You might have seen him around the Attic entertaining his guests. Or have heard his voice on the radio. Maybe even seen him in films. And if you’re lucky, you may have even spotted him musing to himself with a guitar in his hand. Whether you have or not, what is apparent is that Raymon Das Shrestha is a man of many talents. An RJ, a reality TV judge, an actor, a musician, a restaurateur – Raymon wears many hats effortlessly.

We met Raymon over coffee on a warm sunny afternoon at his acclaimed restaurant ‘The Attic Bar’, located in Tangal. During the day, the Attic draws in a lot of sunlight creating a beautiful visual appeal further accentuated by the post and beam system of the place, which seems to hold you in; almost like a cave.

After a swift exchange of greetings, we began our talk with the man of the moment on his superb career graph, his hobbies and the recently completed reality TV Show ‘Himalaya Roadies’.

It is hard to deny that reality TV is a global phenomenon; be it that people love to spike up their hair up with a gallon of gel like they do in Jersey Shore or have no problems Keeping Up with the Kardashians. The love for these supposedly unscripted and spontaneous shows is real and is quite evident in our closet neighbour, India. As of 2017, there are approximately 226 reality shows in India that have been in full swing with an active audience.

In terms of Nepal, we wish we could say the same. But that does not mean that the scene hasn’t begun to pick up. Later is better than never, and according to us, it was Nepal Idol that set the wheels into motion. And then came Himalaya Roadies that just saw its season finale a while back. Apart from just being entertaining, the show was of quality, and above all, watchable. And what made this show watchable was that it was not forced, the contestants were dynamic in their own regard, and the panel of judges did their part to give the sort of hell that was promised to them. And as you may have guessed, one of the judges that really stood out to us was Raymon, for he was more like a mentor to the youths who had participated, and to the ones who consumed the show as viewers.

Prachanda came up to me one day and said that he had written a story with three mains, and for one of them he has used me as his muse. There was no way I could refuse him when he asked me to play that role.

It is a good fact to point out that Raymon is the son of Madan Das Shrestha, who is a well known actor in Nepalese cinema with plenty of movies and theatre titles to his name. His mother is associated with Nepal Academy Hall and was an expert cultural dancer during her younger days. Hence, it can be said that the art of performance runs through his veins.

Raymon was very familiar with the film sets as his father would often take him there when he was a child. Then eventually the bug of acting and performing latched on to him and he got into a handful of tele-serials as a child actor and also did some radio dramas. However his parents advised him to not pursue a career in the Nepalese media for they thought it was not heading in the right direction at the time. And he too assumed alike and opted to aspire in the field of business.

From the way Raymon carries himself, it is not surprising to find that a man like him was associated in a music band. However, it’s a shame that it never saw a gleam of fame. Then again, everything happens for a reason.

“I don’t know how it happened, but I got into radio.” He said, leaning in closer and resting his elbows on his knees. “I guess it was my interest in music or just because the radio scene was booming at the time, but before I knew it, I dreamed of becoming an RJ.” His bass heavy voice was amongst the favourites for many and had dominated the air waves for over a decade.

Talking about his entry into the movie industry, Raymon mentions, “I was good friends with Karma, Namrata, and Prachanda, and I guess their passion for acting was rubbing on me and performing as a catalyst for the same passion I had been repressing. Then, I took it as just another thing I was doing with my friends for fun.” He smiled, seemingly reminiscing. “And that’s how Visa Girl happended to be my first movie; and I simply loved the experience.”

He played a partially deaf bassist in the movie Karkash in 2013, and not much after that, or at least nothing as prominent. It is intriguing how the man had been low key for some time. He explains this as to the fact of him always being more of a TV and radio person rather than a film person. “I had been in a few TV shows here and there and I have got to where I am today due to them.”

When we asked him about how he got envolved in Roadies, he shares “And suddenly one day, I got a call from Aman Pratap Adhikari, the director, saying that he needs to talk to me. I said sure, and when we met, he mentioned that he’s working to bring a huge show to Nepal. At this point, he didn’t disclose what he was bringing, so doubts did harbour in me . Eventually, I asked him what it was because the curiosity was eating me up. And then he said that it was the Roadies.”

He takes a dramatic pause. “Roadies? Awesome!”

“Years back it was an entirely different scenario” he adds. “Back then, when I was starting out and proposing ideas to production companies, they’d give me a budget of just Rs. 20,000. What was I supposed to do with such a little amount?!”

Aman Pratap Adhikari is a name that’s synonymous to quality. He is known for shows like NTV’s Khel Khel, Kantipur’s Scoreboard, and TTV’s Kripa Unplugged. So, Raymon knew that whatever this project was going to be, it was going to be a good one. “I used to follow Roadies and even though I fell out of following them after a while, I loved the show. So I knew I was going to have a good experience working on it. And within a span of two months, the whole team was a close knit family. Everything was according to plan and put in a smooth system. Yet, they made us three judges; Diya, Ashish, and me; feel like we’re the real celebrities. So that was really cool of them.”

The way Roadies has spiked up Himalaya TV’s ratings, goes to demonstrate how quality shows matter in the industry. Raymon says “We’re late to the reality show game. But with more shows like the Nepal Idol and Himalaya Roadies, the future does look promising. In general, our entire media industry is progressing rapidly. I’d say that the Nepali Movies has also taken a huge leap. The films before were all very commercial with repetitive story lines and comical dialogue delivery. Now, we have actors, theatre artists, and directors that have bagged awards in international platforms. We have amazing playwrights and script writers that tell real stories about real people. Years back it was an entirely different scenario” he adds. “Back then, when I was starting out and proposing ideas to production companies, they’d give me a budget of just Rs. 20,000. What was I supposed to do with such a little amount?!” He takes a pause with his face still. It is evident that this fact about the Nepalese media industry distresses him a lot.

Himalaya Roadies had an investment of over Rs. 6 crores and it got exactly what it had invested. “If you want a profitable business, you need to be ready to invest an amount similar to it. Rs. 10  will fetch you just Rs. 10. But it’s not always about the money. Roadies had a good team and a good plan. That is how it became a grand success, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

“My parents hate it whenever I go out on my bike. But I think they’re used to it by now. Previously, I’d tell them that I’m going away in a car just so that they’d let me go. I hate lying to them, but how good I feel when I’m on the road makes up for it.”

Previously, Nepalese reality shows didn’t do much for the contestants. Singing competitions ended up in half promised record deals, or nothing at all. All in all, the whole notion of reality shows had a shroud of scepticism over it. People didn’t want to take part in it anymore.

When we (TNM) interviewed Saman Shrestha a year ago for our fitness issue, he was a man of few words, very few words indeed. Then, after watching him on Roadies, and eventually witnessing him win the show, what we noticed was how he had changed. He had become more outspoken and confident on how he carried himself. And we feel this is one of the things Roadies has achieved, not just with Saman, but with the Nepalese population as a whole; to be more expressive about themselves and jump into the mouth of the competition.

Raymon says, “Had it not been for the hype in India, Himalaya Roadies would not have received so many participants, and a good rating would have been a mere idle dream. People had their doubts, and I was one of them. And that’s exactly what we had sought out to change. We were out to do something good, to make a quality show. The whole team worked to make this happen, and when it did happen, good ratings were not a surprise to us. Then again, it still feels good when people come up to me and tell me to expect them in the auditions for the next season.”

We asked Raymon about what he has in mind for the future and he promptly replied that he was excited for the next season of Roadies. He added, “In the meantime I will be hitting the roads for sure, and will be taking life as it comes, be it in movies or other shows as well. Also, we are moving the Attic Bar to Gyaneshwor shortly and hope to start operating  at the new place from January 2018 .”

Besides maintaining a successful restaurant business and being consistent with the quality, whilst keeping up with ventures into film and the Roadies as of recent, the man loves to sleep in his spare time. And when he’s not sleeping, he loves to go on bike rides.

“My parents hate it whenever I go out on my bike. But I think they’re used to it by now. Previously, I’d tell them that I’m going away in a car just so that they’d let me go. I hate lying to them, but how good I feel when I’m on the road makes up for it.”

Nonetheless he seems to have found these two polar opposites for hobbies in one merry matrimony. “Sometimes, when things get a bit too hectic, I just get my bike, go all the way to Pokhara, get a hotel room all to myself, and just sleep the whole day.” He says it gives him time for himself, like how people like to read or look outside the window and contemplate on life. “It recharges my batteries and allows me to get my hands dirty again.”

“life is too short for being concerned about what you can and cannot do; so the best way to go about it is to simply go with the flow and do what you want to do, rather than not do it at all.”

When one meets a man who may seem to others as being so “all over the place”, one must wonder- Isn’t that like being a Jack of all trades and Master of none? Raymon calls it out for being utter nonsense. He claims, “life is too short for being concerned about what you can and cannot do; so the best way to go about it is to simply go with the flow and do what you want to do, rather than not do it at all.”, and we couldn’t agree more.

Words: TNM Team | Photo: Shashank Pradhan

MY FATHER WANTED ME TO BECOME A SECTION OFFICER BECAUSE TO HIM THAT MEANT THAT I WOULD HAVE A SECURE FUTURE .

Dinanath Bhandari, Chetan’s father, embarked came to Kathmandu a quarter of a century back, and opened up a ‘sekuwa’ (Skewered barbeque meat) shop near the Tribhuvan International Airport. The small eatery fast gained recognition as “bajeko sekuwa” amongst its customers, on account of the Brahmin “baje” who run the place. And the name stuck.

Although he was always involved in the business, whether it was taking orders, cutting meat or collecting bills, Chetan Bhandari officially came into the picture when his father went to India and left him in charge for a couple of weeks. By keeping a few loopholes in check, Chetan was able to significantly improve the revenues at the shop. In hindsight, that was tentatively when Bajeko Sekuwa set sails towards what it is today.

And what it is today is a brand name. Bajeko Sekuwa has become a household name and their expansion in terms of branches and their venture into the packaged spices industry have paved ways to a greater future. It has been a commendable journey for Bajeko Sekuwa, and we were eager to find the plans and strategies that made this enterprise a marketing success. In order to do so, we found ourselves at their establishment in Battisputali with a feast of jhaneko sekuwa, hyakula dameko and timmur chicken laid on the table and Chetan Bhandari waiting for us.

“Dad wanted me to get a job, I wanted to grow the business.” Explained Chetan. “My father wanted me to become a Section Officer because to him that meant that I would have a secure future. I personally wasn’t sure about what I would do. After my Bachelors I tried my hand at Nepal Police for the post of Inspector. I failed the first time on the written exam, the second time I didn’t even get that far. It was the time of the Maoist insurgency and the dangers related to the career sort of deterred me from the idea of becoming a police officer.

Then I received an offer at a resort and took up on the offer. I was set to start work in a month, but that’s when I took up work at Bajeko Sekuwa officially and plans changed.”

The change in plans turned out for the best as it was Chetan’s input that was detrimental to the success of Bajeko Sekuwa. There were many factors that were involved in the ascent of the brand but the number of branches opened in quick succession was an integral step. However, it wasn’t theoretical knowledge that led to these strategic steps but simple logical thinking that spurred the decisions.
“I did a bit of research in Internet cafes, met a few friends and relatives that came back from abroad and I was exposed to words like franchise, outlets, etc. That got the wheels in my head spinning.” Said Chetan. “Kathmandu is big, and we weren’t utilizing this at all. We didn’t get our pens and papers to make a business strategy but instead we just did things that made sense.

“ Chetan continued, “We saw customers coming in, opened up a new place and luckily people came there too. The first three outlets were in the outskirts of the city but it wasn’t until we opened our outlet opened in Gairidhara that we penetrated the heart of the city.”

Before this Bajeko Sekuwa was predominantly filled with male clientele, and people didn’t really relate family outings with the eatery. This meant that the business was losing out on a majority of the demographic. This is when Chetan Bhandari decided to switch things up.

He went on to elucidate, “Gairidhara’s outlet was what changed our thinking about our business. We were named Bajeko Jambudip Sekuwa Corner at the time. It was a catchy name so we stuck with it but removed the word ‘Corner’. Then we needed a logo. There was a lot of discussion on this with ideas that included sekuwas amalgamated in the logo. But we wound up with a welcoming happy face on the logo that set a happy mood and one that has become iconic in some ways.

“ His father wasn’t too keen about the name at first. As Brahmins, selling meat dishes isn’t the most appropriate business and blatantly naming their business as “Baje” didn’t go down well with him. Neither did he like the idea of selling alcohol. Before, people used to bring their own alcohol and Dinanath Bhandari found solace in the fact that he wasn’t selling the alcohol. But for Chetan that was an opportunity going to waste.

“Building an attachment with your customers is a crucial aspect of business, and that was part of our ethics long before we established these branches. Even back when we served a skewer of meat on a bed of ‘bhuja’ and soybeans with a side of raw onion rings laid on a newspaper, we had a good relation with our customers. My mother refused to let her customers drive or ride home after drinking, and some of our old customers still remember to this today. To her it was just a business, but she did it out of the goodness of her heart. And look at the value it gave to our customers.”

Most of the business decisions were done in an organic manner without much extensive planning, but things have changed in recent years. There is professional planning and strategizing that goes into each step that Bajeko Sekuwa takes. Chetan further explained “in the last few years our team has made purposeful steps towards bettering management and consequently business growth. I have mentors who guide me in different aspects of the business and that has really helped give direction to our business.” He continued, “Despite the successful outlook of the business, there is room for improvement and that is what we are working towards improving. We are now focusing on further narrowing our vision and core competencies this November. We’ve always known what we do and who we cater to. Foreign expats aren’t our target market, we cater to the people that like Nepali flavors and foods. However, as a business we have to know what to avoid as well.” When asked about going globally, Chetan answered: “I want to. Things will get clearer this November once we set course on our plannings and strategizing. Like I mentioned, we will know what we shouldn’t do. For instance, we can sell pizzas and lasagnas here, but is it the right thing to do? We don’t want to do things that are a waste of time and resources. If taking things globally is the right thing to do, we’ll definitely take the necessary steps to get things done.”

MY MOTHER REFUSED TO LET HER CUSTOMERS DRIVE OR RIDE HOME AFTER DRINKING, AND SOME OF OUR OLD CUSTOMERS STILL REMEMBER TO THIS TODAY. TO HER IT WAS JUST A BUSINESS, BUT SHE DID IT OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF HER HE ART. AND LOOK AT T HE VALUE IT GAVE TO OUR CUSTOMERS.

However, Bajeko Sekuwa as a brand has stepped into businesses abroad with their packaged spices. The Nepalese diaspora is increasing a lot in Nepal. The Nepalese abroad have a higher capacity to spend, so that market is very lucrative. And their packaged masalas work on this concept.

