A romantic hero, a villain, or a funny woman — actors transform themselves into numerous characters on screen. While some of these characters are able to impress the audience, others are praised by the critics, and a few fail to get the recognition. But what impact does a character makes on the actor who portrays it? Five actors of Nepali film industry share with Sangita Shrestha about the best characters they have played till date and the kind of roles they would love to do in the New Year 2073 BS. Best/worst characters you have played I am known for comic roles. But I had to play the part of a serious comrade in the film Wada Number 6. It was a challenge for me to pull off the role. I researched on the attitude of former Moist comrades, their way of living, and talking, to justify that character. Though it was difficult to perform the role, I was later appreciated for my performance — political leaders Hisila Yami and Baburam Bhattarai also praised my work in the film. But there is no such character that I have played, that I haven’t liked — I agree to play in a certain movie only after examining the character. Favourite role I wish I could get to play the role performed by Karishma Manandhar didi in Babu Saheb. I wish to dance like Priyanka Karki and perform action roles like Rekha Thapa. I am envious of Bollywood actress Rekha in the movie Khoon Bhari Maang — she was a police officer in this women-centric movie. Expectations from the New Year In the upcoming year 2073 BS, I wish to play some bold characters — like Jhansiki Rani or a police officer. And I expect to watch quality films in the New Year and hope the standard of Nepali films will rise. Currently I am directing Chhakka Panja, and it will release in 2073 BS. I hope my debut work will fare well. — Deepa Shree Niraula Best character you have played Among the characters I have played in my two films, I like the role of Kushal in Ajhai Pani. Kushal resembles me — a boy who was born and raised in Kathmandu and has been living here. Favourite role I wanted to play the lead role in Prem Geet. But as I was also the film’s director, it would have been difficult for me to handle two positions at the same time. The role of Khagendra Lamichhane in Pasupati Prasad is the other character I would love to play. Pashupati Prasad is simply amazing — it showcases everyday difficulty of a common man whereas the storyline is also original. Expectations from the New Year I have a dream to play a role similar to the one played by Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic in the New Year 2073 BS. And I am looking forward to make romantic films. My film will be different from the regular movies. — Sudharshan Thapa Best/worst characters you have played The character of Helen I played in movie Masaan is the best role I have performed till date. Helen was a character from our grandmother’s time. As I am not familiar with the activities and lifestyle of the people of that period, it was a challenge for me to justify the role. Whenever I watch my performance in Mayako Barima, I feel I could do much better to give life to the character if I get to do that role again. However, I don’t regret playing that character. Favourite role I like Rich Sharma in the film Uma and I wish I could do that role. Expectation from the New Year I wish to play the role of a person with split personality or a person with mental illness in the New Year 2073 BS. And I hope more experimental movies will set new trends in Nepali film industry. — Keki Adhikari Best/worst characters you have played I did the role of Aaditya in my debut movie Andaj. This is the best role I have done till date — I got to share screen space with actress Rekha Thapa in the film directed by Ujjwal Ghimire. But there is no such character that I dislike. I do a film only if I like the character. Favourite role Haku Kale played by Saugat Malla in Loot, and Kaji played by Dayahang Rai in Kabaddi Kabaddi are the characters I would love to play. Expectations from the New Year I want to play a strong character in a supporting role in the New Year. In 2073 BS I wish to watch technically sound movies. To gain popularity and to become a producer people are making movies with low budget. But it is not enhancing the quality of Nepali movies. And I also hope that Hero, my new movie under Sabin Films Banner will perform well. — Sabin Shrestha Best/worst characters you have played There are no such roles that I like or dislike. But I hope I will be able to do good roles in future. Usually, after performing a certain character in a film, I am done with it. Neither I watch the film and my performance nor review it as good or bad. Favourite role It’s been more than a decade I have stopped thinking about the kind of roles I would love to do. However, in the past I used to wish to play the kind of characters performed by Bollywood actors Naseeruddin Shah and Om Puri. Expectation from the New Year Be it comedy, action or drama, I will do any kind of film that will be offered to me. But I wish to watch movies that have proper story line and are technically sound. — Saugat Malla