Not only glamorous role: Rekha Thapa

Rekha Thapa is not a new name in Nepali cinema industry. Moreover, cinema production has taken her to new heights. Her film Himmat proved to be a success. Then Deepak Shrestha leap-frogged over the success of her original film by making Himmat-2 without Thapa’s knowledge, starting the flames of fury between the two.  Filmnepal caught up with Rekha Thapa to ask her about the controversy, her voyage in the film industry and the future. Excerpts:

Miss Rekha, You have acted in six dozen films. How satisfied do you feel?
-The cinema has been my dream since I was a child. I am satisfied to have put down my roots in my dream work. But sometimes I assess myself and think there is so much more to learn.

More than your acting, your success is often credited to your glamorous role, what do you say?
-I have worked from bungee jumping and martial arts to sentimental roles; I have performed the same in all. However, my glamorous role took more of the limelight. I don’t know why though.

In your opinion, is cinema creation or a business?
-In my context, acting is my profession and this needs to be developed into a business.

Nepali cinema has not been able to win the hearts of many viewers. How is the latest development in the industry?
-There has been a flurry of Nepali cinemas. However, only a few of them possess quality. The quantity increased but not the quality.

Who is responsible then?
- We actors and the film makers are responsible. No films have been made targeting Nepali viewers.

You made a film under your own investment. Were you not making enough as an actor?
Thapa: Working for others makes you bend to their imagination. After all, actors have to do what the producers and directors say. And then to portray my own imagination, I had to invest in a film.

You made Himmat. Now Himmat-2 is being made without your involvement.
-The production of Himmat-2 began after Himmat became a success. I was not contacted at all while making a cinema with my film’s name.

You didn’t react when someone made your film\'s part 2. Why is that so?
-This has been a thing of pride for me. If a successful and famous director (Deepak Shrestha) follows my idea, I don’t have to say anything.

Some say you are not on speaking terms with many other actors as well?
-From my side, I think I talk well with everyone. On their part, why they protest against me, I don’t know.

Do you think you will be able to sustain like this forever? What are your future plans?
-My thoughts are to remain in the cinema industry, to take forward my acting and producing.