Bajeko Sekuwa has continuously improved their business strategy and come this November extensive reviews and changes are going to be implemented. Their aim is to further narrow the focus of their brand and define their work culture and ethics. Along with existing mentors and heads, experts will be hired from Nepal and India for advice. An expert who isn’t familiar to Bajeko Sekuwa will take charge of the project so that they get an unbiased opinion.

Bajeko Sekuwa and Chetan Bhandari have prospered in what most consider an unfavourable business environment. Nepal is notorious for its unpredictability, obstacles and lack of opportunities. However, Chetan has a different take on this: “I agree when people say things are difficult for a business in Nepal. That means there are many opportunities that have been left unexplored because of this mentality. If you can overcome the obstacles, these opportunities can open new avenues for people, which is fantastic.”

WORDS:TNM TEAM | PHOTO:PRITAM CHHETRI

“The new building will stand in place of the building that we are in right now. It will be a 5 star hotel unlike any other that Nepal has seen before.” Explained Arun Chaudhary, Chairman of CG| Holdings, insinuating the new direction towards which the company has embarked.

The ability to visualize and articulate a possible future state for an organization or company has always been a vital component for success in any institution.

So has been the case for CG|Holdings. An intricate segment of Chaudhary Group, CG| Holdings’ business verticals include the automobile, education, realty, manufacturing, financial services, retail chain/convenience stores, and now the hotel sector.

However, it is also true that almost nothing great has been achieved without passion; an ideology that Arun Chaudhary firmly believes in. The best definition of the word we could find, that did not pertain to matters relating to romance, oddly enough came from the Urban Dictionary which rightly defined passion as: “Passion is when you put more energy into something than is required to do it. It is more than just enthusiasm or excitement, passion is ambition that is materialized into action to put as much heart, mind, body and soul into something as is possible.” As so often is the case, business people with passions can be like magnets, attracting supporters, helpers, enthusiasts, and ultimately success. Of course, success can mean different things to different people.

I look at success in terms of the achievements that I have attained from the various aspects of me as a person. And what I mean by me encompasses the different roles that I have to play.

“Success is not a destination, it’s a journey. There is no yardstick to measure success. I look at success in terms of the achievements that I have attained from the various aspects of me as a person. And what I mean by me encompasses the different roles that I have to play. The role of me as Arun Chaudhary, me as a son, me as a father, me as a husband, me as a friend, me as a boss and so on;” he clarified when we broached the topic of his success “The benchmark that I have set in terms of all these roles that I have to play highlights the definition of success.”

The Chaudhary family finds its humble beginnings in a family owned textile business that was established by Arun Chaudhary’s grandfather Bhuramull Chaudhary. It was his son, Late Lunkaran Das Chaudhary, who took over the reigns of the business at the age of 23 after Bhuramull Chaudhary’s demise.

Lunkaran Das Chaudhary took massive strides in the Nepalese business sector, and established himself as one of the most prominent industrialists of the country. His sons further expanded the banner of the family and established what is now the largest and most diverse business conglomerate in the country.

In the process, Lunkaran Das raised his sons as to become impeccable business individuals who understood the importance of family and the strength that it has.

Arun Chaudhary has these values instilled in him and he carries it with him like a badge of honor. “I have never been ONLY a businessman, who I am is a result of where I come from. Who you truly are is something that you are born with. That nobody can change. The remaining paraphernalia that you add on as you go is what shapes you to who you ultimately become.” He further explained, “Each individual is like a precious gem. But you’ll only be able to see how brightly it shines once you go through the tedious task of cutting, shaping and shining the gem.”

“As a kid, there was a time when I wanted to be a pilot. I wanted to be a doctor too. But that was mostly because of the way that I saw them carry themselves. For a kid smart uniforms, and white coats with stethoscopes slung around the neck appeared alluring,” Arun Chaudhary shared “but growing up in a business family molded me into a business man, which I am glad it did. Regardless, I was always sure of one thing: I would be the best at whatever I ended up doing.”

His words carried the conviction of a confident man and his piercing gaze left little place for doubt. Arun contributes his sureness to his habit of pursuing anything he does with a passion and vigor that few others can replicate.

Arun Chaudhary, who has had his share of ventures, told us what he believed leads to success from a business standpoint, “First and foremost you need to find something that you feel an unrelenting passion for. It has to be something that you connect with, something that sends energy coursing through your body from just the thought of it. It has to surpass mediocre interest and you have to be prepared to completely immerse yourself in it and give it your 100%;” he continued “but even with all the passion, knowledge and hard work, you will still need luck to make it all work.”

While he could very well have claimed it was his vision, hard work and dedication what attributed to the success of CG Holdings, and resultantly himself, he was candid about how important the role of luck was. “No matter how big I make myself out to be, or how much work or effort I say I put in, I wouldn’t be where I am without luck. There are many people who are more committed than me, harder working than me, and smarter than me, but I was fortunate enough to have luck by my side.”

But even with all the passion, knowledge and hard work, you will still need luck to make it all work.

When asked what he defined luck as, he quickly responded, “Blessings from my elders, my friends, and my well wishers.” He carried on after a short pause, “You should be grateful for what you have. That doesn’t mean that you have to be content with what you have, but you should appreciate everything that happened that led you to where you are today. Be happy with what you have and work towards what you want. Be nice to people and the blessings will come from them.”

CG| Holdings has established several different business verticals right now, but it all started with CG| Motocorp. This was something Arun Chaudhary started more than 30 years ago. Through the years CG|  Holdings diversified its portfolio into several avenues. Some ventures succeeded while others failed, unraveling a significant pattern for Arun Chaudhary.

“Any business that I connected with fared well, the ones I did not connect with fizzled out. That was something that has been proven true time and again.” Arun explained. “But once I find that connection, I always set one common goal, which is to become the biggest player in it.”

The education sector has been one of the sectors that Arun Chaudhary has felt especially strongly about and one in which he has set out to make considerable developments. He believes that the effectiveness of education isn’t necessarily reflected by the hours you spend with your nose buried into books, neither is one’s capability reflected through grades.

Referring to his ventures in the education sector (which includes 3 academic institutions under CG| Learning: CG Institute of Management, Excel International College and Premier College), Arun Chaudhary shed light on this aspect of CG| Holdings, “The entire purpose of starting management schools was to create business ready individuals. Most colleges churn out graduates, not individuals who are ready for the real business world. That is mainly because you get theoretical knowledge but don’t have on the job exposure. What we believe is that theoretical knowledge is the base on which you build through experience and practical knowledge.” He went on “Having said that, stepping into the real world doesn’t serve as a springboard towards success. On the contrary, it’s the first step towards it and more importantly it is a platform where you can make mistakes and learn from them.”

“You have to adopt a preemptive state of mind where you prepare for anything and everything that can, and will, come your way. This has been one of the most crucial foundations on which I have laid my plans, and I have repeatedly resorted to one important mantra- ‘Just in case.’” He added “Life is not always hunky-dory and you need to be prepared for what is to come… just in case.”

You should be grateful for what you have. That doesn’t mean that you have to be content with what you have.

After doing fairly well in the automobile industry CG| Holdings had ventured into real estate. They constructed 5 towers throughout the city, and CG| Properties was taking strides. Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake brought things to a screeching halt. Towers no longer sustained the same attraction and the damages to the towers had Arun Chaudhary thinking, “It was a major set back. In front of me, a building that took 5 years to build was filled with cracks which felt no less than cracks in my dreams and visions.”

Faced with a problem, Arun Chaudhary recalibrated his strategies and found a solution “I had two choices, either give up or learn from what had happened. I chose the latter.” Channeling their investments and efforts slightly differently, they shifted their focus from towering structures to lavishly spread-out bungalows. CG| Properties are back with a new vigor and already have 300 bungalows being built in various places like Hattiban, Sunakothi, Dhapakhel and Bhainsipati.

Despite the highs and lows, Arun Chaudhary has always been responsive to changes and opportunities; and he now seems to have found his groove in the hospitality industry. Tourism and hospitality has been a well-defined area for Nepal and it has been one of the core competencies of our country. It’s a beautiful fusion of various factors that has worked for Nepal and this brings plenty of foreigners into the country. However, the infrastructure is lacking.

“What I want to do is create an establishment with a difference. I’m already over 50 and I’m not getting any younger. I’m an old man in a hurry, and I intend to get things done fast.” Veiled under these light hearted words was cold determination which is reflected from the quick transitions that are taking place. CG| Holdings have acquired Tigerland Safari Resort in Chitwan and taken their initial step towards a new sector. This was mainly in part to understand what they were getting into and to get a first hand experience of the problems and opportunities in the hotel and hospitality business. But there is plenty more to come.

The existing building of CG| Holdings in Jhamsikhel will be replaced with a one of a kind 5 star hotel. A business hotel will be constructed in Tripureshwore and a wellness retreat will find a place in a pristine bit of land in Budhanilkantha.

He has also set sail with his induction of the international franchise Holiday Inn into the Nepalese hospitality industry. It is expected to break ground next year.

Arun Chaudhary is a visionary. His strategic business decisions have accumulated to create one of the biggest enterprises in the country. The decision to introduce Maruti Suzukinto an emerging Nepali market back in 1980 was a stroke of genius. For any business, it is important to find its position early, and that was exactly what CG| Holdings did by targeting the middle to upper price bracket.

“The biggest chunk of the market is in the middle bracket. More often than not, this has been where I have preferred to dwell with my businesses. That was the strategy when we introduced Suzuki (then Maruti).” Said Arun Chaudhary, “and it’s a similar case with Holiday Inn. The brand presence and recall of the Holiday Inn is extremely high in China and India, who are our primary clients. Holiday Inn operates 700,000 rooms under their portfolio that consists of 69,000 hotels. It’s not a boutique hotel, and targets the upper-mid scale people, which is exactly where I want it to be.”

Arun Chaudhary’s success as a businessman has been commendable. The same can be said about his perseverance towards fulfilling the roles that don’t pertain to the world of numbers and profits; a case rare to find in the cutthroat world of business. A dedicated father and husband, Arun Chaudhary goes above and beyond to play his role in different aspects of his life. In doing so, his ascent to success and the journey towards greater achievements appears to be one that will be long remembered.

WORDS AND PHOTOS: TNM TEAM 

Mukti Shakya is a man that requires little introduction in Nepal. Touted the King of Blues, Mukti is the front man of Mukti and Revival, a band that laid the foundation of rock music in Nepal. They’ve been around for more than two decades now, and are showing no signs of slowing down. The band has been working on their new album and we were lucky enough to listen in on one of their songs that Mukti (Dai) performed for us. He hasn’t skipped a beat.

After talking for a bit, he offered us some coffee so we’d have something to talk over. He prepared the Moka Pot, an Italian coffee making utensil, with some ground coffee beans from Marcilla: a town in Spain. We could tell, the man loved his coffee. We ended up talking for quiet some time and Mukti Shakya reminisced his yester years. He took us along a trip down memory lane and we delved into the 80’s where Freak Street was still pretty lit and the a legend was paving his way to the history books of Nepal.

TNM: Do you always brew coffee this good Dai? You must be used to this by now, does anything else even compare?

MS: I like brewing my own coffee, but don’t get me wrong, there is good coffee in Nepal too.Things are different in Nepal now; the things you get can compete internationally. It’s just a question of money. But I think it’s a little too expensive here. Just that you need to have the money.

TNM: What do you do for fun?

MS: Apart from music?

TNM: Yes

MS: I like to be with my friends and family. I go to Jhocchen, call my friends over for a coffee or lemon tea, fresh lemon soda… whatever. We talk about football, sports, and anything we feel like.

TNM: But we take it that music is still the biggest part of your life.

MS:Of course. Both my sons are all grown up; one of them got married last year. I have little to worry about, so my focus in now completely on my music.

TNM: Mukti and Revival have been around for over two decades, but you were into music way before that. Care to reminisce?

MS: It was a long, long time ago.  I was barely a few years into my teens, I think. There was a band called Radium and I was part of it. There was Bishnu Shrestha, Niranjan Bajra and Suchandar was on the drums. I was a junior artist compared to them, and I was able to learn a lot from them.

We had a lot of fun together with Radium, but you know how the rock and roll story goes. You struggle to get success, and if you’re lucky enough, you eventually get there. But it comes spiraling down when you start having too much fun. Once money comes into the picture, it brings along negativities, like drugs, alcohol and egos.

I was the youngest in the band, and I think there was a little too much of everything in it for me. We were together for two years I think, until I started my own band. We named our new band ‘The Elegance’.

TNM: What sort of music did you play?

MS: Elegance was more rock music, Radium was more classic. With Elegance we were proper stage performers. We played what the people wanted and we loved every moment of it.

Friends from Bangkok brought us records to listen to because we wanted to up the game. We were listening and playing songs form Queen before most of the people in Nepal even heard them. We even performed numbers from Michael Jackson, because people wanted that.

TNM: This was a long time back, how were things different back then?

MS: Back in ’86, ‘87 there was a very significant divide in the crowd that came to our performances. People who listened to Radio Nepal never came to our shows (chuckles). The people who did come had similar attitudes and mindsets. It was usually the same people and we could tell who was who; there was the Indra Chowk gang, then the guys from Thamel. They didn’t get along well together. But it was still a lot of fun.

TNM: That’s part of the attitude you need to be in a rock band then?

MS: I think we were amongst the few bands that truly embodied the rock attitude. This was way before musicians were put on a high pedestal. We were funding everything from our own pockets, but we did not compromise. We used to tailor make our clothes for each of our performances, because this was part of who we were.

TNM: Were you always popular with the audiences?

MS: Sort of. Back then, people loved our performances, but they wanted us to play popular songs instead of our own compositions. Every time we played our own songs the crowds screamed for Bob Marley hits or its sorts. But we were stubborn and always played our songs. Have you heard the songs Meri Meri Mayalu, Basanta Udayo? Those were the songs we squeezed into our performances.

I have no hard feelings though. If you look at it, this was the beginning of Rock and roll in Nepal. And when things start out it’s always difficult. We had it tough too… anyone with a guitar slung around got an earful for no reason.

TNM: What helped you stay true to music despite the negativities?

MS: I loved music, and that helped. But the support of my family towards what I did was also very important. My father gave me money to buy a guitar and I went to Calcutta to get it. He told me to pursue my passion, which was rare at the time to hear from your parents. My aunts were always on my case for not getting a conventional job and settling down though, but that was the way it was.

I was lucky to have grown up with a supportive family. Even luckier, my father was also into music. He played the tabla, the harmonium and he sang. He took part in the gulan, you know what that is right?

TNM: Sorry..?

