Director and actor Anup Baral was conferred the Shiromani Puraskar 2074 amid a function held at the newly-constructed Gandarva Theatre, in Gaihrapatak, Pokhara. Organised by the Pokhareli Yuwa Sanskritik Parivar, the award was handed over to Baral by eminent playwright, novelist and the current chair of the Nepal Academy of Drama and Music, Sharubhakta.

Addressing the audience, Baral, who has been active in the field of Nepali theatre and cinema for over three decades, said that the award has inspired him to be more responsible. “Everyone has their own passions and mine is theatre and cinema. It is due to this passion and perseverance that I have come so far,” Baral said.

Speaking at the function, Sharubhakta reminisced about the times he collaborated with Baral for various drama projects. “Because I could see an immense passion and zeal in him, I once handed him the position of assistant director in one of my projects,” Sharubhakta said.

Established in 1989, the annual Shiromani Award has so far been presented to 12 personalities active in the field.