Nirisha Basnett speaks about her next web show making it in the industry without a godfather and more.
1. Tell us about your new show. How did you bag it?
I don’t think the word crazy fits to describe this show. It’s a crazy pro-max investigative action dramedy.
I had originally auditioned for another character. I didn’t get the role. But a couple of days later I got a call again, and I was asked if I knew any form of weapon fighting-“nunchuck’ in particular. I am a trained swordfighter and know a few tricks of knifefighting too. Most weapon fighting has the same basics, so I confidently said yes. So they asked me to audition for another character called Z. The moment I got the script, I knew I was meant for the role because I had been preparing and praying for this kind of role for 4 years because it’s been 4 years since I started my martial arts journey.
2. What was your last show, and do you think making it in the industry without a godfather is difficult?
The last show I did is yet to be released. My major release before the show is Aashiqana S2 for Disney Plus Hotstar again. When I first started, I knew nobody. But having given 7 years in the industry, most work calls I get today are from the references of people I have worked with. God bless them. I am a big believer in the saying, “Your network is your net worth.” I also believe that having a Godfather does ease down on the process and cut down on the waiting game. If I had a Godfather, I wouldn’t have to wait for these many years to crack something huge and for people to take me as a serious actor. But no matter what, godfather or no godfather, in the long run, it’s a mix of hard work, talent, network, and a pinch of luck.
3. How did you think of leaving Nepal and pursuing a career in Mumbai?
My mom is extremely strict. They say strict parents create sneaky children, and I am one fine example of it.
I wanted the taste of freedom and to explore the world. So I applied to be an air hostess for an international airline. The interview was in Mumbai, and I randomly flew here without anyone’s knowledge. I didn’t get the job. It was a 5-day trip to Mumbai, and I was just being a solo traveler and meeting new people. One of them told me that I should move to Mumbai and try my luck in modeling because I look pretty and my personality is outspoken. I took him seriously. I got back to Nepal, packed my bags, and moved back within 2 weeks without my family’s knowledge. That was only possible because they were in Australia. In a way, I kinda ran away from my home to pursue a path unknown in Mumbai.
4. How has the journey been so far?
Ahh. I could write a book on it. I get extremely emotional when I look back at my journey. On one hand, I have rejoiced in freedom, fame, friendship, wisdom, and independence; on the other, I have cried for better days, prayed until sunrise, trained harder, longed to be with my mom and dad, become broke, felt extremely lonely, and picked myself up over and over again. In short, the journey has been nothing but a learning experience in many aspects of LIFE IN GENERAL.
5. What next in the pipeline?
I have shot for 2 projects, but luck seems to be testing. It’s been a while, and it hasn’t been released yet. Hopefully it happens soon. But other than that, I am hoping that Reeta Sanyal does really well and I get an abundance of action projects, including Reeta Sanyal season 2.
6. One of your closest friends in the industry, and why?
KHUSHI DUBEY. Our friendship actually grew stronger after Aashiqana got over. As an actor, I am always in awe of her work and performance. Even on set, it’s a delight to watch her because, why not? She has been in the industry for 20+ years. Because of our shooting schedule, we don’t get to meet often, but we talk on the phone almost every other day, and the conversation goes on for hours. We can talk about anything—unfiltered. And when we are together, the giggles and laughs never stop. We have been there for each other on extreme rainy days too. I am close to her mother also. We are extremely connected and share a sisterhood bond by now.
