Dawadi’s dashing performance as BP in Swargalya

Kathmandu, Oct. 10:With a tall and slender body with a pointed nose, when Chakra Prasad Dawadi, attired in Daura, Suruwal and coat with a black Bhadgaunle topi on the head and large spectacles, appeared in the stage, he really bore a striking resemblance to the late Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, the great democratic leader of Nepal.

It is what the audiences of Swargalaya, a Gaijatra show this year, felt.   

Possessing a gentle demeanour, Dawadi also holds unprecedented comedy talent.  

In ‘Swargalaya’ Dawadi portrayed BP Koirala and comedian Manoj Gajurel played the role of Madan Bhandari. 

Dawadi's comedic performance and his portrayal of BP Koirala received big applause from the public. 

Before the crowd of distinguished personalities including notable figures such as the late Subas Nembang, Sudan Kirati, the Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Rabi Lamichhane of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Gokul Prasad Baskota, Member of the House of Representatives, Yogesh Bhattarai, Rabindra Mishra, Kulman Ghising, and veteran comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha, Dawadi and Gajurel's performance was met with overwhelming joy and appreciation.

Hailing from Mangalbare in Ilam, Dawadi completed his schooling at Bhanubhakta Secondary School, Mangalbare, before moving to Kathmandu for higher studies. 

From his school days, he was deeply fascinated by art. He frequently participated in dramas and recited poems during his school years.

 In Kathmandu, he began watching the Deusi Bhailo comedy programme, which led him to meet comedians such as Krishna Murari Gautam aka Chatyang Master, Laxman Gamnage and many others. 

In 1998, under the leadership of Chatyang Master, Sisnu Pani Nepal was established, known for its comedy performances. Dawadi became a part of this organisation.

Despite his artistic ability, Dawadi often refers to himself as a part-time artist, performing mainly during Gaijatra and Deusi Bhailo events.

 Professionally, he is a teacher and is currently teaching at Grammar School/College and Valley View School.

 Although he has been active in the arts for over 25 years, he takes pride in being recognised as a teacher first. His father Chet Prasad Dwadi is also a retired high school teacher. 

He acknowledged veteran comedian Manoj Gajurel for his guidance and the opportunities he provided for his successful shows.

He and comedian Gajurel first collaborated in 2000 through ‘Y2K Sisnu Pani’ programme.

In the previous year's Gaijatra, Dawadi portrayed the then Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada, and delivered the Budget Speech, which was well-received by the audience.

 “Among all the Gaijatra shows I have performed in, my most recent portrayal as BP Koirala stands out as a significant success. The role deeply connected with the audience on an emotional level, and even today, people recognise me as BP Koirala. Some approach me with heartfelt emotions, while others humbly want to take pictures with me,” he said.

His physical resemblance to BP Koirala earned him a role in ‘Rajdrohi Rajneta’, a documentary based on BP Koirala produced by Shushil Koirala Foundation. 

During his role in ‘Rajdrohi Rajneta’,  Dawadi visited Sundarijal Jail where BP Koirala was imprisoned. He had an opportunity to use the items once utilised by BP Koirala during his time in jail, including the mattress, bedsheet, bed, diary, and pen. Using his belongings for shooting purposes too stirred deep emotions within him.

Though he has portrayed other figures in the past, none were as popular as his role of BP Koirala.

 When asked about the challenges of portraying BP Koirala, he shared that as a teacher he was familiar with Koirala’s life. However, to mimic his speech and mannerisms, he studied videos and spoke to those close to BP.

“I can't fully commit to acting due to my teaching responsibilities. I mostly perform during Gaijatra and Deusi Bhailo, and occasionally find time amidst my teaching schedule,” he said.

Though he is closely connected with the younger generation through teaching and understands their perception of Nepali comedy, he believes that, given the vast exposure young people receive from technology, it is crucial to impart cultural education to them. Education will shed light on Nepali art, culture, and their value, he said.

He has been in the teaching field for 25 years. He teaches Social Studies now and used to teach Population and Health Studies.

A versatile artist, Dawadi writes and recites parody poems and has been doing so since joining Sisnu Pani Nepal.

 He even portrayed Donald Trump’s wife with Manoj Gajurel, who played the role of former US president Trump in a Gaijatra show.

He is ready to act in a play that portrays a gentle role and imparts knowledge similar to BP Koirala and hopes to produce meaningful performances that highlight educational challenges and issues in future.