MS: Gulan, it’s an occasion in Nepalese Buddhist tradition where one member of the family goes to Swayambhunath accompanied by a band of community musicians during this month. My father was part of it, which is why music was always a big part of my life.

But he was also a family man, and while he supported my passion he wanted me to make something out of myself, and that is how I first got into business.

TNM: And how did that work out?

MS: I made the best of the connections with the last remaining Hippies from the era. I was into export of handicrafts, but it never really panned out. Business was never really who I was. But I did fall in love with a Spanish woman who I married.

TNM: That’s when you went to Spain.

MS: I knew there was so much more to music than what I already knew and I wanted to learn more about what I could do with the guitar. Interest and talent can only get you so far. So I went to Spain in ’86 to learn more of guitar.

I was doing a lot of back and forth during this time. I did business for a couple of months, came back to Nepal and did some work with the band and went back again. We came back in 1990 to settle here, which is when I ended up making this house.

I also got into the tourism sector. I learned the Spanish language and completed a course in Hotel Management. Long story short, this too became a part of my life and I became a licensed tour operator.

TNM: How long did you work for?

MS: Ten years. I actually went back to Spain around the early 90s; I wanted to catch the 1992 Olympics. As soon as that was done we came right back and got back to our lives.

Music took the back seat for a long time but in 1993 me and my friends started playing again, which led to the start of The Revival. And man was I happy to be back in it again. So many things had changed; there were so many new faces from pop stars to super stars. I was really looking forward to it, and this time I was really serious about my music. But my band members had other priorities and couldn’t commit to the band full time. So I summed up another band, young people who were fully committed to making music. We were mulling over a name when a friend, a renowned bassist, Daniel Karthak suggested the name Mukti and Revival. His argument was that I was the only one consistently in the band, and other members came and went. And it made sense. Because soon after, several of the new band members left, and others came in.

So now, it’s Mukti and Revival till I die, and I’m okay with that.

TNM: It’s been a long journey, what would you say was the most pivotal part of it all?

MS: I knew what I wanted and I knew I would never let go of music. I loved everything about it, from the beauty of the music to the feeling I get when I go on stage. There was a time when I was part of the orchestra in Spain too.

But I think it was our album Kalanki ko Jaam that set things on course. It took us two years to complete it, but it finally felt like things were on track.

MTV turned pop culture on its head; it brought a completely new spectrum of music and entertainment into prominence through music videos and it opened new avenues for artists and companies. This was back in the 80’s and through the years, music videos have developed into extravagant mediums of expressions of music and creativity. More so, they were made in  conjunction with every major song that was released.

Words: TNM TEAM | Photos: Pritam Chhetri

Kiran (name changed) brought up the rear of the fleet of excited children that poured into the room. His eyes almost squint shut behind the thick spectacles that he was recently prescribed to help with his condition. Kiran is one of the newest members at the Butterfly Home, and he is slowly fitting in. Pushpa is vigilant around him because he still needs some time to find his comfort zone.

PUSHPA IS FIRM AND ASSERTIVE IN A WAY A MOTHER OF FORTY CHILDREN NEEDS TO BE; BUT, MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, SHE SUCCUMBS AND SMOTHERS THE CHILDREN WITH LOVE

Then there’s Granny. She’s laid back and likes to spend her time out in the sun doing nothing. Lokharke (squirrel) drags his feet around in oversized chappals and Jhuse speaks with a squeaky voice that parades random bouts of fluctuations. They’ve received the nicknames based on their own individual characteristics that define them, something that these beautiful children have had the chance of exhibiting thanks to the efforts of Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) and Pushpa Basnet.

Pushpa Basnet is a well-recognized personality, and her story has
been told many times. During
her internship work she visited prisons across the country. In this manner, she was confronted with a disheartening reality of innocent children accompanying their parents and growing up behind bars.

This was what inspired Pushpa to start her social endeavors of taking these children under her wing and providing them an opportunity for a normal life. With the help of her friends, family and any one willing
to contribute, she opened ECDC
in 2005. Her aim was to provide daycare services for children under 6 and a residential home where mostly older children received education, food, medical care and a chance to live a more normal life. Since then, this arduous enterprise of saving children from a life behind bars has exhibited a tremendous ascent, one that has brought Pushpa Basnet incredible international acclaim. ECDC’s efforts were recognized and Pushpa was awarded the 2012 CNN Hero of the Year. Then again, in 2016 she bagged the CNN Super Hero Award.

While there are several groups that have initiated similar ventures, Pushpa insists her concept of what she does is slightly different.

“I was fortunate to have an easy life with a good education and I want others to have that.” Pushpa said.

A decision to abstain from undertaking the family business and dedicating her life to raise children didn’t sit well with 21-year-old Pushpa’s parents. Getting a yearlong suspension from school didn’t instill a lot of confidence in her already protective parents, especially her father. But her mother was a pillar of strength, always encouraging her to do what she believed in.

“Me and my sister had a lot of toys from when we were kids, and they were pretty good condition too. So
we set up a very small place back in Bhatbhateni Dhalku, and that’s how this enterprise started.” Pushpa explained as we sat and talked in what was the first day care centre ECDC opened. Located in Sundhara, the space is now being used by ECDC as an operational office since it is more convenient to access. Under the now well-furnished carpet that covers the floor is the same tart flooring that she first installed back in 2005. She believes that it helps her stay grounded and in touch with the struggles that came with the now established enterprise.

Pushpa had found her calling and was adamant on doing what she had put her mind into. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Government officials and even incarcerated mothers were skeptical about Pushpa’s gargantuan aspirations. Undaunted, she took the first steps and convinced whoever she could to help bring her efforts into fruition.

She started with two kids, both of whom are now studying in the ninth grade, in very modest beginnings. Now that she has built the institution to a much higher standard, she thinks what she gives her children should be up to par. Simply feeding and putting a roof over the heads of as many children as she can isn’t her idea of ECDC’s work ethics.

“Growing up, I had all the amenities
I could have needed and I want my children to have that quality of life and more. I want them to experience everything they can so that they will not have to feel undermined in front of anyone when they go out into the real world.” Explained Pushpa.

AMONGST THE NUMEROUS AWARDS AND ACCREDITATIONS PUSHPA HOLDS, ONE SHE GLADLY BOASTS OF
IS THE WORST DRESSED PERSONALITY HONOR SHE WAS BESTOWED.

She thinks like a mother, and every step she takes embodies that spirit. Her day starts early, the older kids help care for the younger ones and everyone chips in with the household chores. Pushpa is firm and assertive in a way a mother of forty children needs to be; but, more often than not, she succumbs and smothers the children with love. And all forty children reciprocate this love and call her “mamu”.

After sending the kids to school Pushpa returns to work. In her line of work she encounters government officials and organizations on a regular basis.The government support has been increasing and that has encouraged her to better her work. Still, achieving international recognition and acclamation has
put her in the crosshairs of many who want a piece of the pie. Nevertheless, over the years, she has built a thick skin and knows how to deal with such obstructions.

“The more you grow, the more
eyes you have on you.” Explained Pushpa, “but it’s important to find your bearings and stay strong, my kids have their eyes on me too.”

Although Pushpa has become a role model for many people in
the country and across the globe, she is most concerned about how she comes across to her children. Pushpa’s mother was always a source of inspiration for her and a major figure in making her who she is today. For the children of incarcerated parents, Pushpa is a pillar of inspiration and strength and she does her best to hold up an image that she can be proud of.

Pushpa is far from a social butterfly. Amongst the numerous awards and accreditations Pushpa holds, one she gladly boasts of
is the worst dressed personality honor she was bestowed. “I’ve got my kids who look up to me, I need to set the right examples. You’ll be hard-pressed to find me at social gatherings and events. I’d much rather spend that time with my kids. And the last thing I could care about is what people think of my wardrobe. I have to run after these kids all day and I won’t be able to do that with a sari and heels on.”

Skepticism has come in hot and heavy for Pushpa with people even telling her that she doesn’t deserve the admiration right to her face. But she remains unfazed.

AT TIMES SHE IS LOUD AND BRASH AND SHE WEARS HER EMOTIONS ON HER SLEEVES BUT SHE DOES WHAT SHE NEEDS TO KEEP THE BEST INTEREST OF HER CHILDREN IN MIND.

There aren’t a lot of fancy frills
to Pushpa; she is as simple as simple gets. At times she is loud and brash and she wears her emotions on her sleeves but she does what she needs to keep
the best interest of her children in mind. And that was what instigated the rise of ECDC and their noble cause. What the world says wouldn’t matter to her as long as her children see her as the loving and devoted mother she is.

“If all my children weren’t as good as they are all of my efforts would fall short. They are the biggest part of who I am and everything you see before you. I owe it all to my kids.”

Fitted with a dark leather cap that shielded his face and
a long brown coat draped over his shoulders, Saugat Malla picked his way swiftly towards the blue entrance. Taking long swift strides, he slipped through the gate before an unsure passerby could ascertain if that man was indeed ‘hakku kale’. We shook hands and exchanged greetings, matching our paces as we headed towards our studio where I learned that Saugat was a very quiet man.

MY HELPER, RENGMA, WOULD GO AND WATCH
THE SCREENINGS AT NIGHT AND THE NEXT MORNING
I WOULD LISTEN AS HE DESCRIBED THE ENTIRE MOVIE TO ME. I WAS IN LOVE WITH MOVIES AND ACTORS EVEN BEFORE I HAD THE CHANCE TO GO WATCH THEM FOR MYSELF.

Ironically,
he was often getting into hot water for being too loud and manic as a kid. To the dismay of the other cinemagoers, he had a habit of standing on the seats, dancing, crying, and laughing along with the actors he saw on screen. While that may have created several embarrassing moments for his parents, the experiences nurtured a love for movies and acting in him.

“I still remember, it was a terrifically long time ago, families in our home town showed movies during wedding processions and pujas. My family was very strict and I wasn’t allowed to go”, Saugat recalled, “but my helper, Rengma, would go and watch the screenings at night and the next morning I would listen as he described the entire movie to me. I was in love with movies and actors even before I had the chance to go watch them for myself.”

As he grew up, Saugat was allowed to explore his interests. Dancing and mimicry became his solace, a way to gratify his urge to perform. Further along the way he performed in a few town plays. Although small roles, the audiences loved him and he received the acclaim of many; and from that point onwards, he was hooked to the business of acting.

Saugat Malla’s ascent as an actor has been truly remarkable. He started young, appearing as one of the extras or background dancers in movies like Ranabhumi, Daag and Panchi. However, pursuing roles that required getting beaten up by the protagonist of the movie or those that required him to stand and bob his head to the beat of the hero’s dance steps didn’t seem to hold much prospect. While Saugat found himself reconsidering his ambitions he would later realize that bigger things were afoot.

ACTORS ALWAYS RUN THE RISK OF BEING TYPECAST INTO A ROLE, AND THAT’S WHY I PUT SO MUCH EFFORT INTO ALL OF WHAT I DO. I’M SURE WITH LOOT 2 I WILL BE BRINGING SOMETHING DIFFERENT INTO MY
ROLE; IT ISN’T GOING TO FEEL REPETITIVE.

Meanwhile, Saugat also tried his hand at theatre where he honed his acting skills. His silver screen debut came in Kaagbeni, but it wasn’t until his brilliant performance in Loot that people really started noticing him. Loot was a culmination of talented people and ideas weaved into a tremendous film that set a benchmark amongst Nepali movies. Furthermore, the movie appealed
to the demographic that usually did not watch Nepali movies which was something of a milestone in itself.

In the movie, Saugat Malla’s portrayal of the anti-hero stood out and left a lasting impression on the audiences and the Nepalese film fraternity. At the same time, it cemented him as one of the most versatile actors in the industry and ever since, he has been doing a splendid job of upholding that status. While movies were becoming an ever-increasing part of his life, Saugat continued to immerse himself in theatre.

“Theatre has a different charm to it,” said Saugat, “it’s almost like you have more control over what you do. You get to practice your art more, and you have the opportunity to refine yourself after every show.”

He went on to explain, “With movies you shoot scenes in batches, but with theatre you step into the character for the entire duration of the performance. You get the chance to live in the moment. And because you get to make tweaks to your character with every show you do, you also get to improve your performance. It lets you become more creative.”

Theatre played an integral role in shaping Saugat Malla’s performances. Transcending the dedication and rigor he practiced in theatre into his movies Saugat has consistently delved inside his characters to bring out stunning personalities in each of his roles.

A lot of effort goes in in order to create what we see on screen, as Saugat described, “Getting to understand the role and live the role is important to me. I have to get into the character way before the shooting begins. Once I begin the process, everything I do centers around my observation and learning of my role. I observe everyday activities and visualize what my character would be like. It is a long and arduous process, but I love it.”

His dedication and energy is clearly reflected in his movies. Whether it’s his outlandish avatar in Chadke or the physically demanding cockeyed character he portrays in Lukamari, Saugat has successfully elevated the movie industry to a whole new level.

Likewise, the movie industry has been matching his strides; breaking new grounds with audiences all over. It is growing in leaps and bounds as the audiences for the movies grow larger in size accordingly with the improving quality standards of the movies. One of the most anticipated releases is the sequel of Loot, where once again Saugat steps into the shoes of the adored haku kale.

In person, Saugat is a reserved personality, completely different from what the general public sees on screen. He has been persistent and hardworking and that has effectively established his arrival as one of the best actors in the industry. As we await the release of Loot 2, where he will be reprising the character that helped catapult him into the limelight. While the success of the sequel is yet to be ascertained, one thing can be said for certain; at the moment he is untouchable at what he does. And I am confident that the quiet and unassuming Saugat Malla has a lot more to offer for his audiences.

WORDS: ANKIT SHAKYA

PHOTOS: PRITAM CHHETRI

WARDROBE: STORE ONE, DURBARG MARG

Singing and music were things that came naturally to Dr. Suman, more so than anything else. He resorted to it to help him get through school and college. Mostly an introvert, he found confidence in music and he played his heart out. He transferred to a Boarding School in Darjeeling in the fourth grade where he proceeded to focus more on music than anything else; a trend that would follow him throughout his life.

“I used to spend time listening to records my mother would collect from her excursions to New York,” explained Dr. Suman, detailing his introduction to music.  Our conversation had strayed far from his career as a practitioner of medicine, and in a secluded area of Tilganga Hospital’s cafeteria, he continued elucidating his love affair with music, “She had a lot of Motown Blues and other western music genres that we listened to together.”

And this reflected in his performances at school where he was appointed Head of Choir at church. His influence by western music would transcend into his music later in life.  It was certain that music would be a major part of his life. Yet, completely dedicating his life to music was a difficult commitment.

