Tell us something about your upcoming film.

Zindagi Rocks is a movie about four teenagers. I think the film will help audiences to relive their teenage years. It’s a fun film and I am very hopeful that all kinds of viewers will be able to relate to it. We have tried to experiment with the cinematography as well. Music is the film’s strongest element. The sound-tracks have been composed by Sugam Pokhrel, Kamal Khatri, Sanjeet Shrestha and Pushpan Pradhan, and they have all done a remarkable job of it.

How did you decide to take the leap from making music videos to directing a film?

I have been working in television for almost a decade now, and it has given me a lot of ideas regarding production and direction. So I decided to start making music videos four years ago, and I have learned heaps during the period. Moreover, the videos I made for Suraj Thapa’s song Bahula and Sugam Pokhrel’s Mero Jeevan helped me pivot to filmmaking. My family and friends were very encouraging; without them I wouldn’t have attempted this in the first place. But I must say, a feature is much more challenging. I have put in a lot of hard work into the upcoming film and I hope the audience will enjoy it.     

You must have a busy schedule working in television, music videos and now films. What do you do when you have time for yourself?

I love travelling. I like going out on long drives. I also enjoy hiking and trekking. If somebody plans a trip, then I’d never say no. Even if I have to take leave from the office or shoot, I do that. I always like to go and explore nature and especially prefer places with waterfalls. Among the places I’ve been to, I really liked Langtang. The landscape there is wonderful. Even though the trip was only for six days, I enjoyed each and every moment of it. Next, I really want to go to Ladakh. I’ve heard so much about the place and I hope to go there some time very soon.

What kinds of films do you like to watch? Any favourite filmmakers?

I am a huge movie buff and I always head to theatres on Fridays and Saturdays to catch up on new releases. The last movie I watched was Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya. Since I have been occupied with the shooting of a music video, I’ve not had an opportunity to see Kick yet. But I can’t wait.

I find inspiration in the works of Karan Johar and Mahesh Bhatt. They always manage to produce something fresh and vivid and their flicks are always entertaining. In fact, I try not to miss films produced under the Vishesh Films banner.

What do you think is your strength and weakness?

 I always try to think out of the box and keep experimenting. That would be my strength. Talking about weakness, I am an emotional person and I can hardly say no to people. Sometimes I wish I could change that habit of mine, though.

If you were not in this sector, what would you be doing?

I had never thought about working in the media. My plan earlier was to go to the US and study management there. Even after trying repeatedly, I was denied a visa. So I gave up on the idea and joined Nepal One television. I also took a course in filmmaking and eventually started working on making music videos. Now, I am glad that I wasn’t given the visa or else I’d never have been able to discover my passion. They say everything happens for good and I couldn’t agree more.

What gadget can you not do without?

That would be my cell phone. It’s the only gadget I’m obsessed with. Since I’m also active on social networking sites, I cannot do without my phone.

You have worked with many popular singers. Any memorable experiences?

Shooting for Sugam Pokhrel’s song Mero Jeevan was quite memorable. Initially, when Sugam told me that Sunil Pokhrel would be acting in the video, I’d become very nervous. Since he is a veteran theatre actor, I was really worried about whether or not I’d be able to pull it off. There was no room for mistakes and it took us three days to complete the video. But eventually everything turned out well and I found Sunil to be very supportive. It was an opportunity to learn from him.

Where do you see yourself five years down the line?

I hope I’ll become a good film director by then. I’ll also continue making music videos. Apart from that, I have plans to open a production house, which will work as a platform for young and creative filmmakers.