Kathmandu: Versatile actor and director Mao Tse Gurung, known for his impactful roles in numerous films and his directorial venture in Dayarani, is set to captivate audiences with his portrayal of a shaman in the upcoming movie Agnidahan, releasing on November 22 (Mangsir 7).
According to Mao Tse, embodying the role of a shaman was no easy feat. “I had to become someone who didn’t just control individuals but influenced the whole community. I hadn’t done extensive preparation for this role, but having grown up in a village where shamanism and witchcraft were prevalent, I drew inspiration from those experiences,” shared Mao Tse. He further revealed that he didn’t need to conduct deep research as he had witnessed such rituals firsthand from a young age. “My father even performed minor healing rituals at home, so I was already familiar with the essence of this character,” he added.
In the film’s trailer, Mao Tse is depicted as a shaman who subjects women to harsh rituals, including branding with hot iron and forcing them to consume inhumane substances. Despite these intense scenes, Mao Tse emphasized that he was merely portraying the character as written and had no personal discomfort with the role.
Throughout his acting career, whether in film or theater, Mao Tse has embraced both positive and negative roles without fear of damaging his image. Reflecting on his work in Agnidahan, he noted, “I am an actor. I never choose roles based on whether I’m the protagonist or antagonist. What matters to me is the impact my character has on the story.”
Mao Tse also pointed out that not all shamans are cruel toward women accused of witchcraft. “I’ve seen some shamans who treat people through psychological methods. However, those who exploit and torment women under the guise of witchcraft are committing truly inhumane acts,” he stated.
The actor was drawn to the role after Agnidahan director Ghanshyam Lamichhane approached him, saying, “I have a role that suits you.” This piqued Mao Tse’s interest, leading him to agree to take on the challenging part.