After finishing the tenth grade, Dr. Suman had to decide what to do with life. “Choosing to study medicine was pretty much a reckless stone throw into the dark. I blurted it out to my parents because my best friend at the time had said he wanted to become a doctor. I simply just tagged along.” But there was more than just that that led to his decision of studying medicine. “In my opinion, if there was anything that came as close to humanity and compassion as music, it was the ability to heal people of their suffering.”

“In my opinion, if there was anything that came as close to humanity and compassion as music, it was the ability to heal people of their suffering.”

As fate would have it getting into medical school would not be difficult. In a fortunate turn of events, a hearty donation made by Dr. Suman’s great grandfather to build a medical institute in Calcutta would open doors for him, and despite dwindling credits he got into the school. During his stint in school he would spend an incredible amount of time performing music anywhere and everywhere he could. And that meant slinging a guitar around school rather than books, something uncharacteristic to a typical medical student. He was more interested in making music than studying and that did not reflect well in a field of study as demanding as medicine. Dr. Suman failed the first year.

“But I was winning a lot of awards and gaining recognition.” he went on to reminisce a moment that further nudged him towards the path of music. “One of the competitions I participated in, which was being judged by Shiva, a major band at the time asked me to quit medicine and join the band. It was very tempting but to drop everything and go against the expectation of my parents was too big a commitment.”

Thanks to his perseverance, Dr. Suman stuck to the plan and got through medical school. However, his heart was always with music and devoting so much effort and time to something completely different had pushed him to the brink of frustration. Having passed his studies, he had proven to himself that he could do it, Dr. Suman decided to follow what he believed was his true calling. He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) in 1993 and decided to take a break to go study music.

Which brings us back to 1994. While his friends began practice in hospitals Dr. Suman turned to music. He joined a band called Bypass. The band produced a song called Andheri that served as a benchmark in the industry and is still recognized as the first Nepali Jazz song. His stint with the band did not last long, but it served as a stepping-stone towards his career into music.

However, things once again took a different turn and it came time for Dr. Suman to choose a field of study in which he would specialize. But he was far from ready to give up music.

“Ophthalmology was the perfect fit for me. I knew night duties wouldn’t pester me and that meant that I would have more time for music.” Dr. Suman returned to India and completed his Master of Surgery in ophthalmology but all the while, his longing to play music was overpowering everything else. Things once again fell into place for Dr. Suman as he met three people in his department who were as passionate about music as him. Having come across these like minded people who shared the same passion, it seemed that the next logical step was to create a band; which was exactly what they did. They started a band called Donesis.

“Ophthalmology was the perfect fit for me. I knew night duties wouldn’t pester me and that meant that I would have more time for music.”

“Donesis is a medical term for a pathological trembling of the lens inside the eye, it was a cool name that we felt fit well with the band.” said Dr. Suman. Since the band had decided on dedicating themselves to help people as a profession they took the motif further with their band by playing music to raise money. They played their first concert and raised a total of Rs. 1 lakh which would go for the treatment of visually impaired people. The tickets sold at Rs.30 and it was attended by almost 2000 people.

For Dr. Suman, this shed light on the possibility of linking these professions together. With that in mind he returned to Kathmandu and joined Tilganga Hospital. There, Dr. Suman was asked to lead the Glaucoma line and so began his career. At this point, after being considerably detached to his chosen path of studies, Dr. Suman finally found his stride and fell in love with ophthalmology. He was sent out into the field where as part of the institute’s program, he performed free eye surgery camps.

“There was a blind grandmother in Rasuwa whom I operated on. She was going blind and had to undergo a procedure. The overwhelming happiness in her eyes after she could see her mountains and her children was just what I needed to put me on my way.”

Discovering a newfound passion for medicine, Dr. Suman travelled to Australia in 2002 to complete a glaucoma fellowship and then returned to Nepal to take up his post as Tilganga’s glaucoma expert. He devoted himself to his work. And as he traveled and performed surgeries he learned more about himself and the beautiful people of the country.  The inner divide between music and career simmered down and the concept of helping people overcame it.

Finally having found his stride, Dr. Suman felt he needed to set a benchmark in the study of Glaucoma in Nepal. A disease that can permanently damage the optic nerve, if left undetected, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness. And because it shows no symptoms and has no cure, there is more reason to be aware of it.

“There would be instances where patients came in with irreparable damages from glaucoma and we had to break the terrible news to them informing them that they would not be able to see any more in their lives. It’s heartbreaking for the doctor and worse for the patient.” Explained Dr. Suman “Clearly, there was plenty left to be done for glaucoma in Nepal. So I began studying about how it affects the people of Nepal. Soon I was conceptualizing a world standard glaucoma study in Nepal.”

Despite the persistent suggestions of a Dutch friend to pursue his PHD with the study, Dr. Suman was not interested. He never took himself as an academician and a PHD was the farthest thing from his mind at the time. However, Dr. Suman’s Dutch friend went ahead and put his research topic in his University (University of Amsterdam) and a professor, someone who had done a similar study in Alaska, came across it. Intrigued, the professor came to Nepal and offered to guide Dr. Suman through his studies.

It took him 6 years to complete this study: The Bhaktapur Glaucoma Study. It was the only one in Nepal and amongst the less than a handful around the world. “We took the entire district and did a survey to find out how many people were affected and the status of the people over 40 years of age.” He was allowed to enroll as a graduate student at Vrije University in Amsterdam. And he soon earned a deserved PHD making him the first ophthalmologist in Nepal to accomplish this.

Soon after, Dr.Suman was catapulted into a completely different world. He was appointed Professor of ophthalmology and Head of the Glaucoma research department. He was giving lectures in places like Stanford University, University of Michigan and University of Iowa.

More importantly, Dr.Suman was now trying to apply the studies into teleophthalmology. There had always been a debate about the issue of conducting screenings for glaucoma. It was an expensive procedure that had a very low output in terms of detections. However, that wasn’t helping the people who were suffering from glaucoma.

“There were patients coming all the way to Kathmandu from remote areas like Dolpa to get checked for glaucoma only to be sent back because they didn’t have the disease. At the same time there were people who suffered from the disease but couldn’t come to get a checkup and they would slowly lose their eyesight.”

With tele-ophthalmology the screening costs could be cut and taken to remote areas. This was all thanks to an apparatus that can be fixed to an iphone through which photos can be taken and screened for without the patient or doctor having to travel at all. Now, there are assistant doctors up in Charikot, Dolkha and Jiri who are making things a lot easier in the screening process.

While his passion for medicine grew, his love for music prospered hand in hand. Dr. Suman wasn’t quite ready to let go of it. He took another major step in his music career and became part of a band called Rusty Nails.

“It was a lot of fun with Rusty Nails”, Dr. Suman said with a gleam in his eyes, “We played the blues and wrote our own songs. I was writing my own songs too. And we were performing all over the place.”

Once again, their motif was to help raise money, this time for children suffering from glaucoma. In 2015, the band dedicated six concerts for the cause. With five concerts performed, Rusty Nails summed up a good sum of money. Unfortunately, on the day of the sixth concert the devastating earthquake hit Nepal and things came to a complete halt.

The nation reeled from the effects of the earthquake, but Dr. Suman was back in the field doing what he did best, helping people the best way he could. On the third day after the earthquake, Dr. Suman left for Sindhupalchowk and did what he could do there.

Ek Ek Paila became an incredible initiative where a team of doctors specializing in almost every field came together and volunteered to provide their services for the people affected by the earthquake.

But he realized that many situations required different medical expertise, and this led to the forming of Ek Ek Paila. It became an incredible initiative where a team of doctors specializing in almost every field came together and volunteered to provide their services for the people affected by the earthquake.

“What we had, in essence, was a fully functioning mobile hospital.” Explained Dr. Suman. “To make things as transparent as possible, we did not establish a bank account. Anything and everything would have to be a voluntary contribution in nonmonetary form, like medicine and equipment.”

Ek Ek Paila provided their services for an entire year, refusing to fizzle out like so many other post-earthquake relief efforts. In the process they went to places like Gorkha, Manang, Rasuwa, Dolkha, Sailung and more. With an entire roster of doctors and necessary equipment at hand, their efforts have helped hundreds of people.

“Now that I look at it, my medical profession has also come a full circle. I love to do what I do, and even more so when it’s for people who need the help. And through music I am able to raise money to fund the surgeries for the needy.”

Dr. Suman has been traveling the world as a lecturer and musician. And in the process he has been raising more funds. More recently, Dr. Suman took a new step in his music career when he formed a new band.

“The tenants in the floor above me had moved out and left behind a room they had painted blue. I call it the Blue Fret Room. And I asked Kiran from Kutumba, Shawn and Daniel to play music with me. And that led to our new band: Suman and the Blue Frets.”

His effort to raise money has continued with the new band, and Suman and the Blue Frets have raised Rs.200, 000 from a single concert. Through the years Dr. Suman has proven that he isn’t just a doctor parading as a wannabe singer. His passion and talent propel him to the levels of a legitimate musician and Dr. Suman and the Blue Frets underscores his achievement.

Music was always a solace for Dr. Suman, and it seems that it will continue to play a major role in his life for a very long time. More importantly, Dr. Suman has successfully integrated the two passions in his life and devised a way of using his talents to support each other. His successful efforts to provide world-class eye treatment to the needy has been exceptional and providing those services free of cost really sets him apart.

“There is so much you can do for people who are less fortunate than you, especially once you reach a position where you can make a difference. Medicine in its true form is practicing humanity and that is what I am doing. The blessings that you get from people is worth more than anything else. Getting to travel in the beauty of Nepal is a bonus. I must have gained some good karma in my past life to be able to do what I am doing now.”

Dr. Suman S. Thapa saw compassion in music and transcended that compassion in the best way he could, by helping other people. Utilizing his talents in music and ophthalmology he has relentlessly worked to help the needy. Dr. Suman could have abandoned music in several instances in life, but his passion outweighed the hardships and he turned things around by making the best of his abilities. It takes courage to listen to your heart, even more so when it might not be the logically right move. But taking that leap of faith and choosing to pursue both his passion for music and his passion for medicine, helped Dr. Suman S. Thapa fulfill both his dreams; all while making an effective contribution to society.

Words: Ankit Shakya | Photos: Pritam Chhetri
Find all information about Ek Ek Paila here: https://www.facebook.com/ek.ek.paila/
Watch the YouTube Interview: https://youtu.be/INFnzWJqcN8

30 minutes to sound check and we’re trying to wrap things up with our shoot. In the next hour or two, the gates will open and hordes of Bipul’s fans will flood the Tangalwood premises to see him perform on stage.

I stumbled across ‘Wildfire’, Bipul’s first song on Soundcloud, relatively early in 2013. And like many others, I was immediately hooked. Bringing a contemporary touch to Nepali folk music was a feast for the ears; and it was probably what set the pace for a legendary journey of a teacher from Kalimpong. His first album, Sketches of Darjeeling, came out in 2014. The album transcended his love for his home town and laid the foundation for his career as a music artist.

Mid 2016 saw the launch of his second album ‘Maya’ which cemented Bipul as the face of Nepali music for many. Yet, his demeanors don’t reflect the effects you would expect such fame and success would have on him. Introduce him to a fellow oblivious to the world of music as a teacher and he’d be none the wiser. To some extent you’d be correct to introduce him in that manner. He still holds his profession as a teacher in school and pretty much continues to live his life as he always has.

And that adds on to the persona that makes Bipul Chettri who he is; a passionate man who remains true to his roots. That was the same vibe we received when we interviewed him two years ago. I had a chance to talk to him once again about his second album and how that journey has been.

HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED FROM YOUR FIRST ALBUM?

It has not changed much personally. I am still a teacher in a school. The only thing that may have changed is that the studio visits and the live gigs have increased. Otherwise, it is still very much the same.

YOU REACHED A CERTAIN LEVEL OF MATURITY IN LIFE BEFORE YOU ENTERED THE LIMELIGHT, HOW DO YOU THINK THIS HAS AFFECTED YOUR EXPERIENCE AND IN DEVELOPING YOU TO BECOME THE PERSON THAT YOU ARE TODAY?

I think it helped, in a way, for me to not take everything too seriously or to buy into the hype surrounding the limelight. I am also doubly aware of it being something that comes with the territory. So, I am thankful that I got into it a little late. But the pressure to write and compose remains the same regardless of age.

WHY DO YOU WRITE YOUR MUSIC? IS THERE A DEEPER MEANING TO WHAT YOU DO? HAS IT CHANGED THROUGH FROM YOUR FIRST TIME WRITING?

Music has always had the same impact for me all my life. It keeps me sane, grounded and gives my life some meaning I guess.

The process of creating a tune has not changed much either. The only things that have changed are the lovely people in the band who are helping me now in this process; as opposed to writing the first album where I had to pretty much do everything myself.

HAS YOUR MUSIC CHANGED FROM WHEN YOU STARTED?

As far as I am concerned, my music is progressing pretty much on it’s own. I don’t force myself to sit down and write a particular type of music. I just let things happen and am pretty happy with it.

LAST TIME WE TALKED TO YOU, YOU SAID THE FACT THAT YOUR FAN BASE WAS LARGER THAN THE POPULATION OF KALIMPONG AMAZED YOU. THE NUMBERS HAVE CERTAINLY GROWN, DO YOU FEEL ANY DIFFERENTLY? ARE YOU USED TO IT OR DOES IT STILL HAVE A STRONG IMPACT?

The numbers sometimes overwhelm you, but at the end of the day I feel happy that the music we have produced has touched so many people, which is the only thing that matters at the end of the day, isn’t it?

THE SONGS CAME RANDOMLY AND KEPT ON EVOLVING TILL WE REALIZED THAT MOST OF THEM DEALT WITH THE BASIC CONCEPT OF HUMAN NATURE, WHICH EVENTUALLY LED TO SOME FORM OF MAYA OR LOVE IN ITS SIMPLEST FORM.

DO YOU FEEL DIFFERENTLY WHEN YOU PERFORM IN NEPAL OR THE DARJEELING HILLS? DO YOU GET DIFFERENT REACTIONS FROM THESE CROWDS?

The crowds come for the music regardless of geographical locations.

The Darjeeling hills are home so the love from the people there will always be special. Nepal has also always shown us so much love and so have people from everywhere else we have performed. And for this, we remain extremely thankful.

DO YOU PREFER PERFORMING LIVE IN FRONT OF A CROWD OR IN AN ISOLATED AREA LIKE A STUDIO?

Definitely live, no question about it. The vibes from the audience in a live setting cannot be replicated by the coldness of a studio atmosphere.

‘SKETCHES OF DARJEELING’ WAS ABOUT YOUR HOMETOWN, WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR SECOND ALBUM: ‘MAYA’?

