Sushil Rajopadhyay on Sustainability Issues in Nepali Cinema
23rd September 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepali film industry continues to face challenges in creating a sustainable environment, leaving investors and artists increasingly frustrated.
Sushil Rajopadhyay Sustainability Issues
According to actor and writer Sushil Rajopadhyay, optimism is scarce, especially when it comes to films centered around various languages and communities.
Rajopadhyay explains that with insufficient audience numbers in Nepal, creating films that can attract enough investment is difficult. “In neighboring countries, films with hundreds of millions in investment are praised as amazing, but in Nepal, even films made with millions often fail to create the same impact,” he said.
Investment Challenges and Piracy
He further added, “To make a quality film here, large investment is necessary, but the environment to recoup that investment does not exist, putting investors at risk.” Traditionally, films reached audiences via CDs and VHS, but piracy has made safeguarding investments even harder.
Currently, he observes, the culture of going to theaters is declining, and mobile phones keep audiences occupied, shrinking the permanent viewer base.
Concerns Over Government Support
Rajopadhyay, a lead actor in the historical Nepal Bhasa film Jaman: Gubhaju, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s role in the film industry. “On paper, the government is supposed to help, but in reality, it does not support films or artists positively. Even passing censorship requires significant expenses,” he said.
Career Highlights and Jaman: Gubhaju
Recalling his early days in dubbing, Rajopadhyay said films like Jaman: Gubhaju helped establish his identity. “Among the films I’ve worked on, Jaman: Gubhaju was especially well-received. Many people now address me as Jaman Gubhaju, the character, rather than Sushil Rajopadhyay. The character has become synonymous with me.”
Through Jaman: Gubhaju, he has revived a 400-year-old historical character, a trusted tantric advisor to 17th-century Kantipur King Pratap Malla. He remains actively involved in promoting Newar culture and traditions.
Theater Experience and Advice to New Artists
Having acted in over 40 films and dozens of plays, Rajopadhyay emphasizes the unique experience of theater, where artists receive immediate audience feedback. Addressing aspiring artists, he warned, “Entering this field is not for personal gain but for dedication and satisfaction. It is useful to come with knowledge and commitment, but if the intention is only to appear on screen, this field will only bring hardship.”
Despite some institutions being active in theater and the arts, Rajopadhyay notes that attracting audiences remains difficult, requiring courage and determination to sustain a career in the industry.
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