When did your journey as a media personality start?

I was 14 years old when I started my career; I was in class 8 then. I started performing street dramas in several places, earned some money to sustain myself and then joined Sarwanam Theatre. In 1986, I started doing comedy shows on television and also acted in about 12 to 15 films.

How did the idea of starting a show like Ujju Darling come about?

It was in December 2007, when Nepal 1 Television approached me for a talk show. At that time, there were a lot of similar shows that were being aired and there was a lot of competition. For me to stand out, I had to create a brand for the show. That’s how a transgender character came to my mind, and I added a comic flavour to the show. I was hopeful that it would give the show some hype.

What was the initial response of the audience?

Honestly speaking, I acutally ended up depressed. My friends and fans were against me for portraying a transgender on the show. They thought I had turned myself into a laughing stock. It was incredibly discouraging. I even thought of discontinuing the show after a year. But after a while, those friends and fans who were against me started getting interested in the show and that motivated me to keep at it.

Besides the show, what’s keeping you busy?

I have shifted my base to the US now. I live in Atlanta, Georgia, with my family. Over the years I have been juggling my time in the US and Nepal. While I am in the US, I often organise shows and performances to help a few of my friends with their businesses. I have been in Nepal for the past three months and I am busy with earthquake relief work. My friends and I have managed to collect some funds and have begun rebuilding two schools in Dhading.

How do you manage to run your show while you’re in the US?

I usually live six months in Nepal and it is during that time that I shoot for the show. My show is all about having fun, so it really doesn’t matter when it goes on air.

It’s been almost a decade since Ujju Darling, what kinds of challenges have you faced until now?

Sometimes, when my two sons missed their school bus I had to drop them but they always insisted that I not enter the school premises. They were often bullied for being Ujju Darling’s sons. I am glad that they are doing better in the US now. About 60 percent of my audience think I am a transgender, 30 percent believe that I am female, and only about 10 per cent of the people who know me personally know that I am a straight married man with two kids. Little do people know that I have killed my own personality to be Ujju Darling.

Can you tell us about the most memorable moment during your shoots?

I was appalled when this famous folk singer claimed to be in love with me after a shoot. He said that he was mesmerised by my character and personality. I did tell him that I was a man but  he refused to believe me.

Who is behind Ujju Darling’s looks and style? Do you have a personal stylist?

I actually borrow clothes from my wife and niece. I give them some money from my share as a token of love. I have even learned to apply makeup from them. In the past couple of months, a small boutique located in Ason has also been providing some of their designs for the show.

What kinds of guests come to your show?

I have guests from all walks of life. I interview politicians, actors, singers, social workers. I encourage people who are doing good work to come on the show.

How do people see you now?

The love I receive from fans is overwhelming. I love the attention, and it feels great that Ujju Darling has become a brand name in itself. There was this certain fan who was crazy about me; he wanted to meet me before he left for his studies in the UK. I didn’t have the time then, but now I regret not meeting him.

What are your future plans?

I have been involved with scriptwriting. Hopefully, if things work out, I’ll be doing something in films.