From Gen Z Activist to Actress: Pransha Subedi Debuts in 'Lalibazar'

A photo of a teenage girl holding a placard on the streets of Kathmandu during the Gen Z movement, chanting slogans for good governance and rights, went viral on social media. The girl, seen in her college uniform, attracted much attention with her slogans on the country's political anomalies and livelihood issues. That girl was Pransha Subedi.

Pransha, who was known as a Gen Z activist on the streets at that time, now has a changed identity. She is currently making headlines in the media as an actress rather than an activist. The film 'Lalibazar' has introduced her as an actress.

She is debuting in acting with the film releasing this Friday. As the film's release approaches, she is excited but also feels a sense of fear about how the audience will react to her performance.

'The film is very good, the storyline is excellent,' said Pransha. 'I am very excited about the film. As the release date gets closer, my heartbeat increases.'

Although interested in acting, Pransha had no immediate plans to enter the field. While enjoying activism and studies, she suddenly received an acting offer for the film 'Lalibazar'. The film offer was made by actor/producer Rabin Singh Baniya, who is also her neighbor.

Baniya, after watching Pransha's TikTok videos, felt she would be suitable for his film and contacted her mother to offer her the role. After receiving the offer through her mother, Pransha auditioned for a look test. She was selected, surpassing other competitors.

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'I was interested in two different worlds since childhood – one in politics and law, and the other in the glamour industry,' she said. 'I have entered films. I might enter politics in the future.'

Her interest in films stems from her father. Her father was a film enthusiast and often took her to watch movies. She recalls watching the Hindi film 'Taare Zameen Par' for the first time.

'Initially, my father used to bring DVDs home and show me films. When I was young, I liked children's movies. Then came the phase of romance movies. After that, my interest grew in action and social films,' said Pransha. 'When my aunt and uncle went abroad for studies and work, I started living with my grandmother. That's when my connection with movies was broken.'

'Lalibazar' is directed by Yam Thapa. The film, based on the story of the Badi community, features her as 'Maharani', a mischievous and studious 15-year-old girl from that community. In the film, she appears as the daughter of actress Swastima Khadka. She mentioned that she took on this role because it closely resembles her own personality. She considers sharing the screen with established actress Swastima a great opportunity.

'I was amazed by Swastima didi's dedication to her acting,' Pransha added. 'She never treated me like a newcomer; she always taught me like a sister.'

According to Pransha, 'Lalibazar' is not just an entertaining film; it is also a social document. The film portrays the story and the poignant reality of sex trade within a specific community in Nepal. She believes the film will foster empathy towards the Badi community in society.

Pransha has been receiving positive feedback from the film's teaser, trailer, songs, and other promotional materials. She feels that the guidance from Pradip Bhattarai and Yam Thapa has further refined her skills.

As the film's release date approaches, it has become embroiled in various controversies. Pransha states that the controversies surrounding the film are unjustified.

Pransha's ancestral home is Rakhu in Myagdi, located slightly above the famous religious site Galeshwor. However, she grew up in Kathmandu. Currently residing in Vanasthali, she is a law student. She is studying in her final year of BALLB at National Law College in Kathmandu.

Despite entering acting, Pransha states that completing her law studies and obtaining a license is her priority. Only then does she plan to continue her acting career.

She still harbors a desire to enter politics. She said, 'When I was 10 years old, my dad jokingly told me that if I became prime minister, this house would be mine.' What started as a small temptation then has now transformed into a strong resolve to do something for the country.

She expresses a desire to serve the country through policy-making rather than holding a position in politics, stating that her purpose in studying law is also for this reason.

How Did She Become a 'Gen Z' Activist?

Pransha is also known as a 'Gen Z activist'. She explains that her involvement in the Gen Z movement was due to circumstances rather than choice. She said, 'The concern that the public should not suffer pushed me to the streets.'

During the Gen Z campaign, Routine of Nepal Banda featured her as a Gen Z individual interested in politics, bringing her sudden fame. Some people encouraged her, while others were surprised to see her protesting in her college uniform. However, she had full support from her family. Her mother even encouraged her to participate in protests, believing in the need to speak out for good governance in the country.

However, the protests were not always as peaceful as imagined. Pransha becomes emotional even today when recalling the violent incident of Bhadra 23 and the sacrifices of her fellow colleagues.

'We went with a clear mind to voice our concerns; we never imagined there would be gunfire,' she said. 'This incident made me even more serious about society and the state system.'