Bipin Karki’s outstanding performance as Bhasme in the movie Pashupati Prasad, his new approach to comedy in the movie Jatra, and his above par acting skills that brought much acclaim to his latest movie Hari has established him as one the greatest actors of our times. Karki has not only been appreciated by the Nepali audience but, if critics are to be believed, he has also been able to set the bar high for others in the entertainment business.

In a quick chat with The Week, the versatile actor reveals what made him choose this path and how acting has changed him.

On why he chose to become an actor 
I had actually never given a serious thought to making a career in acting. I liked seeing people perform but I did not assume that I would be good at it. It was only after I started watching plays at theaters that I began to develop some interest in acting and the art of performance. While watching those plays, I would often imagine myself acting on stage. I was fascinated by stage lights and the actor’s facial expressions and costumes. So, knowingly or unknowingly, I was charmed by this field. My intuition often told to give it a try so I began my acting career by becoming a theater artist. After working at a theater for several years, I got the opportunity to act in a movie and here I’m today doing what I love. 

Theater vs. movies 
For me, no profession is better or worse as every field has its own pros and cons. I changed several jobs before finally settling down with acting. Every work gave me something to learn but acting was what made me happy. 

Talking about theater and movies, theater is very close to my heart because it made me what I am today. I have worked as a part of the backstage crew and have also been a part of minor roles in various plays. All these experiences have helped me realize the importance of every person’s contribution in making a complete play. I also understood how it’s equally difficult to be backstage as it is to be on the limelight. 
On the other hand, techniques required to work in films are different from those you need to have as a theater artist. But both these fields have their own charm. Acting in films has made me more responsible. I now realize how my work can make a great impact on a larger audience. So it is very difficult for me to choose one above the other. I love working both in theaters and in the movies. 

On love and real life 
Real life is obviously different from the movies. Your life cannot turn upside down by just meeting someone you love. But I have definitely fallen in love. I have a wife whom I love dearly and she has definitely impacted my life in a positive way. Although there have been no dramatic changes like in the movies, little things we do to make each other happy and comfortable are what matters the most in the long run. 

An actor he admires most 
There are many great actors in the Nepali film industry that I respect and adore. But if I have to name a few I would say Sunil Pokhrel, Saugat Malla, and Hari Bansha Acharya. Sunil Pokhrel is my guru, I have learnt a lot from him. He is my inspiration and I aim to become as humble, diligent, and hardworking as him one day. 

I have worked with Saugat Malla since the beginning of my film career. He has been a great mentor and a guide to me. I can never thank him enough for his constant support. And, although I have not had the opportunity to work with Hari Bansha Acharya extensively, he has been my idol since I was a child. I love his work and I’m deeply influenced by him. 
 
The one person he wants to meet for coffee       
I’m a big fan of Sandeep Lamichhane. The way he has brought such great honor to our country at a very young age is amazing. His performance at the Indian Premier League was commendable. I would love to have coffee with him because I’m his biggest fan. He is not only an inspiration to our athletes but to all other Nepalis irrespective of our careers. He has made us all realize that dreams do come true. 

 
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