Simran Khadka Becomes Heroine in 'Gauthali'

Kathmandu. Simran Khadka, who started her acting career with music videos, has become a heroine in 'Gauthali'. Although she debuted in films with 'Premgunj', 'Gauthali' is her first film as a heroine. She also gained recognition by playing supporting roles in films like 'Behuli From Meghuali' and 'Chitra'.

In 'Gauthali', she plays the role of a struggling rural young woman facing child marriage and domestic violence. Simran spoke with Ratopati's 'Star and Stories' focusing on her acting journey and the new film. Here is the edited excerpt of the interview (detailed video can be watched and heard):

How do you feel as 'Gauthali' is about to be released?

It is a very busy and hectic time for me. This is my first lead role film as an artist. Therefore, I have a little fear and nervousness in my heart, along with excitement and curiosity about the release. When the film's trailer came out, the positive feedback from the audience increased my excitement.

What kind of character have you played in 'Gauthali'?

I am playing the role of Gauthali, a girl who lives with desires and wishes like ordinary people. The film shows her life stuck between child marriage, domestic violence, and her relationship with her husband who has autism, and her desire to study.

The film raises sensitive social issues like child marriage and domestic violence. How difficult was it emotionally during the filming?

I grew up in a very comfortable and easy environment in real life. In my understanding, child marriage was just a story from the past, and such things don't happen in today's society. But when we went to Pokhara for filming, I met three child-married young women there who were going through situations similar to Gauthali in real life. That gave me a big shock in my mind.

During the filming, Luniva didi, who played the role of my mother-in-law, had scenes where she had to scold me, make me fall, and beat me. It was very difficult for both of us during those scenes. Physically, I used to get very tired, and mentally, it was very painful. After those scenes were over, Luniva didi would hug me and say, 'Poor girl, I'm sorry.' We used to talk about how much suffering women must have endured in the past. I experienced a lot of emotional distress while playing the role of Gauthali.

When and how did the idea of acting in films come about?

I had a strong desire to become an actress since I was very young. When I received tika during Dashain, while family members blessed me to become a doctor or engineer, I used to ask them to bless me to become a heroine. I don't know exactly what attracted me to this field, but my desire has been there since childhood. I started with a music video directed by Nitin Chand.

The World Cup football is going on now. How much football do you watch, and who are you a fan of?

In my house, my mother is a bigger fan of football than I am. Seeing her watch football, I also developed an interest in it. I have been a big fan of Lionel Messi since I was young. I used to paste only Messi's pictures in one of my notebooks. I was extremely happy when Argentina won the World Cup in the previous edition. This time, I thought Portugal should win, but they were eliminated. I feel that sports give people entertainment and a sense of unity.

What are your upcoming plans?

I like to go with the flow of time. I believe that whatever happens in life happens for the best. Therefore, I only hope to continue acting in good characters and receive the love of the audience in the coming days.

Video/Photo: Manoj Khadka, Ayush Dhami/RatoPati