When we started out on the songs for ‘Maya’ we didn’t confine it to a specific theme. The songs came randomly and kept on evolving till we realized that most of them dealt with the basic concept of human nature, which eventually led to some form of maya or love in its simplest form.

THEY SAY THE BEST WAY TO LEARN IS TO TRAVEL. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM SO MUCH TOURING?

Visiting new places and meeting so many new and lovely people across the world has given us a fresh perspective in the way we look at life, which is evident in the new album ‘Maya’. In fact, most of the songs in the album were penned down when we were on the road.

HOW HAS THIS CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE AFFECTED YOUR WAY OF LIVING?

My lifestyle has not changed one bit. I still live in the same rented house and drive the same car, just like I did before the albums happened. I wake up early every morning to attend school to teach every single day when I am not touring. I try and settle down with a good book at the end of the day after I finish my guitar exercises, as I am not much of a TV person although I like to watch feature films and documentaries as well.

I STILL LIVE IN THE SAME RENTED HOUSE AND DRIVE THE SAME CAR, JUST LIKE I DID BEFORE THE ALBUMS HAPPENED. I WAKE UP EARLY EVERY MORNING TO ATTEND SCHOOL TO TEACH EVERY SINGLE DAY

YOU INTRODUCED YOURSELF AS A HOMETOWN BOY FROM KALIMPONG, TRUE TO HIS ROOTS. WOULD YOU SAY YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF DIFFERENTLY NOW? IF NOT, WHAT WOULD IT TAKE TO CHANGE THAT?

Everyone has a special connection to where they were raised; you will always believe it to be home regardless of where one settles in for a period of time. Kalimpong will always be home and I, its homeboy. I cannot change that if I tried.

WHAT AFFECTS YOUR WRITING STYLE AND MUSIC? WILL YOU BE CHANGING ANYTHING IN THE FUTURE?

As I mentioned earlier, I write whatever comes to my mind and don’t have a stringent process. It is the same for the kind of sound that also develops while I am at it. I let the song take whatever direction it wants to take and hope to come to an eventuality that I am happy with.  I have no idea what the future sound will be like.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE AND WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT NEXT?

We don’t plan anything in terms of music and pretty much go with the flow. I am always writing and composing something or the other, some of which I may decide to record or just leave it for later. So that’s the way I like it to be. This is one of the joys of being an independent artiste as there is no pressure of someone breathing down you neck to put something out in a certain time frame. There are a couple of tunes which didn’t make it to the new album so I might start revisiting them and see if I can redevelop them. They might just be a spark or an idea to an entirely new tune too.

GOD FORBID, IF THINGS DON’T GO AS EXPECTED WOULD YOU BE OK WITH GOING BACK TO LIFE BEFORE SKETCHES OF DARJEELING?

I sincerely did not expect much but am humbled that it did. And like I said earlier, I am still a teacher and not much has changed actually, except for the number of live gigs and studio sessions.

IS THERE A PARTICULAR MOMENT THAT YOU FONDLY RECALL DURING THE MAKING OF YOUR SECOND ALBUM, MAYA?

There were quite a few. But one of them was while writing ‘Nau Lakhey Tara’. I had started writing this song on a totally different premise, tempo and melody but during the process of composing, it took an entirely different route and space by the time I finished it. It ended as a happy surprise.

IT HAS TO BE ‘KAHILEY KAHI’, A SONG WRITTEN AND COMPOSED BY MY FATHER WHICH I ENJOYED RECREATING AND RECORDING

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE TRACK IN THIS ALBUM?

I am always uncomfortable while answering this question, but if I was forced to mention one, it has to be ‘Kahiley Kahi’, a song written and composed by my father which I enjoyed recreating and recording.

IF YOU HAD THE CHOICE TO PERFORM WITH ONE ARTIST, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE?

There are so many that I could fill this whole page with those names. So it is nice to surprise oneself if it happens at all.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO PERFORM AND WHY?

We have always been given so much maya at every place we have performed that it would be unfair on our part to single one out. But performing in the Kalimpong, Darjeeling, Sikkim areas and in the towns and cities of Nepal is always special for us.

WORDS: ANKIT SHAKYA

PHOTO: PRITAM CHHETRI

LOCATION: CALM, TANGALWOOD

Ripped jeans, saggy pants and fluorescent flowered shirts come and go, but nothing comes close to the timeless elegance of a well tailored suit on a man. It has stood the test of time and succeeded in becoming the staple ensemble for gentlemen around the world. Dapper appearances aren’t what the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is about though, there is much more to it.

Rajib Sayami has been doing
what some of us wish we could
do for a living. He takes vintage motorcycles, some which have been abandoned by their owners, and custom rebuilds them and gives them a new life. And his works have been splendid.

His newest venture was the complete overhaul of a Honda
CB 450. The resurrection of the legendary machine, one of the four which had come to Nepal in 1969
to escort government officials,
has been epic. It has finally been completed and dubbed “Junie”, Rajibsays it is dedicated to one of his friends who started working on this bike but couldn’t finish it. The beauty has been custom rebuilt to the T, from almost every component of the engine to the beautifully designed, handmade Candle maple wood seat Because of the stringent traffic laws in Nepal, the motorcycle is no longer road legal but it still is a work of art.

Check out more of Rajib Sayami’s builds and works in the following website: http://www.rsmotonepal.com/

Through the years, the Distinguished Gentleman’s
Ride has turned into a global cultural phenomenon; and this year it managed to make a debut in Nepal. Founded in Sydney, Australia by Mark Hawwaa, the first DGR took place in 2012. Inspired by a photo of Mad Men’s Don Draper astride a classic bike and wearing his finest suit. The idea came up in part because
he wanted to eliminate the somewhat negative connotations that were assigned to motorcycle culture. In the process the ride helps connect niche motorcycle communities together.

That first ride in 2012 brought together over 2,500 riders across 64 cities. The success of the event encouraged the founder to consider how it could be used to support a worthy cause. In 2013, over 11,000 participants in 145 cities around the world raised over $277k (US) for prostate cancer research. 2014 observed over 20,000 participants in 257 cities in 58 countries raised over $1.5M (US) for prostate cancer research. In 2015, over 37,000 participants in 410 cities in 79 countries raised over $2.3M (US) for prostate cancer research. There have been a few changes in the health goals of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride for 2016. Now, the funding of suicide prevention programs is a Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride focus, in addition to prostate cancer research through their new official charity partner The Movember Foundation and the support of our title sponsors Triumph Motorcycles and Zenith Watches.

This year is the first time Nepal has been included in the mix and it is a step forward for the nation in terms of recognizing the importance of awareness of men’s health. RS Moto, located in Gahana Pokhari, served as the venue for the event where some of the most kickass vintage motorcycles along with their dapper riders made their appearance.

After a short briefing from Bikrant Shrestha the participants headed off towards Patan Durbar Square where they mingled for
a bit before heading back to RS Moto for some good music and fun. Here is a photo feature of the dapper event.

Photos from Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride:

“My grandmother was the real business person in the family. She used to wake up at 4:00 am in the morning every single day to make pushtakar is which would be sold later in the day,” explained Nirakar Shrestha “and all that while raising two children”.

In essence, that was where
it started for Laxmi Group,
a confectionery and dairy pioneer in Nepal. However, his passion steered him in a different direction of business which was followed up by a couple of twists and turns that set a different course from what Nirakar initially started on.

Hailing from the beautiful city of Pokhara, his father, Mr. Ganesh Bahadur Shrestha (Chairman, Laxmi Group), had always imagined his later years enjoying a hearty breakfast
in his own family run Luxury Resort/hotel overseeing the beautiful Phewa Lake. It
was in pursuing his father’s dreams that Nirakar went to Switzerland where he studied hotel & tourism management.

Unfortunately, back in Nepal and internationally things were taking a turn for the worse with adverse events like Insurgency, Royal massacre and 9/11 attack unfolding one after other during the early 2000s. With the country reeling amidst the turmoil, starting something in the highly capital-intensive tourism industry did not appear to be an alluring prospective especially when existing tourism related businesses were struggling to sustain leading to an all time low for the tourism industry.

As a result, Nirakar enrolled himself into a Masters Degree in Business Management
and at the same time exploring the opportunities of diversification into new ventures other than the Laxmi Group’s existing portfolio.

Now, like most kids, Nirakar spent his childhood scraping stair railings with anything that could resemble a shape of a car. But his passion for automobiles never seized to grow. As fate would have it, he stumbled across an opportunity that was right up his alley. Destined to follow the passion for cars & automobiles, the opportunity to turn his passion into a living rolled by and he went on to acquire the distribution of the Korean automobile marquee Hyundai. And so began the journey of Nirakar Shrestha who would steam head Laxmi Intercontinental P LTD., a company that would propel the often understated Korean brand into the a formidable contender and market leader in Nepal.

The success of Hyundai as an automobile brand and Laxmi Intercontinental as its distributor is unquestionable. The Hyundai Creta amassed a sales figure of a staggering 1365 units less than a year despite the massive blow that the earthquake and the unofficial blockade had on the Nepalese economy in 2015. The success of Hyundai in Nepal was further signified by the “Sales Excellence Award” Asia & Pacific Region that was presented to Laxmi Intercontinental P LTD. by Hyundai Motor Company, Korea in March 2016.

“Back in the early 2000s, the automobile industry was pretty much dominated by
pre owned cars and a few other Japanese brands. The rest were small fry.” reminisced Shrestha, “There weren’t proper channels of distribution and most cars were being sold on an individual basis through individual traders. Automobile business was not really a formalized and standardized business then. The focus was on just selling cars and that’s it. The customers who bought cars then would have to be skeptic about their power windows and EFI engines because they were assumed to be too complex to be tackled by the state of after sales know how in those days.That was the situation when we entered the automobile business.”

Things have now changed significantly about which Nirakar continued to elucidate.

“With Hyundai, we took an initiative to make a paradigm shift from “just selling cars” to providing “mobility solution” for customers. We believe that customers do
not just buy cars, instead we understand
that they look for a solution to their mobility needs and that too in a continuous manner. We do the best to match their mobility needs by providing them great lineup of cars and a great after sales service to continually satisfy their mobility needs. By doing so, for almost a decade, we have established Hyundai as the market leader and one of the most trusted automobile brands in Nepal.”

Nevertheless, Nirakar Shrestha has
always been quick to pin the success of the company to the values that had been passed down from his family and the team that has stood with him. His leadership style and personality might not be conventional to that of a large business owner but it has been effective. You’ll be hard pressed to find him in a formal suit, mostly because it does not exude his true personality.

“Anyone who knows me will tell you I am
a calm, composed and mellow guy, and I agree. I’m not the type to pressure someone to do anything, let alone scream and shout. I would rather put myself in the other person’s shoe and find what it takes to get people to do what they need to do. Then I would go on to make an environment to make it happen. I believe in harmonizing goals and I’m grateful to have such great team who has stood by with their personal goals and aligned with company’s vision, this match can never go wrong.”

It is this balance of composure and focus that Nirakar seeks in his team members. To assert this energy Nirakar engrosses himself as part of the team. “I don’t see the organization as a pyramid, it’s a line and everyone has to push together” he clarified in reference to his leadership style.

Different events in life play big roles in shaping the course of a man’s habits and lifestyles, which might explain Nirakar Shrestha’s devotion to his family. Life isn’t always a bed of roses and 2011 dictated
the patience and strength of the Shrestha family. After the birth of his daughter, major complications arose and she had to be put into intensive care for two months in a hospital.

“ANYONE WHO KNOWS ME WILL TELL YOU I AM
A CALM, COMPOSED AND MELLOW GUY, AND I AGREE. I’M NOT THE TYPE TO PRESSURE SOMEONE TO DO ANYTHING, LET ALONE SCREAM AND SHOUT.
I WOULD RATHER PUT MYSELF IN THE OTHER PERSON’S SHOE AND FIND WHAT IT TAKES TO GET PEOPLE TO DO WHAT THEY NEED TO DO”

“That was a difficult time for us, we would get to see our baby for 5 minutes a day and the rest of the hours we spent waiting for the next 5 minutes we would get with her the next day.”

The happy family now enjoys their time together. Nirakar Shrestha went ahead and painted us a picture of how his day as a father usually looked like, “My daughter won’t get out of bed until I wake her up, and to do that I have to sing songs to her, ask her what she has planned for the entire day and coax her to start the day. Her mom helps her freshen up then I’m incharge of making her hair and getting her ready for the day. And she needs a facial every day, so I take care
of that as well. Then it’s off to work for me until I get back home. I’m with my family till 9pm every day.” He ended with the widest of smiles.

With his priorities set, Nirakar’s in frequencies at social gatherings are quite understandable. “It all depends on what you prioritize in life, it’s a trade off;” he replied when asked about his choice of lifestyle. “Social gatherings are things I try to squeeze in if my time with my family allows it. My family is always my first priority and I think I like it that way.”

On the business front, things have been going splendidly. Exemplifying the stature exhibited by strong companies and brands, Laxmi Intercontinental persevered
through adversities that came into the Nepalese economy in a plenty in the form
of a devastating earthquake followed up
by political adversities in 2015. Although the initial shock did shake the confidence, the company quickly found its footing and went ahead to fulfill their responsibility. Demonstrating that they aren’t just there
to do business, Laxmi Intercontinental P LTD. took initiative to find the whereabouts and condition of its team & their family and took care of the situation. Having taken care of the internal team they moved on to
a relief operation for those in needs at large. Within the 2 weeks of the earthquake, more than 2000 earthquake affected households were provided with temporary shelter, food supplies, medicines, clothing
& blankets. To support the relief operation, Hyundai Motor Company on initiation of Laxmi InterContinental P LTD. donated USD 300,000.00 to Red Cross, Nepal. In addition, Laxmi Hyundai team epitomized the concept of great customer service by providing a special support package for the customers who had their vehicle damaged by earthquake.

Furthering his efforts to help other areas affected by the earthquake, Nirakar co-founded a movement named Survivors and has taken initiative to rebuild 11 schools in Sindhupalchowk that were damaged by the earthquake of 25.04.2015. So far it has completed rebuilding of 5 schools and also has been working in ways to help with post trauma mental health for earthquake survivors.

Over a year after the earthquake things have settled down and it has been back to business, stronger than ever. Being part of one of the biggest automobile brands in Nepal, his endeavors are expanding to incorporate societal benefits as well.

“There are certain things that have affected my life in significant ways
and has shaped the way I look at life
and what I want out of it,” explained Nirakar, “Before I hang up my hat, I aim to work towards promoting equality in mobility for people with all capabilities and abilities and if I am able make any difference in their lives I’d be a happy man.”

