Nepali Actress Richa Sharma Discusses Political Expression and Online Harassment in Arts Community

Reflecting on the activities in society and the attacks faced by artists, many thoughts cross my mind. We have reached a time where if any artist expresses a differing opinion, they are immediately attacked.

Many question, 'Should artists not engage in politics?' I believe that in a country like Nepal, none of us can truly remain distant from politics. Suppose tomorrow, based on my capabilities, I wish to become the Chairman of the Film Development Board! No matter how neutral I am, there is a compulsion to seek the backing of some political party to reach that position.

Here, what party you belong to matters more than your experience and capability. Therefore, even if you say, 'I will not do politics,' you are indirectly involved in politics. From the mother managing the household to every segment of society, no one is untouched by politics.

We desire change, but we forget that people should have the right to remain neutral. The most beautiful aspect of democracy is the right to express one's opinion. But the irony is that in Nepal, there are few people with clear perspectives of their own, and many who follow the crowd. Look at the example of Prakash Saput; what kind of reaction did his single statement provoke? Nowadays, the word 'boycott' has been cheapened to an extent that it's not even worth discussing.

We are artists, we make films, but before that, we are part of this society. An artist might sing a song for UML, another might speak in favor of Rastriya Swatantra Party or Balen; that is their personal right. However, the kind of vulgarity seen on social media immediately after such actions is frightening. I even take 'screenshots' of those who leave negative comments. Staying silent means encouraging such tendencies.

Some time ago, I wrote a satirical status about 'Masu Bhat' (meat and rice) and vegetarian food in Jhapa. It was not targeted at any single party or UML. Whoever feels targeted by the phrase 'selling out for Masu Bhat' gets offended. I say—exercise your democratic right, write without fear. It saddens me to see some female artists apologizing on social media. Who are you apologizing to? Those people who haven't even watched your films and are only present on social media to spread rumors?

If you look at the profiles of those who abuse, most are fake or faceless accounts created just to hurl insults. They must have so much frustration, unemployment, and sorrow in their lives that they vent their anger on us. It is a waste of energy to engage with such people. If someone disagrees with my view, they should come forward with their real identity and engage in a civilized debate; anyone can bark while hiding their identity!

(Based on an interview conducted by Kuber Giri with actress Richa Sharma)