Uttam Pradhan: Sikkim’s export to Nepal


He made his mark in his very first film convincingly portraying a character of a blind college going student to perfection that capitulate him to the stardom in Kollywood, Nepal’s version of Hollywood. More than six years and having appeared as a lead actor in 14 films and another 14 film on the roll, Uttam Pradhan is one of the Nepal’s busiest artistes.
The success of Darpan Chaya gave a new dimension to the world of Nepali cinema. It was simultaneous released in 11-cinema house before Katmandu and completed 51 days where in Birtamore cinema hall it ran for 111 days. Darpan Chaya was one of the Nepal’s biggest money-spinners.
Born in Singtam, Uttam Pradhan is today Sikkim’s recognition in Nepal and a role model for any youngsters who thrive to dream big in the world of cinema. Uttam Pradhan is at his hometown Singtam for the construction of his new house and this correspondent caught him for some talk.

Q 1. It has been after long time you are in Singtam, how did it happened?
UP: Yes, it has been. This time around I will be here for some time since I have started the construction of my house here.

Q 2. From the streets of Singtam to the world of Kollywood, where do you find yourself today?
UP: To compare the life at Singtam with that in Nepal is difficult. When I am here at home I am the same old Uttam Pradhan more or less one of the locals but at Nepal the life is very hard to survive as an actor, each morning is a new struggle. Uttam Pradhan today has made a niche for himself as an actor and that could have never happened without the love and warmth given by my fan and well wishers. I find myself fortunate to be accepted by the masses.
Q3. Darpan Chaya was your swan song but people say your personal best was in a teleserial Mukti.
UP: Infact it’s true that Darpan Chaya gave me name and fame but Mukti helped me out to learn many things like facing camera, dialogue delivery and it helped to develop my confident. My role in Mukti was different from the regular films I am doing so people remember it.
Q 4 How was Mukti and Darpan Chaya offered to you?
UP: I got introduced with Tulshi Ghimeray Dai through one of my good friend Arun Pal in Singtam. Arun already had acted under Tulshi Dai’s direction and we met for the first time at Sangrila Hotel in Singtam. Tulshi Dai might have seen something on me so he offered me a role for his first TV serial Mukti without any screen test. Even today I can recall that day, I was very nervous and I could feel my whole body shaking. I had washed my face thrice before the first meet. Mukti was shot at locations of Nepal. It was after the completion of the dubbing of Mukti, Tulshi Dai invited me to Kalimpong and offered me a Nepali movie with three leading characters where I was to be one of the three. He did not tell me the name of the movie then but after all finalizations it was announced the film was Darpan Chaya. I was to play a character of a blind college student.

Q5. Did you ever realize that working in a serial was never your dream?
UP: I was always obsessed with films since childhood and encouragement and support from my family and friends made me realize my dream. I never questioned Tulshi Dai’s offer. In my mind it was clear that to work with a legend like Tulshi Ghimeray in the first step itself is an opportunity and I did not wanted to miss the chance.


Q5. How was it to act as a blind character in the very first film of your career?
UP: Well it was really a tough character but I did prepare myself before the shooting started. I was advised by Tulshi Dai to visit a blind school at Kalimpong. I was there for one week with one of Tulshi Dai’s friend who also had lost his vision.

Q6. How did you react when you were chosen for the best newcomer in Kollywood?
UP: I never expected the award since every one was sure Sushil Chettri was the strong contender for the award. Apart from that the nominees included names like Navin Shrestha, Manoj Adhikari and Nikhil Adhikari. When the clips for the best male newcomer was shown in the screen on the stage I took off from my bench and moved towards the back row where music director Sachin Singh was sitting. I simply had no chance but when my name was announced as the winner I was dumb. Even today I still remember my nervous shaking body in the evening when Krishna Malla and Sharmila Malla handed me the trophy.

Q7.Ever since the huge successes of your first film you are typecast as a simple happy go lucky guy. Your comments.
UP: Inside film world, first impression is the last and since the mass has appreciated me in the role I am doing I have no complain. I do like to try in an action movie or try at comedy but since I am enjoying my work it is okay.

Q8.Who is your role model and your dream role?
UP: I find Aamir Khan the most versatile actor and being grown with Hindi films I see him as my role model. For me any role that gives me scope of emotion, comedy, and action in a single movie is my dream role.

Q9. Your forthcoming movies…
UP: Few of my films are ready for release that includes Pyari Bahini, Pareni Maya Jaal Mah, Lekhanta, Phool Koh Thunga and others.

Q10. How did you felt when you were picturised to the song sang by legend in Nepali and Hindi music world Udit Narayan?
UP: Every actor tell me I am fortunate that usually I get the best songs of the movie and my personality in the movie has the heroine finally united with me. I am fortunate ever and getting Udit Narayan to sing for me in my very first movie had great sentiments. We have grown hearing his song and to lip sync to his song was a pleasure. Apart from that I tell my friend at Singtam that I have done lip-sync to singers like Babul Supriyo, Jojo, Sonu Nigam and others.

Q11. What is your ultimate goal?
UP: Direction is my next venture and I am looking forward for it. Acting has given me name and fame and I would like to be the part of this business for long time. I want to help youngsters to this film world. And if I have to finally bid adieu this film line, chances are that I might join the politics. I was entertaining the audience in the movies and in a political arena I shall better serve them.

Q12. You being a successful lead actor in Nepal, you were never part of the recent 100 Nepali personalities to be honoured by the government of Sikkim. Don’t you deserve the honour?
UP: Awards cannot be begged and had it been a reward it was fine. The organisers of the big show might nave felt that I have not reached the level to get such a recognisation. Better luck next time. I hope my day will also come.

Q13. You are doing many movies with Dilip Rai Mazhi and Neeruta Singh do you share special bond with them.
UP: Why only Dilip and Neeruta, I have a good relation with all of my co-artiste and since my public finds our chemistry good on screen we are repeated. I have worked with many technicians and artiste I have enjoyed each one’s company. They have helped me when I was not giving my best shots, I thanked each one and they all are my good friends.

As told to Shital Pradhan

r u a relative of Uttam Pradhan?

No But I Personally Know Him. We Used To Study At The Same School. He Was Three Class Senior To Me.