The hour-long programme focused on Hamal’s experiences in the Nepali film industry where he has spent more than 25 years. The hall was filled to the brim with people from different walks of life: students, government employees, housewives and academicians, among others. All fans of the ‘great Nepali hero.’ 

While the audience were quite excited to hear what the Mahanayak had to say, some seemed disheartened when he started the speech in English. And while the presence of the star alone was enough to retain the attention of those present, one could sense that a considerable difference would have been made if the actor had used his native tongue.

Hamal fell in love with acting when he was in Moscow as an adolescent. His father was then the Nepali Ambassador to Russia. In the programme, he recollected how the contemporary ‘close to reality’ Russian cinema was his first inspiration to be an actor.

During the session, Hamal primarily talked about his early struggle to defy the social convention in Nepal that regarded acting to be just a hobby. By then he had decided to turn acting into his profession and was ready to face all the challenges that lay ahead. “I didn’t hesitate,” he said. “I was filled with sheer passion for acting and nothing else crossed my mind’’.

“When a person chooses to travel a less trodden path, he either gets lost or creates a new path for others to follow,’’ Hamal added.

Throughout the talk, Hamal emphasised on the importance of being driven by  passion to be successful.

“Had I not been persistent in my resolve to be an actor—through my ups and downs alike—I wouldn’t be what I’m now,” said Hamal. 

Summing up the talk, Hamal quipped: “When an actor portrays his character with heart, he makes way into the audiences’ heart. But when he acts from his head, the essence of acting flies over the audiences head. I survived because I did the former.’’