there was only theatre and then came TV, so I decided to try out this new medium as well ...

Kathmandu:

Theatre, TV and films — these are different platforms that showcase one talent — the ability to act and emote. They are so similar, yet so different. And artistes have been moving back and forth between these different mediums. Some have liked the different experiences along the way, while some decided to stick to the medium they love.

Making a choice

Renowned theatre personality Sunil Pokhrel has tried his hands at all the forms and very self-assuredly says, “When I started, there was only theatre and then came TV, so I decided to try out this new medium as well. But later I realised that theatre was my medium, the interaction with the audience, getting into the character, understanding the emotional, physical and psychological aspect is possible only in theatre, which gives a lot of satisfaction.”

And he adds, “Once you’ve worked in theatre you feel very restricted in TV.”

So, for him it was a very conscious decision even after knowing the limitations and possibilities of theatre that he decided to follow this path.

For the love of acting

But most of the new generation of actors feel that the various mediums have their own charms and would like to continue to work in the various mediums. As Deeya Maskey (last seen in Kagbeni) put it, “For me it has never been the popularity factor. It has always been the love of acting which has made me venture into different forms — be it stage performances, music videos, TV serials or movies.”

She opines that in the world of cinema just being a good actor is not enough, one needs opportunities as well to learn and polish one’s self and build confidence.

Differences

prevail

“It is easier for us to remember the lines and make improvisations if necessary,” says Pokharel adding, “we are used to working in difficult conditions so. don’t complain much.”

Whereas Saugat Malla who has starred in Panshi, Daag and Kagbeni, feels that just because one is good in theatre, doesn’t mean that s/he will be equally good in other mediums as well.

Sharing his experience he says, “When I first faced the camera, I was quite uncomfortable. But your confidence increases the next time you face it.”

Theatre pros

and cons

It’s the direct interaction one has with the audience, getting involved in every

aspect of the play from lighting, sets and getting the

freedom and having the capability to make improvisations on stage when necessary that Karma (Mahesh Shakya), who is starring in the upcoming Sano Sansar likes about theatre. To which Malla adds, “When you are acting on stage, it is your work

and no one can change or tamper it.”

“People are really compassionate about it, the teamwork is great and there are very educated, intellectual, updated people from whom you get to learn,” says Loonibha Tuladhar, the original Pawankali.

As for Maskey, it is learning to be disciplined and developing one’s overall personality that she cherishes.

But the negatives do prevail in the world of theatre too, mainly it is still financially weak and has a very limited audience. “Even today from the very first class

I tell my students that there is no name or money in theatre, dherai dukha chha,” says Pokhrel. “Theatre is

not yet very professionally developed yet and we have been continuously working towards it.”

The other side

Getting attention instantly and gaining popularity is an important aspect that has attracted many towards TV and films. Malla had come to Kathmandu with a hope of joining films, but started with theatre. “In today’s context gaining name and fame is important and if I do get roles that I like, I will certainly do more movies, ma ali lobhi chhu esto kura ma.” “There is something always happening on TV. It’s a lot fun, more like high school. The timing is more flexible and people recognise you,” says Tuladhar.

And of course the money is good and one is more

financially secure be it TV

or films.

But here again there are the not so good factors.

“Movies are more artificial and you don’t feel that connection with it, and even the level of commitment in movies is less,” said Karma.

Tuladhar was frank about the negatives of TV. “TV here is very surfacial, people don’t do their homework properly and even big names are really empty from inside and you get to learn nothing from them. There is a lot of politics in television. I guess I’ve been lucky in this matter and haven’t been through it but casting couch does exist in TV and you need to butter up to people even when you’re qualified.”

And the time factor

which they so neglect is

another thing that really gets her goat.