Uttam KC Elected President of Film Artists Association

 Kathmandu. Uttam KC, who has been active in the art world for a long time, was recently elected president in the general convention of the Nepal Film Artists Association. In his upcoming three-year term, he will have to work towards uniting artists and ensuring their rights, professional security, and minimum remuneration.< /p>

KC, who entered acting in 2038 BS with the comedy drama 'Joitingre' at the National Theatre, has acted in more than two dozen plays, over 200 films, and about a hundred telefilms. He is popular as a comedian, and his catchphrase 'Chui Chui Paare' has become popular.< /p>

KC, who became president after serving as a working committee member, joint treasurer, and secretary of the Film Artists Association, is also a former board member of the Film Development Board. This is an edited excerpt from an interview with KC on RatoPati's 'Star and Stories' (full video can be watched and listened to):< /p>

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• You have been elected president of the Artists Association, how do you view this victory?

I view this victory not as my personal victory, but as a victory for all Nepali film artists. My executive committee and I are committed to uniting artists and working for their welfare. Artists have trusted my long experience and dedication to the organization and have entrusted me with the responsibility of this association. I highly respect this trust and pledge to remain dedicated to the welfare of artists in the coming days.< /p>

• Did you have to struggle a lot to become the president of the association?

 Actually, the general convention of the Artists Association should have been held by Chaitra. Due to various technical, practical, and internal reasons, it was postponed to Jestha. This made it seem like a lot of time was spent on campaigning. I see this as a democratic process. It is natural for it to take some time when moving forward according to the bylaws. This time allowed us to interact more closely with the artists, engage with them, and listen to their grievances and demands.< /p>

• There is always a scramble for leadership in the association. Why is it so attractive?

 The Nepal Film Artists Association is a service-oriented and non-profit social organization that works for artists. No one in leadership here receives any remuneration or special financial benefits. In some cases, when fellow artists face difficulties, the executive committee members themselves have to contribute personally. Therefore, there is no financial attraction here.< /p>

However, the competition in the elections is good due to the desire to lead one's professional organization, work for the welfare of artists, raise their voice for their rights, and build a social identity.< /p>

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• Why did you want to become president?

I have been continuously active in the art sector since 2038 BS. I have been working in various responsibilities of the Artists Association since 2045 BS. When I worked as joint treasurer and secretary, I had the opportunity to understand the administrative and policy aspects of the organization from close quarters. Reaching this stage of life, I felt like leading the organization to the highest level once and doing concrete work for the overall development and welfare of artists, which is why I filed my candidacy for president. There is no personal interest in running for president.< /p>

• You released a 10-point manifesto for the election. What is the plan for their implementation?

My main priorities include fully digitizing the administrative system of the association. This will allow for easy tracking of members' personal details and membership status. Second, ensuring health insurance and social security for artists. Third, setting minimum remuneration for artists and establishing a practice of working only after signing a 'contract' (agreement letter) to prevent remuneration exploitation. Fourth, conducting various workshops and training programs for the capacity development of new artists.< /p>

• The association is renting an office instead of using its own building?

Since the association's building in Kalanki is far away, previous executive committees operated from a rented office. My commitment was to make the maximum use of our own property. Therefore, immediately after being elected, we held our first meeting in our own new building and started operations. Although geographically a bit far, this is our property. We will make this our main office and operate the office located in Gyaneshwor, Kathmandu, as a contact office.< /p>

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• Every general convention sees disputes regarding the distribution and criteria for membership in the Artists Association. Will this be organized now?

Complaints have been received in the past that membership was distributed against the criteria with the aim of increasing the number of voters and winning the election. Our bylaws stipulate that an artist must have played a main or dialogue role in at least five feature films to be a member of the Artists Association. Now we will strictly adhere to the bylaws. Those who have not acted in films but have signed agreements will initially be given associate membership, and only after completing five films will they be given regular membership, and this system will be organized. We will proceed with the process of investigating and organizing fake memberships.< /p>

• The association is accused of being a platform for the unemployed and the elderly?

This is a completely false and prejudiced accusation. In the art sector, being older means being a symbol of experience and maturity. Our new executive committee has a majority of young and active artists. All those who are in the executive committee are busy in their respective fields. As for the current or young stars, they participated enthusiastically in the election. We are doing further homework to include them in the association and attract newcomers. The association is a common platform for all generations.< /p>

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• How will the association address issues of artists not receiving remuneration or being cheated?

There is only one foolproof solution: contractual agreement. Artists must sign a written agreement when working on any project. The agreement letter must clearly state the remuneration, working conditions, and facilities. If someone does not pay remuneration despite having an agreement, the association can help fight legally to ensure justice. However, when working based on verbal agreements, it is difficult to seek legal remedies due to lack of proof. Therefore, we will emphasize making the contract system mandatory by alerting artists.< /p>

• There are also occasional reports of harassment of artists, how will you work on this?

Any form of harassment in the workplace is unforgivable. Whether it is against female artists or male artists, the association does not condone any form of exploitation and harassment. If such incidents occur, the victim should report to the association without hesitation. We are committed to coordinating with legal bodies to ensure the perpetrator is punished and a safe environment is ensured for the victim.< /p>

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• It is heard that artists do not pay taxes to the state, do artists not pay taxes?

It is the duty of every citizen to be responsible towards the state. Artists must also honestly pay taxes on their income. Nowadays, most production houses have started the practice of deducting tax at source before paying remuneration, which is positive. When we seek rights from the state, we should not forget our duties. Artists must be aware and responsible regarding tax payment.< /p>

• People from the art sector are active in politics. How do you view this?

As citizens, every artist has the complete freedom to express their political views and join any party. It is good for the overall art sector when artists reach the policy-making level of the state. However, my clear belief is that party politics should not be practiced within the Artists Association or within the professional dignity of the art sector. Art and artistry are common disciplines for everyone. If politics dominates here, the essence of the profession weakens. Therefore, we must rise above party politics and focus on promoting art.< /p>

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Video/Photo: MANOJ KHADKA, AYUSH DHAMI/RatoPati< /p>