Khagendra Lamichhane
Khagendra Lamichhane in a well-known Nepali actor, director and novelist. Actor of blockbuster movies like Pashupati Prasad, Talakjung Versus Tulke, Badhshala and others, he has also authored a novel Phulani, a popular Nepal novel. Anil Khatiwada had a conversation with him for The Gorkha Times. The edited excerpt of the conversation is present herewith:
How are you spending your days amidst the ongoing pandemic?
Well, we don’t have any choice other than staying at home during the lockdown. To get the most out of it, I am spending my quality time with my family. Besides that, I have been watching movies and reading books. Moreover, my new novel is being released soon. So I am revising it for further improvement. I am rectifying the shortcomings in my novel.
Name the book you have recently read or the one you are currently reading.
Currently I am into Khas Jaati ko Itihaas by Balkrishna Pokharel.
As the crisis has led to school closure, children are struggling to be held in their houses. What would you suggest for children and parents in this situation?
Children living in the city had never got enough time from their parents; nor were the parents able to spend their time with children because of their busy schedules. Although this is a tough one, it is the best time to reduce the distance between parents and their children. Parents should also try to reduce children’s fear by suggesting ways they can implement to combat the virus. There are many kills to learn from the YouTube such as painting, farming, cooking a variety of foods, etc. Children should be engaged in creative works as much as possible at such times.
How is the preparation for your new book going on?
I have not announced the name for the book yet. But the work of my novel is in the final stage. Currently, I am revising my work for minor mistakes, if any. After corona wrath is over, it will be published.
At present, do you think the government’s preparations are sufficient to reduce the risk of corona virus?
Corona or similar epidemic is a sudden occurrence. Disasters do not come with prior notice. And it is not in the Nepalese habit to be prepared for any probable calamity. We stay in the belief of handling the situation after it has occurred. It is not right to say that government is doing nothing; in fact, it is doing a lot but at this situation, it is not enough. Yes, the preparation by the government is not enough but the rules implemented for the prevention, if followed strictly, can be instrumental in preventing the spread of the virus.
You are hailed as one of the most successful artists in Nepal. What are the most important lessons you have learned in life on this journey?
No matter how tough the situation gets, always be honest and utilize your abilities and skills at their best. Always try to help others. If not, at least do not harm them.
If you were not an artist, or if you had to choose any other profession rather than artistry, what would you choose?
If I were not an artist, I would be a farmer or a writer.
What message would you give to the new generations who take you as an idol?
First, identify your potential and interests and then work on it continuously.
If you were to remove any one thing from this world, what would it be?
Greed from people’s mind.
Lastly, what do you want to say to the entire Nepali community?
Covid-19 has shaken the foundation of the entire world, not just ours. Mankind has played a huge role in the evolution of these pandemics. Such pandemics can be reduced if we humans adopt an environment-friendly lifestyle. We need to improve our ways of life by learning a lesson from this epidemic. And, I urge all Nepali brothers and sisters, parents and mothers to make their lifestyle as adaptable as possible.