When Deepashree Niraula started her career as an actress back in 1992, the TV industry was still in its infancy. The industry has gone through many ups and downs but Niraula is still in it, doing what she loves to do the most. She has so far been featured in more than a dozen films and teleserials, among which Tito Satya is the show that established her as a household name. The Post’s Timothy Aryal caught up with the actress and talked about her career and her love for acting. Excerpts:

How did your journey as an actress begin? What sparked your interest?

Growing up in Biratnagar, I had a penchant for dancing. I would participate in dance functions happening around the city, and would also participate in many different school-level and district-level dance competitions, most of which I ended up winning. I never thought I would ever get into acting. Then, one day, Mukunda Shrestha, one of the producers of the Maithili tele-serial Agneepath, approached me and asked me if I wanted to act in it. Of course, I agreed. After that, I got a chance to act in other serials and films too. That’s how this journey started.

How long have you been in this field?

It’s been about 22 years.

What keeps you busy these days?

I was into promoting the film Wada No 6. Now, since it is has been released all over Nepal, I am back to doing what I do once again. There are shooting programmes for Tito Satya. And I also run this programme titled Dhaniya ki Duniya on Radio Audio. It’s going good.

What do you think is the best thing about being an actress?

I think the best thing about acting is acting itself. When you get engaged in a certain profession for so long, everything about it interests you, enthuses you. I think acting, more than improving myself as a person, has provided me with that love from the audience, which I really cherish.

Your most memorable moment as an actress till date?

I am an optimist. I enjoy every moment of my life. Because life’s going to have its ups and downs, there is no point in not enjoying every moment of it. That said, I really enjoy recalling the times I’ve spent shooting Tito Satya. I believe Tito Satya is something that infused life into my being.

What is your favourite serial/film that you have done till date?

I like each one of them, really. But Tito Satya stands out, of course. For I have devoted so much of my time and energy to it.

Any challenges that you have faced during the journey?

Yes, there are challenges in every step of your journey. While you are doing a show, you have to be careful about every little thing and nuance. That’s a challenge and that’s also what makes you continue. But here I want to talk about the problems of our industry as a whole rather than my own. While it’s great that we are getting along with whatever resources we have, it’s about time we started to think about advancing the resources and technology that we currently have.

I recently visited Hollywood and got to know why their production is really so great.  We also need to focus on expanding the quality of our resources and improving the way we perform our art.

Besides acting, what are your other interests?

I think acting is the only thing that I can do well. Besides that, I have been an RJ for more than eight years now. I also ran a TV show in the past. I love showbiz.

Any inspirations/role models?

I admire the Maha Jodi. They have left a deep impression on me. I have been heavily influenced by their work since I was a kid. And Deepak Raj Giri’s too, of course. I have worked with him for more than 12 years. I am grateful for his support.

A few words for aspiring actors...

First thing you want to do if you are interested in making a career in acting is to know the basics about the craft, and research it—the workings of it. And then you need to be willing to work really hard. I believe the ability to act is something you are born with. So if you have that penchant for acting, you will get by anyhow.