Meet Subarna Thapa | Actor / Writer / Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Subarna Thapa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Subarna, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I’m origin from Nepal. Brought up in a lower middle class family. I had seven siblings. My parent have land and properties. I can say that they have not harvest but sell the pieces of land to nurtures us and fulfill the family needs. I was raised in different town in Nepal. Nevertheless, my parent were from capital city, Kathmandu. I was born in Terai( souther region of Nepal). I don’t have childhood friends. Brought up by my mother and sisters, I have witnesses very closely the universe of the women in our society. Nepal is dominated by patriarchal society.
I finished my bachelor degree commerce in Kathmandu. Independent from the age of 18, I earn my living while I was in college faculty. Worked in Hotel and Trekking agency.

In parallel of study and job, I was fascinated by theatre and cinemas. I get chance to auditionned in French culture centre for a theatrical creation, a play called “Antigone” in ’94. I was selected and from there my journey started.
Curious by nature, I always fascinated by any kind of art form; Dance, Movement, poetry, sports… I was seduced by the theatre, lights, costumes, texts. I was looking to have my own identity, importance and glamorous aspect of showbiz business.

The French culture in Kathmandu opened me the opportunity to discover another world- France!
I get opportunity to heighten my artistic career abroad. After a theatrical journey and developing my experience of artiste I adventure simultaneously in the cinema. I worked on my personal subject matter; exile, fear, absence, solitude. My very first film “Funeral” was funded by National centre of Cinematography (CNC-France)
Most of my films deals the universe of woman. My film, its subject matter, theme denounce the position of women in Nepali society. May be my film is the reflection on how I raised up and how I see the world around me from the age of childhood, adolescence and fatherhood.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I m not a born artiste. I develop myself with practice. I really imposed myself in this field and make my own identity. I’m the only person in my family who adventure in a artistic career. I’m proud that the journey I choose, my life experiences is much more exciting and challenging and always confront with the imprévisible which is exciting. My determination, constancy, disciplined life and hardworking are the open secrets of my success. Believe in what I’m doing, I’come from “no where” a marginal man- I left behind the comfort life in France- a bit of sacrifice, yes I sacrifice normal life. And still struggling artist. One should pursue his/her inner voice. Listen to it. Success doesn’t matter but your struggles and desire to attempt your goal is important.

As a filmmaker I always keep in my mind to say a story. There’s the story which must be told and given possibility to watch.

There is a various kind of cinema in the world and I would like people remember the mine as well.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First of all I’ll ask him what are his plans? — I would definetly suggest him the place/site that has marked the history of the region; I would take him to the place that has inspired me and recalled this friend’s existance or absence— We, people are human being- social creatures- whatever our temperament is; a ounce of time we love to be social—
Diversity is an aspect that enrich every individual. I’ll propose to explore that dimention offered by the law and nature…
I’ll give him/her to explore and experience the unknown itinerary with cautiousness.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First of all I would like to thank the people, my friends, my collaborators, my children; I always struggled to bring out the best of myself and bring some smiles to them. Books and Cinemas has been always a nice reference to me. A kind of my strength when I lack of inspiration.

Regarding my phase of life there’s always been tremendous people who gave me reason to be and keep up my artistic career.

The real life characters are always been a kind of mirror to guide me— to inspire me. I took myself as a mediator to raise their voices to be heard or to listen…

Twitter: @subarnathapa1

Facebook: Subarna Thapa

Image Credits
Devaki Bist