After the blockbuster movie ‘Prem Geet’, the days of struggle are over for Pooja Sharma. 25-year-old Sharma debuted in the Nepali film industry along with Priyanka Karki in the movie ‘3 Lovers’. She got her first lead role in ‘Madhumash’ and in the NEFTA awards 2016, she was awarded the Popular Actress Award for her character in ‘Prem Geet’. But the hardworking girl isn’t just an actor, she recently took up singing as well. The Week caught up with her to learn more about her foray into acting and singing. 

 Had you always wanted to become an actor?
As any child who grows up watching movies and dramas on TV, I always had a dream to see myself on the big screen. But I never thought I’d become a part of the film industry so soon, though I did visualize myself as an actor time and again. Today, when I see myself in music videos and acting in movies, I feel a sense of relief in having taken that step towards fulfilling my dreams.

You act and now you sing, which out of these two do you prefer?
Acting has always been my first priority and it will always remain my favorite. As far as singing is concerned, I don’t think I’m a very good singer. Maybe that’s the reason why I feel more comfortable in front of the camera than I do in front of a microphone at a recording studio. Singing, to be honest, isn’t really my forte. I was lucky enough to get a chance to sing, and I did. But it was mostly for fun and nothing else.     

What’s the biggest challenge of being an actor?
An actor is always in the limelight and that’s not easy. It’s very challenging to maintain your status. Once you are a part of the film industry, you must be very careful about your actions because your actions aren’t yours alone, they become a part of your fan’s lives too. I feel a single action has the power to change a lot of dynamics and that is a heavy burden to shoulder. While it feels really good to be loved by so many people, there is that fear of it all coming crashing down at the back of your mind that can really disturb you sometimes.  

Can you share your most memorable moment in the industry?
It was definitely the first day of my music video shoot. I don’t think I will ever forget how I felt standing in front of the camera for the first time. I don’t think I can describe it. It was the best feeling ever.

What plans do you have for the future?
I’m someone who prefers to live in the moment, and I’m very aware of the fleetingness of everything that comes your way. So I never make plans and worry about what’s happening or what will happen. That is a sure shot way to ruin what you have in the present. I never thought I would come this far but here I am today. I hope to learn from the past and enjoy the present as I go on in life, and I trust everything will just fall into place that way.

Do you have any suggestions or advice for aspiring actors?
I believe you always have to dream big and work hard to achieve it. Becoming an actor isn’t difficult but staying one is. You constantly have to prove yourself through your work. Anyone who wants to become an actor should be ready to work hard and face challenges head on. But before you take the plunge, weigh your skills and hone your craft. If you have the skills it needs to be an actor, then nothing can stop you from achieving your dream of seeing yourself on the big screen.

(As told to Ashma Chhetri)

 
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