By Renuka Dhakal
Kathmandu, Aug. 23: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the film industry to a standstill. All movie theatres have been shut down and the filmmaking activities have been halted.
The pandemic has bewildered many associated with the industry for over a year. Shudarshan Thapa, one of the successful directors of the Nepali film industry, is no exception.

“I have no alternative to film and have no plan to shift from this profession. But COVID-19 has greatly confused me as I am unable to resume my work in films,” said Thapa.
According to Thapa, many filmmakers were excited during the first lockdown as they were planning new projects and spending their free time honing their skills. However, the second wave of coronavirus has frustrated everyone as they were unable to resume their works packed in March last year.

“During the first and second lockdown, I have worked on a few stories and have also planned for new projects, but looking at the current situation, I am not in hurry to jump to the new projects soon,” he said.
Director Thapa is an expert in making films based on love stories. Most of his love story films became box-office hit.

He debuted as a director from Mero Euta Saathi Chha in 2009, which was a huge success. The movie grabbed the attention of the youth and lured them to Nepali film industry.
From the same movie, lead actors like Namrata Shrestha and Aryan Sigdel also managed to hold a good grip in Nepali film industry. Thapa claimed the movie was a trainsetter film and it became a milestone of Nepali film industry in the genre of love story film.

The series of the film Prem Geet, also directed by Thapa, also became a hit. Thapa’s Ma Yesto Geet Gaauchhu helped him to reach the height of success. Songs of his films are often popular among the audience.
He has directed films like Ke Yo Maya Ho, Ram Kahani, Mero Love Story, Ma Yesto Geet Gaauchhu, Madhumas, Samhalinchh Kahile Man.
Along with the direction, he also did the lead role in Chankhe Shankhe Pankhe.

Although, he is known as a love story film director, he has shown his direction adroitness in other genres of films as well.
Thapa has presented himself as a multi-faceted director by directing and acting Chankhe Shankhe Pankhe, a patriotic film, and Dhanda, a thriller film.
Thapa is also known as a director who produced new actors and actress for Nepali film.

Aryan Sigdel, Pradip Khadka, Pooja Sharma, Namrata Shrestha, Paul Shah, Akash Shrestha came into the limelight after doing his film. His most talked-about films Ma Yesto Geet Gaauchhu 2 and Samhalinchh Kahile Man are stalled for indefinite period and with that millions of rupees invested in them have been frozen.
Now, he is desperately waiting for the time of normalcyto release his movies.