Documentary on Cham Bahadur Pun premiered

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, May 22:' An Exemplary Ex-Gurkha Soldier: Cham Bahadur Pun', a documentary directed by journalist Amrit Bhadgaule, depicts the struggles of a former Gurkha soldier dedicated to transforming his birthplace. The film conveys a strong message of love and devotion to one’s own native soil.

Cham Bahadur Pun, a former British Gurkha soldier, has become a shining example of how much one individual can contribute to the society. The documentary portrays his post-retirement contributions to the development of tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage in his birthplace, Ward No. 8, Kafaldanda of Annapurna Rural Municipality in Myagdi district.

Under his leadership and with community support, several cultural and tourism infrastructures have been established in Kafaldanda. These include the shrine of Karbakeli, the ancestral deity of the Pun community, a Pun community museum, and a community guesthouse. Additionally, a trekking route connecting Punhill, Karbakeli shrine, and Beni Bazaar has been branded as the “Karbakeli Eco Trek.”

Cham Bahadur Pun has also conducted extensive research on the deity Karbakeli Baba and has produced two films based on the lifestyle of the Pun community: Ejyu Part 1 and Ejyu Part 2. He did the role of the villain in both films. 

Despite his family having relocated to the UK, Pun spends most of the year in his native Kafaldanda. He served in the British Army for 15 prime years of his life, enlisting in 1973, and retiring in 1987. Following that, he served the Sultan of Brunei for 10 years. Upon returning, he dedicated himself fully to the upliftment of Kafaldanda. In 2000, he formed the “Karbakeli Research Committee” and formally entered into community service.

He has conducted in-depth studies on the traditions and culture of the Pun community and has penned several books. One notable work is his autobiographical book 'Lahureko Sangharsha' (“The Struggles of a Gurkha Soldier”), co-authoured with journalist Amrit Bhadgaule.

The documentary had its premiere on Tuesday in Kathmandu. Speaking about the film, human rights activist Mohna Ansari remarked, “It was heartening to witness Cham Bahadur's noble efforts for the development of his birthplace portrayed in this documentary.” Director Bhadgaule, Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi, writer Shekhar Kharel, and film director Rabi Sayami also offered their reflections at the event.

The documentary was produced by Radha Pun. Bhawani Shilakar served as the cinematographer, Sudip Shrestha as the video editor, Zee Pun composed the background score, and Bitu Maharjan designed the poster.