Actor and author Upendra Subba has authored three poetry anthologies and a collection of short stories, Lato Pahad, along with scripts for popular Kollywood movies like the Kabbadi series. Lato Pahad, which won rave review from bookworms and critics alike, has also been adapted into a popular play staged earlier this year. In this conversation with the Post’s Samikshya Bhattarai, Subba talks about his books and his reading habits. Excerpts:

Could you please tell us about your book Lato Pahad and the inspiration behind it?

Lato Pahad tells the story of the Limbu society.

The anthology revolves around the hardship and difficulties of the Limbus of Nepal. While trying to read about the Limbu society, I realised very limited literature existed on the topic, and even those that did had a very generic and superficial portrayal. So I wanted to write a book that would represent the suffering and hardship of the Limbus—a portrayal that would do real-life justice.

How did you first come to love books?

I grew up in a very rural village, so there were no libraries. The only books we had were textbooks, which we read avidly—particularly the poems and short stories. There used to be an Ayurvedic Health Post in the village and the health assistant working there had a few books and newspapers. That eventually became our library.

I have early memories of reading the newspapers, like Madhupark and Garima—my first contact with literature that was not on the government curriculum. There was one particular health assistant who continually encouraged me to read and write poems. That is how my voyage into literature began.

What was the last book you read and how did you like it?

The last book I read was Pratek Swas Ma Ananda, a spiritual book that has left a lasting impression on my lifestyle.

Who are your favourite authors?

I love Krishna Bhusan Bol’s poetry.

What is your favourite genre and why?

When I write, I love to dabble with poetry and fiction; I do not see myself writing non-fiction. As for reading, I love to read philosophical and spiritual books and draw inspiration from them.

What is good writing for you? What would you say makes a good writer?

For me good writing comes from regular practice.

I think, to become a good writer, you should write something on a daily basis. It will help you improve your writing skills and make you a better writer. I also think that to be a good writer you must have the courage to fail. You become a good writer when you discover for yourself what bad writing is!

One book that has inspired you and why?

The book on the philosophies by Kahaptad Baba really changed my outlook on life. I also loved the biopic of Swami Vivekananda.

Your advice for general readers?

I suggest them to read the books about the subject matters that they are interested in. I also think that books should be shared between people. I believe that if you have read a book, you should give it to someone else to read rather than creating your own library. The gift of books is probably one of the best gifts you could give a person. In my own case, sharing books in my rural village helped us nurture a love for literature. Sharing is beautiful!