Vijay Malla: A Portrait of a Versatile Literary Icon
Vijay Malla had a wheatish complexion, round, small eyes, and a broad forehead. Standing at five feet five inches, he had a stout build but moved with agility. He enjoyed joking with companions and never missed an opportunity to tell stories. He was a patient listener, often responding with a gentle smile. When speaking with old friends, he was known for his dramatic flair and use of witty remarks.
Malla dressed in a variety of styles, from Daura Suruwal to shirts, pants, and Kurta Suruwal. Even at home, he maintained a polished appearance, often keeping his coat on. In formal gatherings and feasts, his suit-and-tie attire gave him a regal presence that frequently drew the admiration of his female peers.
Vijay Malla spoke with everyone in a sweet, gentle, and open manner, treating everyone as equals. He was particularly energetic when conversing with women and was often surrounded by them. His close male friends included Balramdas Mool, Balbhadra Thapa, Kalanath Adhikari, Ramraj Poudyal, and Maniraj Upadhyaya.
Malla possessed a magnetic personality and remarkable physical fitness. He was a skilled conversationalist, especially with fellow writers, often losing track of time for hours. He was a heavy smoker, often holding an unlit cigarette between his fingers for hours while engaged in discussion.
Even when someone insulted him, Vijay Malla would simply smile. No one ever heard him retaliate against his critics.
From a young age, Malla was sociable and outgoing. He remained childlike, innocent, and transparent even in his later years. He was an avid sportsman, having served as the captain of the New Road football team. He often recited his own poetry to his teammates before matches.
Ishwor Ballav described Malla as "pure gold," a creator with powerful human qualities who never caused harm to others. He was a man of simple, gentle, and refined character.
Malla was not only a sharp writer but also mature in his conduct. He kept his personal sorrows hidden, choosing to face life with a smile. His close friend Ramesh Bikal noted that Malla was among the rare few who could smile while enduring deep pain, distinguishing him from the average person.
Vijay Malla smoked heavily throughout his life. In Nepali literature, his name followed only the great poet Laxmi Prasad Devkota in terms of heavy smoking.
Malla was deeply committed to literary gatherings, often prioritizing them above all else. He credited his friends for inspiring his writing, though he admitted he was often negligent in preserving his own manuscripts and artwork.
He was a proponent of originality and deeply respected talent. He held no grudges and believed in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family). His contemporary, Ratna Shamsher Thapa, admired him for his lack of arrogance and his profound knowledge.
Vijay Malla's empathy was unique. He would often share his own resources to help the poor, helpless, and those in distress.
His elder brother, Govinda Bahadur Malla 'Gothale', noted that Vijay was an optimist and a man of action who handled external responsibilities with ease. His daughter, Nina Khyaju, recalled a poignant incident where her father brought home a child he found wandering in the rain at night, having been turned out by a stepmother, and cared for him until the situation was resolved.
Throughout his life, despite various challenges and hardships, the core of Vijay Malla remained unshaken. His balanced mental state and wise perspective made him an enduring source of inspiration in Nepali society.
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