Reecha Sharma is a well-known face in the entertainment scene, known as a prominent actor and model. These days, she is more active on her eponymous YouTube channel, where she uploads family-oriented content.

Sharma’s career began as a model after being placed within the top ten of the 2007 Miss Nepal pageant, and prior to her acting debut in 2010’s ‘First Love’, she had already starred in numerous music videos. However, it was her role in the 2012 movie ‘Loot’ that catapulted her to stardom. Today, she has 17 movies under her belt, including her self-produced work, ‘Sunkesari’. She has also recently expanded her portfolio by venturing into producing, revealing she's particularly interested in producing content that raises political awareness and tackles current issues.

In this interview with the Post, Sharma discusses her lifelong passion for reading and how it influences her career and personal life.

How and when did your reading habit begin to take shape?

Throughout my childhood, I had a strong passion for reading. We had limited space for books at home, so I would frequently visit the local library to check out more novels there. While my knowledge of various literary genres was fairly limited at that age, I was a regular reader of the monthly children’s magazine Muna. Reading it even influenced me to become an artist.

As a young student, my interests leaned more towards literature—more specifically, literature based on the aristocracy—than my school textbooks. I often spent my free time engrossed in books.

What kinds of books do you like to read?

I generally like books across various genres, including fiction, nonfiction, and biographies. If I had to name a specific kind of book I enjoy more than others, it would be Nepali literature.

Within Nepali literature, I like drama-based novels. I’ve noticed they are quite popular among readers in general. I especially love reading anything written by Buddhisagar and Amar Neupane.

What is a book that has left a lasting impression on you?

One of my all-time favourite reads is ‘Seto Dharti’. This book played a significant role in boosting my self-awareness. It explores intricate themes like self-love, loneliness, and women’s issues. Reading it helped me gain a deeper understanding of myself.

Is there a book you wish you had read when you were younger?

I haven’t come across a book that I feel I should have read earlier. In my experience, every book I’ve read has been timely and impactful. I’ve been fortunate to choose books that resonated with me precisely when I needed them, leaving a unique imprint on my life.

Has your reading habit helped you in your professional career?

As an actor, I’ve found that reading has had a positive impact on my career. Books have helped me expand my creativity and visibility, which are essential in the entertainment industry. When I read fiction, I can step into the shoes of the characters and effectively portray their roles. This skill proves invaluable when working with scripts, as I can easily embody the character’s persona. Reading isn’t just beneficial for actors; it’s valuable for professionals across all fields. Those aiming for excellence can improve their skills by exploring stories that resonate with them.

How do you find time for reading in your busy schedule?

As a new parent, my schedule has become quite hectic, and finding free time for reading can be challenging. However, I understand the importance of reading and have made an effort to include it in my daily routine. To make the most of my reading time, I read when I’m on the go, like during travels, and also before bedtime.

My partner and I have also made it a priority to cultivate a love for reading in our son, even though he can’t read independently yet. We’ve established a dedicated reading time when we all visit the library together. During this time, our son explores picture books while we read the stories out loud to him. This shared reading experience has been a delightful way to introduce him to the world of books.

What books do you think young people should read?

Young people should read books that match their age and life experiences. Generally, young readers tend to gravitate towards fiction rather than non-fiction. Therefore, it’s important for them to choose books that genuinely interest them. By doing so, they develop a reading habit that can eventually lead them to explore a wide range of books as they grow older.

Reecha Sharma’s book recommendations:

Seto Dharti

Author: Amar Neupane

Year: 2012

Publisher: FinePrint Publication

Seto Dharti by Amar Neupane is a moving story about a young girl’s experiences. Personally, I think if I make a film someday, it should be like Seto Dharti. I strongly recommend everyone to read this book.

Karnali Blues

Author: Buddhi Sagar

Year: 2010

Publisher: ‎FinePrint Publication

I admire Buddhisagar’s authorship skills as he adeptly communicates emotions through his work. The story of father and son depicted in Karnali Blues is so engrossing that I finished reading it in one sitting.

The Gurkha’s Daughter

Author: Prajwal Parajuly

Year: 2012

Publisher: Quercus

The Gurkha’s Daughter is a compilation of short stories that offers a fictional representation of the struggles and challenges faced by Bhutanese immigrants and refugees. The author’s expertise in poetry is particularly noteworthy and praiseworthy.

The Kite Runner

Author: Khaled Hosseini

Year: 2003

Publisher: Riverhead Books

The literary masterpiece, The Kite Runner, is a captivating read which engrosses the reader from start to finish. The book delves into the socio-political situation in Afghanistan, and what sets it apart is the author's adeptness in conveying emotions through his language, much like Buddhi Sagar.

Eat, Pray, Love

Author: Elizabeth Gilbert

Year: 2006

Publisher: Penguin

The plot of Eat, Pray, Love follows a female protagonist as she forms unlikely bonds while exploring new locales and cuisines. It also has a movie adaptation starring Julia Roberts. I like how romance is explored in this book.

No Acting Please

Author: Eric Morris and Joan Hotchkis

Year: 1979

Publisher: Ermor Enterprises

This book is ideal for aspiring actors, as its main focus is the importance of living in the present moment. The author emphasises that the best acting comes from being fully present.