Interview with Arunima Lamsal

With first appearance in Yestai Rahechha Jindagi as a coactress, Arunima Lamsal has established herself in Nepali film industry over the past eight years. She has acted in over three dozen films so far. Recalling her days as a teen, she says she didn't have any plan to make a career in this field. Daughter to Radha Bhabu Lamsal who is also a renowned name in Nepali film industry, Arunima was entangled in a knot of marriage when her career was blossoming. Is there any familial role for your entry into Nepali film industry? Honestly speaking, I got support from my family only after my entry into the film industry. I never thought of being an actress as a teen. I had a plan to make a career in banking sector. My mom didn't force me to get into the film industry, too. How many films have you acted in so far? Um, around 35 or 40 films. What's the reason behind your appearance in glamorous getup in most films? Obviously, I played a glamorous role in my first film. It might have encouraged producers and directors to offer me such a role in films. And, I have appeared glamorous only in about a dozen films, not in others. It is reported that directors/producers force actresses for physical exposure. What do you say? I have not experienced any pressure from directors/producers for physical exposure yet. But, I'm ready for exposure if the story demands. You got married when your career was on progress. Has it any effect on your career? Not at all. Number of fans has instead multiplied contrary to my expectation. Film industry is subject to different controversial rumours. Doesn't it hamper your conjugal life? Definitely, even an ordinary person is not aloof from rumours as such, let alone actresses. Despite this, we have a good understanding with each other. How often do you have a row with your spouse? To be honest, we do have rows sometimes, but it doesn't last long. Is there any reason behind your frequently appearing in films directed by Naresh Poudel? There is no reason at all. I have frequently appeared in film at others' direction as well. I've acted only in two films under Naresh's direction. People say you're gonna be a director in near future? The very idea hit my mind previously. I've not thought seriously about it for the time being. Is it necessary for actresses to appear sexy? Yea, indeed. What do say on reports of sexual abuse upon actresses in film industry? I've heard but not seen yet. I strongly condemn such an evil act. What's your stand on an attempted case of rape upon one of your female colleagues? It's a personal affair. Reality exists between the two involved. Actresses should be sensible and bold enough to say 'no' to sex proposals. A series of sex video footages of many Nepali actresses have been out. Doesn't it create a bad image of actresses? It's natural that all get involved in sex in any part of the world. But, it's something bad to make sex videotape public, particularly by popular actresses because it gives a wrong message to the audience. Do you think Nepalese society suffers from narrow mindsets about sex? People are gradually becoming open about sex and other sexual behaviours. I heard people ignored some sex videotapes that were out in the market. There'll be a time when all will pay a blind eye to it in future. Which personal habit do you feel like giving up? Well, I want to control my poor nerves. Who do you wish for if the God granted a boon to choose a dream partner? I'm satisfied with my present one. Three secrets that others don't know about you? I'm afraid of darkness. My eyes go tearful at sad moments while shooting. I love doing domestic chores like cooking, cleaning etc. There is an ever increasing trend among artists flying abroad. Do you have any plan as such? Most give a thought to flying abroad for financial reasons. I haven't thought about it till now.