Actress Nikita Acharya Discusses Transition from Medicine to Acting and Debut Film 'Shree Bukuro'

Kathmandu. Nikita Acharya's original ambition was not in the arts; she wanted to be a doctor. However, time propelled her journey from theater to film. 'Shree Bukuro' is Nikita's debut film as a heroine. She is currently busy promoting this film, which is set for release on Falgun 1.

After training in acting at Anup Baral's Actor Studio, she entered the theater scene in 2018. After working in five or six plays and seven or eight music videos, she was selected as a supporting actress in the film 'Babari'. Following this, she also worked as a supporting actress in 'Khel'. Due to her patience and dedication to her work, she secured the lead role in 'Shree Bukuro'.

Nikita, who plans to pursue theater and film simultaneously in the coming days, spoke with Ratopati focusing on her film and career. Here is the edited excerpt of the conversation:

How did you get the offer for the film 'Shree Bukuro'?

Director Sudeep Bhupal Singh himself called and proposed the film to me. Before Covid, I played a small role in a film called 'Babari'. Bhupal dai had seen that film. He liked my work in it and offered me the role.

What kind of role can we see you in in the film?

My character's name in the film is 'Kusum'. Like her name, it is the role of a simple and ordinary girl. The responsibility of her family rests on her shoulders. Her father has a slight disability, so she tries to manage the family independently. A childhood love story is also connected to this.

Your first film as a lead actress is about to be released. How are you feeling?

I am extremely excited. I entered this field in 2018. After eight years of perseverance, I am very happy to finally get to play a lead character. In a way, it feels like a dream is coming true. Everyone who has seen the song and trailer released for the film's promotion has been praising it. I hope they will like the film too.

You mentioned being scared. What are you afraid of?

It is my first film as an actress. I am also scared, and I am a bit nervous about how the audience will react and whether they will like the portrayal of the character.

The promotion seems to be going well?

The promotion is going very well. We are working day and night on it. We are doing press meets and giving interviews to various media outlets. This is a family film, one that everyone can watch together.

Why did you choose acting instead of becoming a doctor?

Initially, I was set on becoming a doctor. I don't know how I became attached to acting. After Plus Two, while watching a play, I felt that this is what I should be doing. After that, I started taking classes with Anup Sir at Actor Studio. Then I started doing theater. Theater changed my entire world.

Do you have any dreams in acting?

I have many dreams. After Plus Two, I studied IT. But now, I want to keep IT aside and immerse myself in acting. I feel a lot of happiness working in front of the camera, and I consider myself lucky because I get to do the work I love.

What will you do next, theater or film?

I feel I must pursue both simultaneously. I have just tested the waters with film. Once you become an actor, you want to portray many characters, you want to do whatever you see, you want to try many things. In theater, we do a lot of workshops for characters, which makes it easier in film too. A month's preparation in theater helps refine an actor. Theater brings refinement to an actor, while film brings fame and commercial success. Therefore, I will not leave either.

What difference did you feel between theater and film acting?

Film is completely different from theater. In theater, there is no 'action-cut'; you have to perform continuously. In film, there is 'action-cut', which allows you to build emotion and work with a bit more time. Both are acting, and I enjoy both.

They say it is difficult to survive and succeed in films?

For that, one must keep oneself prepared and updated. The matter of surviving and succeeding is in the hands of the audience. I am doing my part of the hard work. If the audience likes it, there is no question of not getting work. By getting new roles, I will keep improving one after another.

Who would you like to be paired with next?

There are many. It's impossible to name them all. Not just male actors, but I also want to work with many senior female artists. They are all excellent in their own right and accomplished in their respective fields. I believe I can learn a lot by working with them.