Favourism trend in air

Favouritism and nepotism have taken deep root in almost all sectors. To get a recommendation from someone in authority seems to be the need of the time in present context. Favourism, to many, is like a stepping stone in different situations that range from getting admission to a good school/college for kids or an appointment with a renowned doctor. Without recommendations, one's efforts, no matter how serious, go in vain to get things done. Very sadly, Nepali Film Industry is not aloof from this practice, too.

Evidences are rife that directors, producers and actors/actresses have been recommending their dear and near ones based on some personal and social ties. Some even resort to pressurizing. Favourism is slowly and gradually on the rise in the film industry.

Biraj Bhatta who is among the most sought-after actors these days has a soft-spot for actress Jenisha KC when it comes to making a recommendation in her favor. There are rumours that he once washed his hands with one film after his favor for Jenisha in leading female role went unheard. Another action-hero Nikhil Upreti, before tying the knot with Sanjita Luitel, was also in the race with Biraj for favoring Jenisha.

Actress Rekha Thapa is far ahead of her counterparts in making recommendations. Lately the hot icon Rekha throws her weight behind new faces Aryan Sigdel and Aayush Rijal in the industry. Earlier, she was after Biraj whom she now rejects right away following some loggerheads with him.

In the favourism race, director Deepak Shrestha switches to rising star Yuna Upreti. He often asks his counterparts to take Yuna for a heroine. In 'Ho Yehi Maya Ho', Deepak had made a favor for Yuna, but she was excluded from the project later. Likewise, director Naresh Poudel prefers Arunima Lamsal in most of his films, and doesn't hesitate to repeat her as well. Producer-cum-director Sovit Basnet hankers for Rejina Upreti in his films while producer Basant Kumar Shrestha chooses Nandita KC. Distributor and director Sunil Manandhar opts for Arpana Singh.

Other directors Chiranjibi Basnet, Roj Rana, distributor Krishna Karki, Sunil Manandhar are no exception to this favouritism tradition.

On the contrary to this, the Bollywood tradition has it that film artists are selected as per the demand of the film's story.