Actress Usha Rajak has commented that nepotism and favoritism still exist in the Nepali film industry. She has alleged that when she auditioned for Nepal’s first digital film Kagbeni, she was selected as the lead actor, but later Anup Baral took Diya Maske.
She has written on Facebook – ‘Bhushan Dahal and team came for casting, Pooja Gurung, Shivani Singh Tharu, Diya Maske, I, Asha Mangrati were in the audition. About “Kagbeni”, Nepal’s first digital film. In that film, I was cast in the lead role by the director’s team. (I was told this by the 2 main characters of the film) but night after night I was out and Diya Maske was in. The day I found out, I came home and cried a lot. That day I saw a different face of a guru, I saw a dark side of life.
I am a student of the first batch of Actors Studio. 17 years ago Anup Baral sir used to sign only Diya Maske for all the main characters if a good role and script came from that organization, even now the same evil is still there. This is not expected from a guru, at least that’s not how the gurus I know speak.
2006: The training of actors studio was held at Bajr Hotel. There Bhushan Dahal and team came for casting, Pooja Gurung, Shivani Singh Tharu, Diya Maske, I, Asha Mangrati were in the audition. About “Kagbeni”, Nepal’s first digital film. In that film, I was cast in the lead role by the director’s team. (I was told this by the 2 main characters of the film) but night after night I was out and Diya Maske was in. The day I found out, I came home and cried a lot. That day I saw a different face of a guru, I saw a dark side of life.
I have no proof of this, nor will Bhushan dai believe today that he came under pressure from Anup sir and agreed with him. It was Dai’s first film, he must have been nervous, he was very dependent on Anup sir to make the film a reality.
Why is it only spoken now Usha? : I remember that at that time, I mustered up the courage to ask Anup sir, “What do you think, sir?” Maybe 19 years old me didn’t understand, or I didn’t understand, and I went and sat quietly in the class. For 17 years, I have not spoken in public about this matter.
Casting couches are everywhere, roles can be given to those who like it, but… Why “nepotism” and “favoritism” rather than giving equal opportunities to students and artists by opening an educational institution? I’ve heard many Actors Studio students say this back and forth. But who will put a noose around the cat’s neck?
Still most of the good film auditions are done there, still actors go to the auditions with hope, in that bad place. Well, I also went with a wish, until I opened my eyes.
Having said that, I have no grudge against anyone. I also learned a lot from Anup sir, Diya is a capable actress in her own right, and this world is like that, and so am I: the wisdom that art is spirituality, it should be kept sharp.
Having said that, please tell me that I have wronged, cheated or insulted someone knowingly or unknowingly. Everyone should have a chance to correct. Maybe I am wrong to say all this.
And what, the art field is all like that, polluted? No, no. I have met many good mentors, I have worked with an impartial casting team, a fearless director, a producer who pays on time.
About Kura Prakash Films: I have faith in movie awards. One day when my hard work is done, I have decided to get the day when my destiny opens. I read the article yesterday: The Best Film Award has been lost. The film is very good, worthy of the award. I strongly condemn the disappearance of the award. I demand that justice be done soon. If not, more support will be given. Because I and many others who have experienced injustice know how painful it is. All the best! Jai Nepali cinema!
