Suhana Thapa Sheds 'Lover Girl' Image for Challenging Role in 'Paral Ko Aago'

Kathmandu. Actress Suhana Thapa has long been associated with the 'lover girl' image in the film industry, a persona she established with her debut film 'A Mero Hajur 3'.

She continued in a similar role in the sequel, 'A Mero Hajur 4'. However, she is now undergoing a transformation.

Starting this Friday, her new film 'Paral Ko Aago' will be released in theaters nationwide. In this film, she portrays 'Gauthali', a victimized yet resilient character from a rural setting.

'Paral Ko Aago' is a famous Nepali literary work by Guru Prasad Mainali. Written in the 1930s, this story depicts the marital life and conflicts within Nepali rural society.

Bringing the main character 'Gauthali' to life on screen in the present day was a significant challenge. Transitioning from glamorous roles to a victimized, strong rural character was another hurdle for her.

'Gauthali is a deeply psychological woman,' says Suhana. 'The feminine sensibilities that Guru Prasad Mainali captured in the 1930s remain equally relevant in society today.'

She shared that she spent nearly a year understanding and embodying the character. 'In my understanding, Gauthali is not just a character; she represents thousands of women who are suppressed and struggling internally in society,' she believes.

Suhana is returning to the screen after a two-year hiatus with 'Paral Ko Aago'. She felt that her return should offer something new and different to the audience, and she is optimistic that 'Paral Ko Aago' fulfills that expectation.

'The film carries a story with a great sense of responsibility. Since it is based on a historical literary work, I have worked on it with a very positive and responsible mindset,' she adds. 'As the film releases, I feel a mix of excitement and happiness.'

Suhana's two-year absence from the silver screen was primarily due to her studies. Having recently completed her Master's in Psychology, her mother, Jharana, had advised her to finish her education first. 'It was the wish of my mom and dad (producer Sunil Kumar Thapa). They said, finish your studies first, then commit fully to your career,' she said. 'They told me that education provides a unique perspective, which helps in understanding acting better.' She mentioned that she still takes online sessions from America and wakes up at 3 AM to study.

Directed by Laxman Sunar, Suhana stars opposite Prakash Saput in the film. She also had the opportunity to work with Saugat Malla.

Suhana had not read the story of 'Paral Ko Aago' before the film. She expressed regret that the story, which is included in the secondary education curriculum, was not taught in the private boarding schools she attended. Despite not reading such a great story earlier, she considers getting to act in it a major achievement.

Raised in an affluent city family, Suhana has little experience with rural life, and there is a significant gap between her lifestyle and Gauthali's.

'It was a challenge for me to look like a villager externally,' she recalls. 'About 20-25 days before shooting began, I went to immerse myself in the rural environment, learn the local dialect, wear their clothes, and observe the behavior of the village women.' She shares a moment from the shoot: 'Initially, I needed someone to help me carry the Doko (basket), but by the last day of shooting, I was able to carry it myself for the take. That was a huge achievement for me.'

Another challenge for Suhana was that 'Paral Ko Aago' is her first project outside of her home production. Having done two films previously, many might think there is more pressure working outside the family banner. But Suhana experienced it differently. 'Because the film unit was so good, I felt like I was working with my own family even while working outside; I never felt like an outsider,' she shared happily.

Directed by Laxman Sunar, Suhana stars opposite Prakash Saput in the film. She also had the opportunity to work with Saugat Malla. She says it was very easy to work with both actors and she learned a lot.

In an era where divorce is becoming common, how relevant is an old story like 'Paral Ko Aago'? Suhana has her own argument. She says, 'Yes, the divorce rate may have increased, but a large part of our society still has 'Gauthali's. Whether in the city or the village, many women are still enduring violence and humiliation from their husbands. For them, this film will be like 'exposure therapy'.' She claims the film presents the reality of society as it is, rather than offering any artificial message.

Suhana has commercial expectations from this film as well. She believes that for any artist, both the film's success and the appreciation of their acting are important. In the case of this film, however, she is hoping for a bit more critical success.

'I feel films like 'A Mero Hajur' should be commercially successful, but I want 'Paral Ko Aago' to win the hearts of critics,' she adds. 'I want the film to make a profit, but I also want the audience to remember it as an intellectual film.'

From the very beginning, she felt the pressure of carrying a legacy, which made her very nervous during her first film, 'A Mero Hajur 3'. But now, returning after a two-year gap, she is even more confident. 'Having finished my Master's, I am also academically mature. Now, I don't just want to be known as an actress, but as a conscious artist,' she revealed.

Although there was a gap due to her studies, she now plans to appear in films continuously. After 'Paral Ko Aago', she has done a film titled 'Yoddha', in which she plays a woman who has suffered serious violence. Therefore, in her next film, she wants to return to a 'lover girl' role. She says with a laugh, 'Now I want to return to a fun role like 'A Mero Hajur' again.'