Santosh Adhikari’s long-held aspiration to become a ‘hero’ on the big screen, dormant for 22 years, suddenly sprang to life during the COVID-19 lockdown. Standing in front of his mobile camera, he found himself experimenting with various roles and acting scenarios. Sometimes he mimicked, sometimes he awoke his own creativity, creating numerous TikTok videos that he stashed away in drafts. However, his family was not entirely enthused by this newfound hobby, with both his wife and son expressing their discomfort. His son, when handed the camera for assistance, couldn’t help but exclaim, “Oh dad, come on!”

Adhikari, set to make his debut on the Nepali silver screen with the film “Chitra,” shared insights into his performance and discussed his role as one of the producers of films like ‘Aama’ and ‘Ghar.’ Having gained valuable experience as a producer, he now feels prepared to take on the challenge of acting. “Chitra” is scheduled for release on January 29, and Adhikari is eagerly anticipating the film’s reception.

Reflecting on the experience, he was pleasantly surprised at seeing himself during the dubbing process and has high expectations for the film. When asked about the movie and his debut journey, Adhikari responded to the questions as follows:

What do you like about ‘Chitra’?

Adhikari: Content.

How do you think you can do justice to the character you play in the film?

Adhikari: This role is that of a father with children. Being a father myself, I can empathize with the emotions portrayed in the character.

What is the difference between the father on and off the screen?

Adhikari: Real-life experiences, with some modifications, will be portrayed on the screen. So, the emotional depth remains consistent.

How did you prepare for this role?

Adhikari: I won’t elaborate too much. Life has taught me many lessons. I treat acting and dance like mathematics, combining the learned techniques with personal experiences. It took time, but I connected with the character, studying its different facets and deciding what felt right or wrong.

 What is an actor in your definition?

Adhikari: An actor is someone who can do justice to their role, presenting the nuances of the character convincingly.

How much do you think you have done justice to your role in ‘Chitra’?

Adhikari: Watching the dubbing, I felt I did complete justice to my character. However, true validation comes from the audience. I’m not one to praise myself; I believe my work gets its due recognition from others.

What do you hope to achieve with this movie?

Adhikari: It introduces Santosh Adhikari as an actor.

How many years did it take you to consider yourself an actor?

Adhikari: Let’s say 22 years, with an additional 4-5 years of dedicated effort. The pandemic pushed me to record myself multiple times, annoying even my family. But this persistent effort transformed me from a procrastinator to an actor.

As a producer of the film, are you ready for the challenges it may bring?

Adhikari: I’m prepared for everything that comes my way. Universal comments make me happy, and I’m open to facing whatever outcome awaits. I’m the executive producer, with other collaborators, and I’m ready for any feedback.

You mentioned liking the theme of ‘Chitra.’ What percentage of the theme do you think translated onto the screen?

Adhikari: I’d say about 60-70 percent. The director would provide a more accurate assessment. However, even if 30-40 percent of the script comes through, the film can still be successful.

 What is your favorite aspect of this movie?

Adhikari: It’s not just one thing; I appreciate the family drama, action, and songs—all elements that make the film enjoyable.

What kind of audience do you think will enjoy this film?

Adhikari: It’s a family film suitable for all audiences. Given its family-centric narrative and the father-daughter relationship, it appeals to a broad audience. We’ve even announced free screenings for children below 10, emphasizing that this movie is for everyone.

 What was the most challenging aspect for you during the film?

Adhikari: Nothing particularly challenging occurred. I had already rehearsed extensively, so physical fatigue was manageable.

Besides yourself, who did you find most impressive in the film?

Adhikari: Everyone in the film, including established actors and actresses, brings their A-game. I’d rather leave it to others to judge what kind of actor I turned out to be.