“BEFORE I HANG UP MY HAT, I AIM TO WORK TOWARDS PROMOTING EQUALITY IN MOBILITY FOR PEOPLE WITH ALL CAPABILITIES AND ABILITIES AND IF I AM ABLE MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES I’D BE A HAPPY MAN.”

Nirakar Shrestha has played a key role in bringing Hyundai Motors on the forefront of competition, helping change the outlook of the market and changing the way the automobile trade used to be.Yet, as a person he isn’t the type to gloat in the pride of being seen as the owner or leader, but rejoices in working together as part of the team; which is a crucial aspect of what makes him such a great lead to work with. Furthermore, his composed and adaptive nature
has helped him roll with the punches and survive in such an unpredictable business environment such as ours. His humble demeanor might be misleading from his focused determination which has paved the way to success.

People have different meaning of success for themselves, “I still have not assigned the meaning of success for myself. You can’t really say you’re successful or not halfway down the line, it’s the end that ascertains someone’s success. And I’ve still got some time before I wrap things up. Maybe that’s when I’ll have an inkling of what success is.”

FITNESS AS A CONCEPT IS CHANGING .., MAYBE. WE’RE NOT QUITE SURE. LET’S JUST SAY IT’S EXPANDING.

For a very long time fitness has been about having massive pecs, bulging biceps, rock hard abs and mammoth quads. And for almost as long, there have been people who have voiced opposing opinions regarding this concept. These voices, however, have been effectively drowned out by the clangs of dumbbells and the rattles of protein shakers.

Popular mass media has had a major hand in it too. Whether it’s Arnie’s muscle bound pectorals, Zac Effron’s washboard abs, or Henry Cavill’s sculpted torso a visually appealing physique has been heavily glamorized. So it’s no surprise that there is a local gymnasium in every corner of the city. As a result, the idea of fitness has been closely correlated with looking good with a tight shirt on. Simply put, aesthetic appeal has pretty much downplayed the importance of having
the ability to scratch your back without having to rub up against the bark of a tree. Hence, the definition of fitness and its relation in this context is slightly shaky. But we won’t go as far as to say these muscle bound specimens aren’t fit. They are fitter than most of us will ever be.

Then what is fitness? Perhaps, the definition of fitness doesn’t include mirror muscles at all. The word has been thrown in with gym slangs that we tend to merge the definition of fitness with bodybuilding. Fitness is a broad topic which incorporates several ideas, which might include aesthetics to some extent. It doesn’t really confine the idea to just building muscles and looking good. There’s strength, speed, power, endurance, stamina, and coordination left to be taken into consideration. More importantly, there is the matter of being healthy which is surprisingly, very often, overlooked.

Furthermore, being fit might mean different things to different people. To a person who used to be 10kgs overweight, hitting the adequate weight range might define fitness. Similarly, a scrawny fellow might relate gaining muscle mass to fitness. In the same way, being muscle bound and being the equivalent of three to four men wrapped into one person might help someone identify themselves with fitness. To each their own.

Despite mushrooming gymnasiums throughout the country, we believe fitness is changing courses in Nepal.
At least it is diverging into different ideas. Today, being fit isn’t only confined to being able to push heavy weights but it also incorporates the idea of cardiovascular/respiratory endurance, stamina, flexibility, power, agility balance and coordination. These abilities then transcend into everyday life and doing every physical task imaginable. This notion has undertaken the form of two particular disciplines, calisthenics and CrossFit.

Calisthenics has been around since
the beginning of time and it has been resurrected as a brand new phenomenon in the fitness world. Before the invention of machines, barbells, and bench presses, mankind was getting strong and ripped using nothing more for resistance than bodyweight. And that is what calisthenics is all about, body weight training. It uses the body cohesively rather than isolating smaller body parts, in essence working out the entire body. This lets practitioners of calisthenics maintain a healthier balance of body mass and body fat while dominating physical demands of the body. All you need to perform calisthenics training is your body and a pull up bar or something that serves the purpose.

CrossFit is a fitness regimen developed by Greg Glassman over several decades. Dial back to when we were contemplating the definition of fitness. Well, Glassman, CrossFit’s Founder and CEO, defined fitness as increased work capacity across broad time and modal domains. He then created a program specifically designed to improve fitness and health. This workout is engineered to help you develop multiple skills and strengths at varying levels of intensity and time. All CrossFit workouts are based on functional movements, and these movements reflect the best aspects of gymnastics, weightlifting, running, rowing and more. The whole point of CrossFit is becoming the jack of all trades.

There are people who are resorting to new modes of fitness such as the above, and there is a definite paradigm shift in the industry. Plenty of people still focus on bodybuilding and that is completely alright too. No one can really claim one form of training to be better than the other; it might depend on an individual’s goals and abilities. But it is always a good idea to incorporate different styles of training so that you aren’t only chasing the aesthetics of a good physique but reaping the benefits of a fit and healthy body.

With exactly this concept in mind, a few like minded guys opened up The Pump; it’s Nepal’s first gymnasium focused on calisthenics and CrossFit Training. We had the opportunity to talk to two of the instructors of the gym regarding their fitness journey and their favorite all- round workout routine.

“When I was in school I was into a lot of sports. After I left school I promptly got into a lot of eating. Then I started getting fat.”

Mothers have this tendency to believe their sons don’t eat nearly enough, and that was the case with Tony. Realizing the accumulating fat around his midriff, Tony started going to the gym. And not just
any gym, he started working out at Nepal Byayam Mandir at Jyatha. That’s where the hardcore bodybuilders start out, often with terrible form and unnecessarily loud grunts. That drew even more attention to Tony when all he did at the gym were pull- ups, pushups and variations of other body weight exercises.

“Then I went to Sydney. I joined a gym there but I still wasn’t into fitness. I hit the treadmill and did some bodyweight exercises. I didn’t know how to use the equipment and I wasn’t all that excited about it. I did sprints and pull-ups and did more sprints and pull-ups. That was pretty much all I did until the receptionist at the gym offered to help me train.”

Soon after, thanks to some guidance from his friend, Tony gained some perspective into fitness and received proper guidance to really get into calisthenics. He started by setting goals for him to achieve, starting off with the muscle up. The muscle-up is a skill that is essentially a pull-up followed by a dip. It is used to take yourself from below a sets of rings or bar to above a set of rings or bar. Because the gym didn’t provide the right equipments to work on this move, Tony started hitting the monkey bars outdoors.

He began learning more moves that tested and challenged his abilities, turning his interest into passion.

“I did that for 3 years. Then I came to Nepal.”

The local gyms didn’t really fit Tony’s requirements; mostly because he didn’t have the right equipments (pull up
bars with proper headroom) and partly because people at the gym still looked at him funny. Luckily, The Pump at Jhamsikhel was starting up.

“I found out there was a calisthenics gym opening up and that’s when I decided
to get into it as a profession. I wasn’t doing anything else and I loved what I was doing in terms of calisthenics and exercises.

Once I joined The Pump I started seeing more improvement. You need a challenge or a push from someone and I got it there. I started leaning out. I spent 4 to 5 hours a day and then I trained clients.”

Looking to further strengthen his skills and abilities, his interests spread to crossfit. He learned to combine these two disciplines into his regimen and client training.

“I went back to Sydney again, and I stared lifting weights. I was surprised at how much I could lift and that gave me enough confidence to get into crossfit.”

Crossfit is challenging, it is demanding on the body and mind; it’s high repetitions performed with high intensity. You should be able to break through the mental barrier. There is a balance between cardio, gymnastics and weights.

Tony has helped implement the combination of crossfit and calisthenics at The Pump, and it has been gaining a lot of popularity. But it isn’t for everyone.

“You don’t see immediate results,
and in some ways it’s more difficult than working out at the gym. But once you really get into it the results and transformation are amazing.”

“My brother used to workout at a gym,
I was still a kid back then and it wasn’t standard workouts either. We wanted
to get butterfies on our stomachs; we didn’t refer to it as abs. He used a towel to pull my body up while I stayed in the sit-up position, and we did it till I couldn’t laugh or speak without getting severe abdominal cramps.”

Despite the rather humble beginnings, Saman did develop his butterflies, and then some. But it wasn’t because of the unorthodox workout techniques either. His rock hard abs and shredded body is mostly attributable to the sport of rock climbing.

Rock climbing is a physically demanding
activity, it effectively pushes ones
strength, power and bring aerobic and
anaerobic “fitness levels to new heights.

“There was a job vacancy announcement at Astrek Climbing Wall. It was fresh off a renovation and required an attendee and maintenance guy. I was in college and I wanted to work after classes. I had climbed a few times before, but this is probably where my obsession with climbing really started.”

In just three short years, Saman has made himself noticed in the industry. He has enrolled himself in several competitions, one of the most recent being the IFSC (International Federation of Sports Climbing) Bouldering World Cup 2016 which took place in India. Although he is comparatively new to the sport, he is showing exceptional potential.

“I fell in love with rock climbing, completely. The feeling I get when hard rock touches my fingers is exhilarating. I’ve been obsessed ever since. But I joined The Pump because it was the only institution dedicated to calisthenics; I wasn’t really looking to lift weights. I wanted to refine my skills so I could be a better climber.”

Apart from climbing, Saman is a calisthenics trainer at The Pump. His training regimens for his clients revolve around body weight training. Because the progress is slow it is easy for people to quit mid way. Some people just get into it because their friends are doing it and quickly lose focus. However, popularity of this type of fitness is growing slowly, but surely.

TONY’S ROUTINE

This routine focuses on utilizing the entire body in the workout. The aim is to maintain form
and perform these exercises at maximum intensity. It isn’t going to be easy but it is definitely effective. Perform each workout for the designated repetitions for three sets each. If you can’t do the required number of reps, take breaks or do as many as you can and move onto the next workout. Rest only when you really need to. Use a weight that you can lift comfortably for the required reps.

KETTLEBELL TWO ARM SWING: 40 REPS

(Make sure you perform this movement with proper form to ensure you don’t encounter any injuries)

1) Stand behind kettlebell with feet slightly wider apart than shoulder width. Bend over at hip with knees bent and back straight.

2) Lift kettlebell off of floor and pull forearms against inner thighs while keeping hips and knees bent with low back taut.

3) Drive hips forward, torso upright, and knees straight so kettlebell is pushed forward and upward. Allow kettlebell to swing back down.

4) As kettlebell approaches lower position, fold at hips while bending knees. Forearms make contact with inner thighs permitting kettlebell to swing back under hips.

5) Immediately repeat movement and continue to swing kettlebell. That completes one repetition

BARBELL THRUSTERS: 30 REPETITIONS

1) Clean barbell from floor with overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder width.

2) Position bar on front of shoulders with elbows pointing slightly forward and torso tight. Position feet slightly wider than shoulder width, pointing outward slightly.

3) Descend until knees and hips are fully bent or until thighs are just past parallel to floor.

4) Raise body upward by extending knees and hips. Accelerate when nearing top of squat, drive barbell up off shoulders, pull head back, and throw weight overhead by extending arms upward.

5) Pull head forward at lockout overhead. Immediately lower weight by bending arms.

6) As weight descends, bend legs, pull head back, and catch barbell in front of shoulders as knees are bending at approximately 90°.

7) Repeat in quick succession

BARBELL DEADLIFT: 20 REPETITIONS

1) With feet flat beneath bar, squat down and grasp bar with shoulder width or slightly wider overhand or mixed grip.

2) Lift bar by extending hips and knees to full extension. Pull shoulders back at top of lift if rounded.

3) Return and repeat

PULL-UPS: 10 REPETITIONS

1) Step up and grasp bar with overhand wide grip.

2) Pull body up until chin is above bar.

3) Lower body until arms and shoulders are fully extended.

4) Repeat

TOES TO BAR: 5 REPETITIONS

1) Grasp and hang from high bar

2) Raise legs by flexing hips until fully flexed. Continue to raise feet toward bar by flexing waist.

3) Return until waist and hips are extended downward.

4) Repeat

SAMAN’S ROUTINE

This routine incorporate the basic calisthenics workouts which are perfectly suited for beginners as well as people who work out regularly. These are all body weight exercises, but these can be very effective if performed at full extension with correct form. If it gets too easy for you you can increase the number of repetitions or sets as per your requirements.

Your primary focus should be completing these workouts in the minimum time period. As you get better, you can try and complete the workouts quicker. Maintain maximum intensity. There are easier versions of some of the workouts if things get too difficult.

SQUATS 20 REPETITIONS

1. Stand with arms extended forward.
2. Squat down by bending hips back while allowing knees to bend forward, keeping back straight and knees pointed same direction as feet.
3. Descend until thighs are just past parallel to floor.
4. Squat up by extending knees and hips until legs are straight.
5. Return and repeat

TRICEP DIPS 15 REPETITIONS

1. Mount shoulder width dip bar, arms straight with shoulders above hands.
2. Keep hips straight.
3. Lower body until slight stretch is felt in shoulders.
4. Push body up until arms are straight.
5. Repeat.

(YOU CAN PERFORM THIS SAME MOVEMENT ON THE FLOOR WITH THE SUPPORT OF A CHAIR OR SOMETHING SIMILAR.)

PUSHUPS 10 REPETITIONS

1. Lie prone on floor with hands slightly wider than shoulder width. Raise body up off floor by extending arms with body straight.
2. Keeping body straight, lower body to floor by bending arms. Push body up until arms are extended.
3. Repeat.

PUSHUPS ON TRX (ADVANCED):

You can up the ante by propping your feet up on the trx suspension straps. This challenges your stability and engages your core, making this simple exercise that much more difficult.

PUSHUPS ON KNEES:

If normal pushups are too difficult, you can tone the difficulty down by doing pushups on your knees.

PULL-UPS 5 REPETITIONS

1) Step up and grasp bar with overhand wide grip.

2) Pull body up until chin is above bar.

3) Lower body until arms and shoulders are fully extended.

4) Repeat
 (If the pull-ups are too difficult to perform, you can build up to it by getting a partner to help with assisted pull-ups or do it with the help of TRX straps)

Ideally, you’d want to start a business in an economy where the market is ready. But that isn’t always the case. Under the Captainship of Gagan Pradhan, Himalayan Java went
in with all guns blazing at a time when the coffee market of Kathmandu was far from welcoming. For a predominantly tea drinking community the internationally loved bitter beverage turned out to be a bit of an acquired taste. It took a while for Himalayan Java to get things rolling, but despite going against the grain the name has prospered into a brand that initiated and sustained an entirely new culture and industry.

