Kathmandu:

New York Kala Manch organised a programme to honour personalities from the Nepali film and theatre on January 6.

Veteran actor Shanti Maskey, stunt director Gopal Bhutani, and music maestro Nhuchheman Dangol were honoured with the ‘New York Kala Manch Achievement Award’ for their contributions in the respective fields.

The programme was organised in association with Chet Narayan Basundhara Bhusal at the Royal Nepal Academy Hall.

Yadav Kharel, Shailesh Acharya and Chetan Karki presided as chief guests. Other eminent artistes from Nepali film industry were also present at the function.

Speaking about Maskey’s contribution to the film industry, director/producer Ramesh Budathoki said she started her career from the movie Hijo Aja Bholi and continued working as a character artiste in many successful movies like Kanchi, Santan, Sindoor among others. He also added that because of Maskey’s involvement in theatre and film, she was decorated with the Gorkha Dakshin Bahu IV.

Maskey was also involved with Nach Ghar and worked with Bala Krishna Sama in the development of Nepali theatre in the national, and international level while she was in Kolkata.

Senior musician Ganesh Rasik talked about Nhuchheman Dangol’s work in the field of music. Dangol has been involved with music since the age of six.

He worked as a musician at Radio Nepal and Rastriya Nach Ghar and also taught at the Padma Kanya Campus.

In 1975 he taught music to a group of women and started an all-women’s band.

Actor Krishna Malla spoke about Bhutani contribution to the Nepali film Industry. Bhutani started the trend of quality stunts in Nepali movies.

He also worked in various Hindi movies and has been involved in the production of a few films as well.

Shailesh Acharya, president of the Nepal Film Board, concluded the programme by thanking the organisers and thanked the New York Kala Manch for promoting Nepali art, culture and films in the international platform.