Sanjay Gupta began his career as a radio jockey and has since hosted many popular shows and events in the country, including gala events like the Miss Nepal. Gupta, already a popular media figure, has recently switched to the silver

screen, receiving accolades for his debut movie, Safar. In this interview with the Post’s Alisha Sijapati, Gupta talks about his new venture, his transition into acting, and his future plans. Excerpts:

You are already a popular figure in showbiz. Do you think your multi-faceted personality has helped your movie?

When I went to watch the movie in the theatre, a lot of people already had a fair idea about who I was. I wouldn’t say that my previous work was a major factor that pulled in the crowds, but I am hoping it helped it somewhat. But because I was venturing into a completely different field, my prior fame would only garner so much mileage anyhow.

How has Safar been received?

The reception has been pretty good. Probably because a lot of people appreciated that all the actors in the movie were fresh.  A lot of people had good things to say. Many people were honest to admit that they hadn’t expected much out of the movie, but surprisingly, most of them enjoyed it. While in Pokhara, I reached the theatre during the interval—when the audience saw me I heard someone say, “The hero has come out from the screen itself.” That was a surreal experience for me and the love they showered was incredible.

Do you relate to the character Gaurav you play in the movie?

My character in the movie has many layers. I would say 50 percent of Gaurav is me in real life. I am a hopeless romantic, I love being in a relationship, I love partying and meeting new people—that was something I could relate to. Also, in Safar, Gaurav is left shattered and heartbroken, which I have also gone through. It was the other 50 percent that I wanted to explore because that wasn’t me. When my friends watched the movie, they didn’t expect much out of it because in the first half I was myself. But in the second half, I think I managed to surprise most of them because of the persona I was able to take on. That in itself was very satisfying.

Why was the production of the movie delayed?

We shot parts of the movie in July 2014 but then we had to go on a break because of conflicting schedules. I again returned to the US in March 2015 to complete the movie. We were supposed to release the movie in September 2015 but due to the earthquake and many other factors we couldn’t release it then. 2016 was meant to be, I suppose.

The Nepali movie industry continues to grow. Do you think Safar has added to that upward curve because of its unique storyline and the fact that it was completely shot abroad?

Safar’s cinematography is novel and in line with movies from around the world, that was definitely different. And although we had a script,

sometimes, the other two actors and I just spoke our minds and that felt natural as well.

Shooting in a foreign location, however, is tough and is not as romantic as it is made out to be. But hopefully, the movie’s fresh storyline will open doors for more

projects that push the boundaries.

What’s next for Sanjay Gupta?

I have plans to do more movies in the future. I have been doing new things every two years and movies will be my next step. It still is all very new to me though, and I am looking forward to the challenge.