“SOMETIMES, IT ISN’T JUST ABOUT WAITING FOR THE THINGS TO BE JUST RIGHT. SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO GO AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES AND FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS, EVEN IF IT MEANS THAT YOU HAVE TO WORK HARDER AT IT THAN EVERYONE ELSE”

Sometimes, it isn’t just about waiting for the things to be just right. Sometimes you have to go and create opportunities and follow your instincts, even if it means that you have to work harder at it than everyone else. Gagan Pradhan followed his gut feeling and persevered to turn his entrepreneurial venture into a success despite the odds. There are many people who seek opportunities abroad believing that Nepal has absolutely nothing to offer, Gagan Pradhan had set out to prove these people wrong. Sixteen years later he has done just that.

“I make quick decisions,” he explained as we drank coffee at a meeting table in his office. I had ordered an Americano for myself while I waited for him. He got me another one, insisting the one I had was too cold to drink. The well lit room had several boxes
 of coffee equipment stacked on the wall mounted racks; I’d never seen them before and couldn’t really tell what any of them did. “I’ll deal with the consequences of my decisions, but there is no point taking forever to make a decision. While you contemplate the pros and cons of your idea, someone else will make a quicker decision and start things off.”

Gagan Pradhan studied in Australia and like many students studying abroad, he survived on coffee and chocolate. Once he came back to Nepal, he worked as a front desk manager in a five-star hotel for a while and soon realized he could do much better. There were no coffee houses in Nepal, and Gagan acted promptly to fill the gap. But it wasn’t just about filling a gap that seemed like a lucrative opportunity. He knew more about coffee than the average man, so he had an edge; and he was skilled with numbers and unafraid to work hard. But Gagan was also passionate about coffee and he wanted to create a place where people like him could enjoy the services of a good coffee house.

Not too surprisingly, the business wasn’t an overnight success, not by a long shot. Negative feedbacks outweighed positive ones. That was partly because the market wasn’t accustomed to the culture of drinking coffee or to the environment of coffee houses. Stories were shared over roadside tea shops or in a generic cafés with marble top tables and metal chairs. People complained about the name of Himalayan Java because many found it misleading.

“There were so many times when people came in looking for a computer service shop and went back disappointed,” reminisced Pradhan “But I was enjoying that. I was trying to create something completely new in the market and I knew it was going to take some time before it finally caught on.” While opening a coffee shop and integrating a new culture into the country was the primary objective, Gagan Pradhan was adamant on promoting Nepali coffee. Sixteen years later, this mission still drives the company forward.

“Most investments have a payback period of 3-5 years.” he explained, “so when you do a business patience is the most important thing. As an investor I always believed that you need to dream big. There were difficult times, but I never felt like I had made a wrong decision. I never had the time to
sit and think or regret or anything because I was happily involved in what I was doing. “

When Himalayan Java first started out, it functioned under the efforts of a small team that was headed by Gagan Pradhan himself. The day started at seven in the morning and ended when the clock struck 10 in the evening. He made sure he put in hard work every day. He worked the coffee machines, cash counters, and mopped the floors.

“The best way to get the people around to put in their best effort
is by setting an example. When your employees see you cleaning tables and mopping floors, they automatically work harder.” Pradhan might not be wiping tables and cleaning floors anymore, but his energy and effort has not depleted. He starts the day out at seven in the morning and makes it a point to try and visit each of the Himalayan Java outlets inside the city every day. Now that he isn’t involved in the operational functioning, he has had the chance to strategize and expand his business. Today, there are several outlets all over the country and a very recent one was opened in Omaha, Nebraska USA.

Himalayan Java changed the
face of the coffee industry in Nepal. Gagan Pradhan went a step further and expanded the business’s portfolio by opening Nepal’s first Barista workshop. They are also the sole distributors of various coffee equipment and products such as coffee machines, grinders, blenders, tamping pad etc.

The fact that whether or
not Nepal has a conducive environment for a lucrative business to prosper has been hotly debated. Gagan Pradhan
has in many ways proved the potential of Nepal’s economy
and possibilities for sustaining a successful business. “People who have not done business in Nepal are reluctant to start something here. It is my personal judgment but that is what I believe. I’m running a coffee shop and a couple of things are important to the operation
of my business: electricity, good quality water, and good quality milk. Our country lacks in all three, I’m still running a coffee shop. And the FnB business is still growing.

“I WAS TRYING TO CREATE SOMETHING COMPLETELY NEW IN THE MARKET AND I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO TAKE SOME TIME BEFORE IT FINALLY CAUGHT ON”

It is difficult to sustain in Nepal,
but it isn’t impossible. People are so used to working 9 to 5 that they can’t imagine risking the routine life. They do nothing for the country yet make comments about the country. Either come back to the country, or don’t make comments about it.”
We met up again at Bouddha’s Himalayan Java outlet. It took
him over a decade to find an available and suitable place in Bouddha for his Java outlet. At
long last, he was able to work out
a deal for a beautiful spot right
next to the Bouddhanath stupa
that was on sale. The location was previously occupied by a thakali food restaurant which happened to catch Pradhan’s fancy. It wasn’t only because of the location but the food and service too. Gagan Pradhan has always had a penchant for acting on instinct and he saw an opportunity here too. Moreover, the idea of a thakali kitchen coincided with the mission of his institution: promoting Nepali products and values.

So, instead of selling the restaurant equipment and furniture for scrap value, Gagan Pradhan opened
up a premium joint dedicated to Thakali food. The head chef really impressed Pradhan too. “We decided we were going to use his expertise, our investment to start something in the FNB industry with this combo.

I did not just hire him as a chef but made him my business partner.” Gagan elucidated on how Nilgiri Thakali Delights was established.

Gagan Pradhan has made a mark in the industry and played an integral role in the establishment of the coffee shop industry. Today there are hundreds of coffee houses all over the Capital, but it is important to keep in mind that when Gagan Pradhan decided to open up Himalayan Java the coffee drinking culture was almost nonexistent. Despite the shaky economic environment and reluctant market, Himalayan Java was able to prosper into a booming business. There are few other businesses in the industry that have as many outlets as Himalayan Java and now Pradhan has expanded with Nilgiri Thakali Delights.

“THIS TIME I HAVE MY HANDS ON FARMING I HAVE TO BE MORE CAREFUL”

Taking things further, Gagan Pradhan is finally looking into coffee agriculture. The government and several agencies including Himalayan Java have been encouraging farmers to grow coffee. According to official figures, Nepal now has 1,700 hectares of coffee plantation, more than 10 times the area 20 years ago, when coffee cultivation started picking up. “I don’t think importing coffee matches with my mission and I still stick with the vision of promoting Nepali coffee. Now, after 16 years of running Himalayan Java, this year I am finally getting into farming.

I do not think that it is okay to do everything at once. I believe in doing what I am good at. I was good at managing and running a coffee shop. This time I have my hands on farming I have to be more careful.”

His journey from an entrepreneur treading into murky waters as a coffee shop owner to a juggernaut of the food and beverage industry has been spectacular. There are few other businesses that have expanded as aggressively and successfully as Himalayan Java. And from the looks of it, Gagan Pradhan is not slowing down any time soon.

Telegraphs were the primary means of long distance communication back when Min Bhadur Bham was growing up in Mugu. The message had to be clear, concise and limited to a few words. Min sneaked into these telegraph centers and eavesdropped when he could. When he got the chance, he would write down messages for the elderly people mediating the messages to their loved ones working in India. A simple telegram would ignite a series of ideas that would weave itself into intricate tales in the mind of Min Bahadur and he would delve into his imaginations and into a different world of his creation. And so began the journey of the storyteller Min Bahadur Bham.

Kalo Pothi is a movie directed by Min Bahadur Bham. It is about two inseparable friends, who despite the difference in caste, embark on a journey to retrieve their lost hen. Despite a temporary ceasefire which had brought on some relief to the war ravaged northern village of Mugu, the two friends experience the frailty of the ceasefire during the Maoist insurgency.

Although the movie is far from the typical mainstream Nepali movie, it has enjoyed significant commercial success in the country. After bagging the Best Film at Venice International Film Festival, Critics Week, 2015, the success didn’t come as much of a surprise.

“I’m not the same person during this time because I try to detach myself from who I am.”

THE BEGINNING

Min Bhadur Bham graduated in Nepali Literature and Filmmaking and Post Graduate in Buddhist Philosophy and Political Science. He also created an independent film production company under the name of Shooney Films Pvt. Ltd. And with the recent international success of his debut feature, there is no question about his talents and abilities.

But the road to success was not easy, especially for a kid who
ran away from his home in Mugu
to chase a dream in the city. An independent spirit at heart, Min was not going to be tied down to his parents’ decisions about his life. He wanted to study theater, but his family had other things in mind. When he turned 14 Min ran away from home and came to Kathmandu after he finished his SLC bringing along with him the little money he had been saving up since he was twelve years old.

He came into Kathmandu and immediately enrolled himself into the Rastriya Naach Ghar (National Cultural Cooperation). The first year there he studied theater. Later, he went on to study acting in Gurukul, but eventually he specialized in direction.

Min’s father, who worked in the telecom business also opened a movie hall in Mugu. Min was lucky enough to grow up watching the movies that were screened there. He and his friends would frantically rush to watch the movies of Amitabh Bachchan, Mithun Chakraborty, Shiv Shrestha, and Bhuvan KC. While his friends grew out their hair and dreamt of one day becoming a movie star, Min Bahadur Bham was intrigued by the people behind the screen.

“Acting was never my foray, I always knew I was eventually going to be
a director, never an actor“ Min explained.

It took time to find his footing in the Capital though. The money he brought along with him eventually started running out and he wasn’t in touch with his family so he couldn’t ask them for money either.

“I didn’t even understand the language (when I came here). I used to look at ‘To-Let’ signs on houses and wonder why they had bathrooms (toilets) so high up in their houses. And even if they did, I didn’t understand the need to label them with a sign.

Even after getting a hang of the language, it was difficult to talk to
me with people. Talking to anyone readily was always a daunting task and there were nights when I waited at the bus stop longing for a conductor to catch my eye so I could ask for a free ride because I didn’t have a rupee on me. For a guy coming from Karnali to Kathmandu, the lights seem a lot brighter here.”

In every person’s life there is a spark that ignites something within. It is
a matter of how eagerly you follow that spark. Once the flame is created, it doesn’t take long to spread. That spark was lit in Min with the first time he watched his first movie. That was a long time ago.

THE IDEA

As mild mannered and soft spoken as Min Bahadur Bham is in person, he is fiercely passionate when it comes to his work. He has a distinct and methodical process of working on each project.

“I write the storyline in one sitting, but that is just the base of the idea. It takes a lot of building and work that goes into it. I let the idea ferment in my brain for a couple of months and I let the idea take me entirely, in everything that I do, with everyone I meet and all my daily activities. This is when I usually travel. It helps me think.”

On average, a single project takes three to five years of complete dedication.

“Ten years ago, the average life expectancy of the people of Mugu was 46years, maybe it’s 50 now. Because I come from Mugu, I’m going to assume I follow a similar timeline. That means I barely have 20 years left on the clock, 10 years of which I spend awake.

I end up dedicating 25% of my remaining life into a single project. If you can’t enjoy what you do, there is no point in doing it. Regardless of the end result and acclaim, I love what I do and I do it for the process. Enjoying the process of movie making is the best example of happiness for me.”

“Patience has always been keen for me. In every person’s life there is a spark that ignites something within. It is a matter of how eagerly you follow that spark. Once the flame is created, it doesn’t take long to spread.”

WRITING

“Writing is a long, lonely process. It demands patience and perseverance. You put in a lot of energy to what you do and you go through the joys and turmoil which no one else can see. There is no one else but you. Writing keeps you in the present and makes you aware about what you are doing at that moment, and the past and future have no say here. It’s meditation.”

“We’re always living each of our moment under separate cloaks. We are never our true selves. But
when you’re writing you get to know who you are. What your levels of anger, rage, sadness etc are and you get a medium to express all of that. It is a release of emotions that I have been keeping pent up in myself. It’s like standing stark naked in front of the mirror; you get to see your true self.”

CHARACTERS

“The most difficult part of this is making sure my individualistic personality is not transferred into my character. Detaching myself from the character is a tedious process because you are naturally inclined to base a few of your own mannerisms into your characters.

Once a character begins to resemble you in some aspect or the other, it becomes contagious. Before you know it, other characters begin to show some of your characteristics as well. Ensuring that each character retains a uniquely individual characteristic is an important part of what I do.

After the creation of the character it takes time to bring him/her to life. I spend time with each of the characters that I create to learn what makes them happy, what makes them sad, and how they react to different situations.

The process is intricate and takes a lot out of you. You spend each waking hour of your life with these characters and they visit them in your dreams.
I’m not the same person during this time because I try to detach myself from who I am.”

ON SUCCESS AND GRATIFICATION

“I am happy to be where I am today, but I’d love to regain the level of energy and passion I had back when I came here. The joys of one successful venture ends with the completion of that project. You learn from it, and move on to the next journey, which can be the next project. You learn and you move on. ”

“It’s important to do your best to not to mix personal life with your work. That’s why I travel and meditate so much when I work. Detachment is important”

ON FREEDOM

“I’ve always created a distance between the materialistic things in life. I left home, stayed in a hostel, but mostly detached myself from the bonds and relationships of society. I’ve never felt the need to travel in my own car or live in a big house. It’s weird but I have been deliberately trying to do this because attachments weigh you down like a heavy blanket. Free yourself from your attachments and it gives you freedom, at least it does for me.”

I was also a bookworm when I was a child, I’d have my nose buried into books all the time. The best thing about it is that different books teach you different lessons .I preferred autobiographies because I liked how people went through in their lives. For instance Nelson Mandela’s book teaches you a lot about patience and how to get along in any kind of situation.

The teaching of Buddha’s also helped me develop a broader perspective. I used to read and understand the lessons which used to make sense to me. When you read books you are inspired by the sayings and that calms you as a person.

Gopal Kakshapati’s father passed away when he was very young, that’s when he moved with his mother, elder brother, and sister to the then hippie central of Kathmandu: Jhonche. Accommodating into another family wasn’t easy, but they managed to make ends meet. Gopal Kakshapati’s elder brother, Shyam Kakshapati, began working early and opened up a small grocery shop when he completed his SLC. Gopal soon followed suit and involved himself in the same store.

“I always wanted to study anthropology,” explained Gopal Kakshapati who majored in Economics. He then thought of getting
into interior designing, but that didn’t really work out either. “Getting into the restaurant business was pure coincidence.”

Their business of a small grocery store in Ratnapark paved ways towards Café
De Park, a small restaurant that served western cuisine; hamburgers and pizzas, nothing too extravagant. Nevertheless, it was something new and it set the stage for what would become the biggest fast-food franchise in Nepal’s history till date; Nanglo. Café De Park evolved into the Nanglo Café and Pub in 1976 and moved to Durbarmarg where it reigned supreme for almost 38 years.

