going to the ceremony because I was in mourning for my mother. That day, I went to the office in a pair of shorts but my friends insisted that I go with them and even brought me new pants and shoes. So five of us (Ram Babu Gurung, Dayahang Rai, Shailendra Karki and Nimesh Shrestha) attended the program together and while coming out of the President's Residence, each of us had our awards in our hands. It felt a bit strange.Nischal Basnet
Best Director: Talakjung vs Tulke

When did you hear about your nomination?

I got the call just a day before the event. Since I was shooting in Lele, I couldn't make it to the awards ceremony, and my producer Rabindra Singh Baniya received the award on my behalf.

Were you expecting to win?

While 'Tulke' didn't exactly come off as I had visualized it, it did receive good ratings from the critics and I'm happy. It's my first National Award and it feels good to be recognized for my work, especially since the award comes from the government.

So what do you remember from the time you were shooting for 'Talakjung vs Tulke'?

All I remember from the time is that it was raining a lot and we were always in a hurry to finish the shoot for the day. I also remember all the fun we had trying to fix Khagendra's hair in the film.

Dayahang Rai
Best Actor: Sambodhan

Your award was for your work in 'Sambodhan' instead of the more popular 'Kabaddi'. How do you feel about it?

I'm actually pleased that the award was for 'Sambodhan.' I feel the effort I put in for this film was greater. I had to portray a 50-year-old character and I think I managed to do that. We did have a drawback in the makeup but there too we tried our best. I remember sitting for four hours in the saloon to fix my hair. We also experimented with all the makeup products available and finally settled on using Tipex. Only it didn't look as great as it did in the mirror.

Had you expected to come home with an award?

I wasn't certain that I would win but I did have my hopes. I received my first National Award for 'Dasdhunga.' Just like then, I was told to be dressed formally, so that made me think that perhaps I was going to get the award.

Sangam Bista
Best Actress: Love You Baba

How are you feeling about your win?

I'm feeling very happy and proud. It's a huge compliment to receive the National Award as it's recognition from the government.

How did you celebrate?

I called up my mom as soon as I could and she was very happy for me. We celebrated my win with a party at home and I also distributed chocolates to everyone at school.

So are you getting ready for more films?

At the moment, I want to concentrate on my studies. But of course, if a great role comes along then I won't say no.

Richa Sharma
Best Actress: Talakjung vs Tulke

What does this award mean to you?

This is my first National Award, so it's very precious to me. Phooli from 'Talakjung vs Tulke' is a very meaningful character for me. From the way I spoke in the film to my appearance, I worked very hard on my character. After 'Uma' I've been very selective about the films I do. 'Tulke' is a milestone in my career and this award is a testament to that fact.

Were you expecting this award?

Like most actors, I don't work for awards. The biggest praise for us is when the audience comes out of the theater and congratulates us on our work. Having said that, when the award season comes around that's when the first tinge of anticipation sets in us.

How did it feel to be sharing the award with your little colleague, Sangam Bista?

It was nice. I haven't seen her films yet but I've heard a lot about the kind of performances she has been giving. From what I've heard about her work, she totally deserves the award.