TikTok Sensation Aakriti Rajbhandari Debuts as Heroine in Dinesh Raut's Film 'Kumari'

Social media platforms are increasingly becoming an easy gateway into the world of artistry. While gaining entry into the field of artistry, especially cinema, was once considered extremely difficult, today, those who showcase their talent on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook can easily enter this sector. Among them is Aakriti Rajbhandari.

Aakriti is no longer limited to TikTok. She has now become a film heroine. Director Dinesh Raut has cast her in his dream project, 'Kumari,' to make her a heroine. She is making her silver screen debut with this film.

'Kumari' is set for public release starting this Friday. As the film's release approaches, she is busy with promotions. She feels both excitement and fear regarding her debut film.

'I cannot describe in words the joy of seeing myself on the big screen for the first time,' she says in a conversation with Ratopati, 'Many people struggle for years without getting such an opportunity. I received it quickly.' However, she admits to being very afraid of how the audience will receive her upcoming work.

In 'Kumari,' she plays the role of a lover who has suffered since childhood due to the actions of others. She is confident that her character in the film will touch the hearts of the audience.

Choosing the first film is very challenging for new actors. It was the same for her. Even before 'Kumari,' she had many film offers. But she rejected them because some scripts didn't match or she wasn't satisfied with the character. However, when the script for 'Kumari' landed in her hands, she couldn't say no.

'Everything about 'Kumari' was excellent,' she says, 'My character's journey, the film revolved around her story. That's why I didn't want to let it go.' She adds that the good team members also made the film her choice. She says, 'What particularly attracted me was the emotion my character carries and her journey.' She does not wish to reveal the story of 'Kumari.'

Aakriti transitioned into films from TikTok and music videos. Therefore, acting in front of the camera was not new to her. But the experience of being on a feature film set felt different. 'A music video finishes in one or two days; light lip-syncing and dancing are enough. A film requires depth in acting,' she says.

Initially, she didn't have much idea how deep film work was. 'The making of a film, the process of getting immersed in the character—it's incomparable to music videos,' she shares her experience, 'The film became like a big schooling for me.'

In the film, she is paired with actor Abhishek Khadka. Although Abhishek is new to films, he has a theater background. Working with Abhishek made it easier for her to learn and understand a lot. 'Kumari' is being promoted as a love story film. But Aakriti is not ready to consider it just a typical love story. According to her, this film encompasses a love story along with social issues and emotional themes.

'This is not just about the love between a young man and woman; there are many social issues that we have tried to raise,' she says, 'It covers the stories of everyone, not just the youth.' She reveals that the film will also serve as a guide for some individuals.

Director Raut is known as a 'brand' in the Nepali film industry. After delivering hit love stories like 'November Rain' and 'Classic,' he has also given many memorable films based on social narratives like 'Prakash' and 'Pujar Sarki.' Getting to work with Dinesh on her first film is, in a way, luck for Aakriti. She understands that. That's why she was very scared working with Director Raut initially.

'From the outside, he seemed very strict, reserved, and tough,' she says about Director Raut, 'Initially, I was afraid he might scold me.' But her perception changed once she reached the film set.

'In reality, he is a very funny person who creates a pleasant atmosphere,' she shares, 'His guidance made it very easy for me to work.'

First Introduction as a TikToker

Aakriti's foundation in artistry is neither long nor did she enter this field through formal study. She started making TikTok videos out of boredom while staying at home during the COVID lockdown. It was because of those videos that she became known on social media. Her first identity is that of a TikToker.

'I had free time during the lockdown, so I started making TikToks for fun,' she recalls the old days, 'That fun gradually turned into a passion. As I kept making videos, I started getting many likes and comments too.' She mentions that her nature of imitating and acting since childhood, along with her interest in makeup, fashion, and dancing, also helped her gain attention on TikTok.

Because of her TikTok videos, she got her first music video. Her debut video was Sushant KC's 'Bardali.'

'The 'Bardali' music video was the turning point that brought me to the attention of filmmakers,' she says, 'That video also landed me good branding videos like Closeup and Twerk.'

After appearing in music videos and advertisements, she says it became easier for film directors to trust her.

She has already gained a lot of attention even before 'Kumari' is released. But she is not satisfied. She understands that success in acting is bigger than mere attention. 'Whether I get films in the coming days or not, what kind of films I get,' she says, 'If I get a good script and team, I will keep acting.'