Rabindra Singh Baniya is a man with many hats. A script writer, a dramatist and now the star of hit movies like Pashupati Prasad and Talakjung vs Tulke, Baniya maintains that a keen reading habit has a positive knock-on effect on all artistic endeavours. In this conversation with the Post’s Samikshya Bhattarai, the actor talks about his love for books, his reading habits and how his deep affinity with fiction has helped him hone his craft. Excerpts:

How did you first come to love books?

We didn’t have library in our village, so during my school years reading was limited to just the text books. But when I came to Kathmandu for my intermediate level studies I came into contact with books authored by BP Koirala and Laxmi Prasad Devkota. That is where my love for books began in earnest. Following the completion of my studies, I continued to read and now it has become a habit, one that I am really invested in.

What was the last book that you read and how did you like it?

The last book that I read was Buddhisagar’s latest, Firfire. I really liked the author’s prose and the emphasis he has given to weaving complex characters and settings. Reading the book was more like watching a movie or a play—it was all so real.

Who are your favourites authors?

I love the works of Bhupi Serchan, Amar Nyaupane, Nayan Raj Pandey, Dhanus Chandra Gotame, Kumar Nagarkoti, and many others. I believe that, rather than the writer’s fame, it is the content and the subject that is more important. If the content is good, it doesn’t matter who the writer is.

What is your favourite genre and why?

Recently, I have been reading a lot of spiritual books. These books help me dabble into the meaning of life and the world. I have always loved reading the Gita and philosophical works of Swami Vivekananda. They provide inspiration and help lead life in a better way.

How do you select books to read?

I usually go with my friends’ recommendation and what is popular in the market. If my friends are talking about how good the certain book is, then I make it a point to at least go over it once.

Which book would you like to recommend to the readers and why?

What makes you not a Buddhist by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche which was really a good read. This book urges the reader to find out the real teachings of Buddha which is beyond just the superficial robes and beads. It speaks on how religion is not divisive but much more than what it is portrayed to be. The book is really inspiring and provides insight to the true teachings of Lord Buddha. I think it is a must-read for all.

What do you prefer more, fiction or non-fiction?

I believe reading books is like listening to music; the kind of music you like changes according to your mood; it is the same with books. But if I have to choose one, I’d prefer fiction over non-fiction as it transports us to another world. I also love to read biographies.

Do you have any one book that inspired you?

I think the books that inspire a person changes according to the stages of life. When I was young, I was really inspired by writers like Bhupi Sherchan, Bhairav Aryal and others, and wanted to write like them. But now, I am more inclined towards spiritual books and books that talk about inner journey and self-exploration. So, I don’t have any one specific book that has inspired me; all the books that I have read have inspired me in one way or other.

Do you think your reading habits have informed your craft, either in movies or theatre?

Reading books helps me immensely with my acting as it makes me more creative and provides me with a better idea about various situations and things. When you read books, you imagine scenes in your mind and direct it in your head which increases your imagination. If you can imagine situations in your head then it will be easy for you to access the character you are playing and help portray it better. Books have definitely have been crucial in my honing my craft, and I think it is true for all creative endeavours.