We were very young when we started it and, to be honest, there were no particular strategies that we implemented. We weren’t economists or researchers, we didn’t do any surveys either. We started with passion, and we continued with patience and discipline. Without hard work and consistency no business can sustain itself.

Life has its ups and downs, for everyone. I really don’t think there has been any particular point in life which has put me down for too long, you just keep going.

People used to look down upon us and call us names because we cooked food and washed used dishes. We were not welcome in a lot of places but we did not let it get to us. You have to believe in yourself and stick to what you do.

Had we given up and let people’s opinions define our potential, I do not think Nanglo would have been what it is today. We persevered through the social pressure and stigma for almost a decade and it was difficult but we were never quitters.

Over the years, his ventures diversified. One of the biggest achievements under his belt is the biggest beauty pageant in the nation, Miss Nepal. Organized and conducted by the Hidden Treasures, where Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshapati is Chairman, Miss Nepal has seen over two decades of success.

Back in the days, girls only mingled with the girls and the boys hung out with the boys. There was a distinct division and that was the way it was. it went on for quite a long while. There were several leadership training programs that we would conduct when I was the President at Kathmandu Jaycees, and it was terribly difficult to find female participants. They would always find an excuse to misconstrue leadership as involvement in politics. Nevertheless, I was adamant
to get female members into the program because it is necessary to empower the youth, which includes both the sexes. After
a whole lot of observation, I assumed one way to attract female participants to these programs was if we added a hint of glamour factor to it. That would mean disguising it as a beauty pageant. Although it required some persuasion, I got the rest of the committee members on board the idea. I even managed one of them to go with me to India and watch the 1993 Miss India. As luck would have it, we met the Editor of Femina Magazine, who offered to send some people to help out with the initiation of what would be Miss Nepal. But I thought it would be better to create our own team and do it ourselves.

This would be a massive undertaking, one filled with apprehension and uncertainty, but we had a team that was up for it. I brought together people I knew who were capable of different things.

The first Miss Nepal was completed under Kathmandu Jaycees. But for an organization that changed Presidents every year, it would have been difficult to keep Miss Nepal going consistently. There had to be a dedicated entity to carry it out. That’s how Hidden Treasures came into fruition in 1995. Later, Kathmandu Jaycees and Hidden Treasure collaborated together in order to organize Miss Nepal and it has worked pretty well so far.

Today, Miss Nepal is a formidable entity which
has become a household name. Nevertheless, it did go through shaky times. From last minute rehearsal mishaps to agitated pressure groups shouting slogans against the beauty pageant; Miss Nepal did not have it easy at first.

Life has its ups and downs, for everyone. I really don’t think there has been any particular point in life which has put me down for too long; you just keep going.

Despite an easygoing lifestyle and philosophy, Gopal Kakshapati is extremely passionate about his work. And it is important when you’re undertaking a massive empire. Nanglo has become a massive franchise, one of the most prominent and longest running in the nation. Still, they have been able
to maintain a staggeringly impressive employee turnover of 15-20 years.

Two things are to be kept into consideration while working with me, one is sincerity and the other one is perfection. I believe that without this you cannot be consistent. Without sincerity and the need to achieve perfection you stagnate.
Discipline brings order while its
absence brings disorder and chaos. The discipline he expects from his team Gopal demonstrates in his daily lifestyle.

I wake up by 5:15am and make sure I get to the gym by 6am and make it to the office by 9:30. Then it’s the usual working day till 5:30 in the evening. If I do not have events to attend to I go home and have my dinner at 8. I have a pretty simple lifestyle.

Becoming a successful person requires
a fair bit of luck, but even more skill and determination. Things weren’t any different for Gopal Kakshapati. His story isn’t a rags to riches fairy tale that came true overnight. Nevertheless, over the years, being able to manage people has been a major part of his success.

You have to be a good human being and be emphatic. Being honest with what
you do and the ability to put yourself in other people’s shoes makes you a better manager. I respect the value of my work and I make sure I dignify other people’s work. Our employees value us and choose to stick with us because we respect their work sincerely.

The difficulties of balancing a hectic lifestyle, particularly one where you are constantly in the periphery of the most beautiful women in the country, with a steady personal life is a gargantuan act.

I did not start Miss Nepal just to glamorize the concept. I used glamour as an added incentive so more women would opt to join in on what in actuality is a platform for leadership development for the youth of the nation. It’s far from being all about glamour. Fortunately my wife supports and understands me a lot and lets me be. If you know what it takes to be in your profession and are crystal about it with everyone it helps a lot to be more balanced and manage it well.

You have to be a good human being and be emphatic. Being honest with what you do and the ability to yourself in other people’s shoes makes you a better manager.

One thing I know for sure is that you should be liberal and let people make their own decisions. So when I raised my children I never interfered with anything. My daughter wanted to study arts and I encouraged her to do what she is most passionate about. My son wanted to be
a chef after he finished his school. I was surprised, but I encouraged him to pursue what he wants. He finished his degree and now he manages the restaurant.

I think the key to social success is liberty and you give and take the liberty. Both parties should understand the concept and should not misuse the freedom.

As Miguel de Cervantes once said “In order to attain the impossible, one must attempt the absurd”, maybe that is what spurred Gopal Kakshapati to start Miss Nepal despite the naysayers. It could very well be the prime factor that set him on to the path of success.

There are a lot of moments that liberate me and make me happy and feel like I am successful. I don’t stop, though, and I always want to make sure I keep doing things that are innovative and new.

PHOTOS: BIBHAS M. SUWAL

Despite a smashing debut as the lead protagonist in the controversial movie Badhshala and fresh off the success of Talakjung vs Tulke, Khagendra Lamichhane (who portrayed the main character in this movie as well) insists he isn’t an actor and would rather not be defined as one. Born and raised in the modest village of Syangja, Khagendra Lamichhane has steered his life onto the path of success. Sans of luxurious material possessions or a lavish lifestyle, it might not be the first conclusion people come to; but the thing about success is, it isn’t always measured with the same yard stick for everyone. Born to a middleclass family of farmers, Khagendra never dreamed of becoming a rich man when he came to Kathmandu. It was his passion to become a writer that brought him to the Capital. Now he has a number of successful plays, books, a few years working at BBC Media Action, Nepal and an Oscar selected movie (from Nepal) under his belt.

However, success didn’t come overnight for Khagendra. As an opinionated youngster growing up in a close knit society of villagers, Khagendra’s suggestions and voice was often overlooked and suppressed. To find a release, he penned down his feelings and ideas which initially got him into the habit of writing. He cultivated his habits into a passion and a few years down the line he had his first novel ready. But with little to no money to publish the novel, Khagendra sold a gold chain his father had presented to him for a little over Rs.7000. His first novel was far from successful but it certainly got the ball rolling.

Walking into our office wearing a pair of simple flip-flops, jeans and a locally made t-shirt, Khagendra was an unassuming image of accomplishment. A man with a modest personality befitting the simple demeanor, we discover the story behind the writer of one of the best movies to come out of the Nepali movie industry.

 Would you like something to drink? Tea, coffee?

KL: A glass of water would be great.

Khagendra was waiting patiently when I came back with his glass of water. He accepted it with a gracious smile. Both of us took our seats and began with the interview.

TNM: Talakjung vs Tulke was a massive success. Is there a movie you are planning to involve yourself in next?

KL: I’m not planning on doing any movie any time soon. Despite what everyone says, I am not a movie actor by profession; at least that’s not what I aspire to be.

The answer caught me slightly off-guard, which must have shown in my tone of speaking.

TNM: You did a splendid job as Talakjung in the movie though.

KL: Don’t get me wrong, I love performing; but I am a writer at heart. In fact, one of the main reasons I ended up doing the movie was because I wanted to portray the role of Talakjung.

The True Story of Ah Q, written by the Chinese author Lu Xun, inspired the tale of Talakjung. I had dramatized the entire story into a play, and I loved it. And I wanted to act in it. But I had to pass on the chance when an employment opportunity at BBC Radio Nepal came by which was more important at that time.

But as soon as my stint at BBC was over I immediately began writing for a movie adaptation of the play. I still wanted to be Talakjung.

TNM: What was your job position at BBC Radio Nepal (BBC Media Action, Nepal)?

KL: I was there to write and direct radio dramas. I was part of a team that created ‘Katha Mitho Sarangi’ which turned out to become a very popular show. Two years into the job I was promoted to Senior Writer Producer and later the Department Head.

TNM: Was it good money?

KL: It was alright, but more than the money I loved my job. And to think I wasn’t even going to apply for the position.

Despite what everyone says, I am not a movie actor by profession; at least that’s not what I aspire to be.

TNM: Why is that? How did you end up applying for the job?

KL: The job vacancy announcement caught my eye right from the start, but one of the criteria said that candidates had to have a good hold of the English language. This wasn’t my strongest suit. My friends insisted I give it a shot but I was discouraged and had abandoned hope.

Jibesh, who is a good friend of mine, turns out took matters into his own hands and had applied for the job on my behalf. I was taken aback when I got a call from BBC to appear for an interview. There was a Nepali translator present during the interview, which went well considering it was my first ever interview.

I had a fair bit of experience to bank on which must have helped because I was shortlisted and later selected for the job. My job was to write and direct radio dramas and I was able to catch on really quick because I had been doing it for a long time.

TNM: How did you first get into writing dramas?

KL: I dove head first, that’s how it happened. In 2056BS I found myself competing alongside a group of friends at the Western District Drama Contest. Before that I hadn’t even watched a play.

Although we didn’t win, I loved the experience and I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

I enrolled myself into the Pratibimbha Theater Laboratory in Pokhara. After finishing my intermediate studies I came to Kathmandu and applied into Naachghar. During my time there I did my first solo drama at the Gurukul National Festival. The name of the play was Peedageet and to say I was nervous would be an understatement.

However, Sunil Sir (my teacher) egged me on. Fingers crossed, I wrote, directed and acted in the solo play which was very well accepted by the audiences. In fact it ran the entire course of the festival.

Ever since, I have been writing and directing plays. I’ve even acted in a few. One of my plays called ‘Pani Photo’ ran for 35 regular shows.

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat while Khagendra casually moved his empty glass from one hand to the other.

TNM: How did your family react to news of your choice in career?

KL: My parents aren’t the most educated people. They do their farming and live a simple life. Things were difficult at times but we’ve always pulled through and life is good. We’ve always lived a simple life. When I came to Kathmandu my parents my family didn’t want me to come back as a rich man, they wanted me to be a happy man.

They’ve always trusted in me and have always been supportive. I guess I’ve been really lucky to be blessed with such understanding parents.

TNM: How often do you spend time with your family?

KL: Whenever I go to Syangja I stay at home the entire time. I have my own small world with my family and that’s where I am most of the time. I do a fair bit of farming myself. I have a small area which I bought in partnership with two other friends. I grow 400 to 500 orange trees, a few guava trees and have a few goats. I’m also planning on growing Kiwis.

To be honest, this is where I feel like myself.

TNM: Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

KL: I’ve never thought about things that far ahead.

TNM: Are you working on anything now?

KL: I am currently doing some film editing for a project I have been working on called Pashupati Prasad. It is a character based social drama. These types of movies, which revolve around one central character are not very popular here. But I love writing them. It gives me the chance to delve into the deepest realms of the character and bring out more detail.

I’m also planning to conduct a play at Theater Village soon, and this will be after a 5 year hiatus from the play scene. Turns out the costs have skyrocketed since the last time I was there. And I am also coming out with a new novel, which will take me approximately 2 years.

Oh, and I have a story collection coming out in the month of Magh (January- February).

When I came to Kathmandu my parents, my family didn’t want me to come back as a rich man, they wanted me to be a happy man.

TNM: Before we finish things off, can we expect you on the screens of Nepali movies in the future?

KL: It isn’t my priority. I am not the biggest star in the industry and I don’t claim to be. But if something interesting comes up I’ll definitely give it a shot. But until then, I’m happy with my pen and paper.

Conversations dwindled and we bid adieu. As he departed, he left me with an entirely new perspective of a success story. It was the story of a boy from Syangja who came to the Capital with dreams of becoming a writer and ended up doing that and so much more. It didn’t consist of overnight fame, material wealth or popularity but it exemplified how living one’s dream and sustaining a simple life can be the biggest success in the world.

 PHOTOGRAPHY: BIBHAS M. SUWAL

Jyoti Karki has one of the best bodies in the movie business and he works hard for it. This guy is positively ripped. He came into limelight with his role in Zhingrana and is currently working on a few projects and teaching a few acting classes as well.

Jyoti is a graduate from Oscar International College, Nepal and he is a passionate actor making his way into the industry. A lean lanky fellow when he completed his SLC, Jyoti thought its better to utilize the money his father gave him on a gym membership rather than its intended purpose of computer class tuitions. While his family thought he was in class, Jyoti was lifting weights religiously at his local gym. It’s safe to say,

Microsoft Word didn’t have jack to do with his ripped body. Achieving 6 pack abs is the epitome of fitness. Not only does it represent a certain level of effort in the gym, but it also boasts of a relatively low body fat percentage. For this, both diet and exercise play important roles. Jyoti Karki has this down to a tee, and those abs speak for themselves. These are Jyoti’s favorite workouts that hit the abdominal muscles. After looking at his body, we won’t be arguing about their effectiveness. Here’s how to get the abs that are the envy of everyone you know.

6 TIPS FOR A 6 PACK

• TRAIN ABS HEAVY

Build some size on the abdominals so that they will press up against the skin, which will help out tremendously in achieving ripped abs. Doing hundreds of crunches a day will not help, intense heavy weight training will. A good rep range to work within is the 8-12 repetition range. Do one or two different abdominal exercises with a total of around 5-6 sets.

2) SMART CARDIO

Instead of hours on the treadmill, perform interval workouts where you max out for 30 seconds and then hop off and do 20 reps of exercise ball crunches (or other abdominal workouts). Repeat 5-8 times.

3) DRINK LOTS OF WATER

If you are properly hydrated, your fat burning rate remains optimum. Drinking more water increases your metabolism as well.

4) DON’T SKIP BREAKFAST

A healthy breakfast is the most important meal for a reason – it jumpstarts your metabolism for the entire day. Opt for protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates.

5) WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

Stick to a proper diet that is high on protein and low on carbs.

6) BUILD MORE MUSCLE

It is important to try to build up muscle mass on the rest of your body. More muscle mass will result in a higher BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and thus, more calories burned.

WORDS : TNM TEAM

PHOTOS : BIBHAS M. SUWA L