DEC 23 - Bhola Raj Sapkota realised that he wanted to become an actor after doing his first play, ‘Murkha Birami,’ as a 7th grader at Bansha Gopal Higher Secondary School in his hometown, Hetauda. Popularly known as Barfi’s friend, after his role in the Bollywood film ‘Barfi,’ Sapkota is a much-admired name in Nepali theatre. Priyanka Shrestha of the Post talked to the artist about his life and interest. Excerpts:

What is keeping you busy these days?

Different theatres from inside and outside the Valley call me to conduct acting workshops. So I am busy teaching acting these days. I recently gave acting workshops to groups from Bara, Parsa, Dhanusha, Mahottari and Saptari districts.

How did you get into Bollywood? How different is their working style as compared to ours?

Filmmaker Prashant Rasaily informed me that there was an audition taking place for the movie “Barfi”. So I went for the audition, first to Calcutta and then to Mumbai, and subsequently got the role of Ranbeer Kapoor’s friend in the movie. That was the start of my Bollywood journey.

Bollywood is a huge industry. They have big budgets and large teams working in tandem to bring out the movies. Also, I found the people involved in Bollywood to be more sincere and hardworking than their Nepali counterparts.

But having said that, I also feel that the scenario of Nepali movie is changing now and lots of good movies are being made.

How did “Barfi” affect your career and image?

Even before I did “Barfi,” I had done many plays and was even featured on newspapers a number of times. But only a few people, mostly those involved in theatres, knew me. But surprisingly, it was a single Bollywood movie that made me famous. It may be because theirs’ is a larger industry and has a huge fan following.

Have you been involved in any Nepali projects?

I have dedicated most of my time to the theatre. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t work in Nepali movies.

I’m quite picky when it comes to the movies and go for those whose scripts appeal me. I have done many short movies until now and even played a small role in the late Alok Nembang’s “Sano Sansar”. Recently, I signed up for another movie and will soon start shooting for that.

Do you look up to anyone as a source of inspiration?

There’s no greater inspiration than society itself. Society teaches us a lot of things. But yes, l hold my teachers, especially those from Hetauda, in high regard. They helped me discover my true calling.

If not in this field, what would you be doing?

Well, there are a lot of things that I like doing. I love singing, and If I wasn’t an actor, I’d probably have become a singer.

Are you a foodie?

I’m a big-time foodie. I love cooking whenever I have spare time. And my favourite food is the one I prepare myself.

What about travelling? Do you have any favourite place?

Yes, I love travelling to different places as long as the resource is available. I don’t have any favourite place, as it depends on my mood. Sometimes I feel like there’s no place better than Pokhara and other times I have the same feeling for some other place. However, I can’t get enough of my hometown, Hetauda. 

Do you watch films? What kinds?

I used to watch all kinds of films when I was at Gurukul. Movies formed a  vital part of my learning process. But now, a new film releases every Friday. And instead of watching them all, I go for those referred to me by my friends.

Are you tech-savvy? How obsessed are you with your gadgets?

I am not. I’m bad when it comes to technology. I know how to use my computer, and that’s it.

Is there anything that you’re scared of?

A dog had bitten me once on my calf and a sister of mine lost her life to snakebite. So I’m really scared of dogs and snakes.

A word of advice to upcoming artists?

I request you to put your heart into your work. Don’t expect to become a star overnight. Have patience and work your way up.