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Kathmandu Marriott Hotel is hosting the much-anticipated Dominican Republic Food Festival from Nov 21 to 27, between the hours of 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm. The hotel has invited a guest chef, Addys Jacquez, from the Dominican Republic. She has three decades of working in the food industry. She runs Burla’o Restaurant and Lounge in Belgium where she specializes in authentic Dominican cuisines. The festival will feature an array of dishes meticulously prepared by Chef Jacquez. 

‘It’s comfort food,” says Jacquez describing Dominican cuisine as the fusion of Mediterranean food with African ingredients. What adds intrigue is that Jacquez has curated traditional Dominican dishes for the festival, allowing attendees to savor the richness of the cuisine. 

The festival boosts a variety of food stations. The live grill station offers a variety of options including prawns, chicken, and vegetables. The coconut sauce and Al Ajillo sauce, served on the side, capture the authentic taste of Dominican cuisine.

The buffet has lots of dishes. But one dish that stands out is the Pigeon Peas Rice.  According to Jacquez, the dish is prepared only in Latin America and Africa. It’s fluffy and complements the Red Bean Stew. The pair has a comforting feel to it. Other noteworthy items include braised vegetables and eggplant lasagna. The lasagna had a smoky flavor that was balanced by the tomato sauce and melted cheese. 

The coconut fish is an aromatic dish with a soft, velvety feel to it. The spices are skillfully blended, bringing a touch of the tropics to your table. The lamb stew deserves a special mention. According to Jacquez, it’s mostly prepared during festive occasions. Interestingly, it’s the sole spicy dish in the entire traditional Dominican cuisine. But it’s not fiery enough for those who like their food on the hotter side. 

Sancocho (Meat stew) features varieties of meat like beef, chicken, and chicken. It’s a traditional dish served with broth infused with herbs and spices. It’s actually offered as a symbol of hospitality in Latin American countries. There is also a thukpa counter if you want something warm, comforting, and familiar to beat the winter chill.

Make sure to save some space for Dominican sweet treats. The Sweet Potato Pudding is a creamy blend of sweet potato and coconut that just melts in your mouth. Likewise, the Majarate, made with corn and grated coconut, is another delightful treat that you should try. It’s a ten out of ten.

If you are fond of trying out different cuisines, then mark your calendar and visit Thamel Kitchen at Kathmandu Marriott Hotel to enjoy the authentic Dominican dishes that are bursting with new flavors.

Their Specials:

Sancocho

Eggplant Lasagna

Pigeon Peas Rice

Coconut Fish

Sweet Potato Pudding

 Location: Naxal, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 9000 including VAT

Opening hours:6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Reservation: 9801911148

Online payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

Sanjeev Singh Rana, a 39-year-old Nepali pop and contemporary singer completes a decade in the music industry. In all these years, he has always allocated a part of his income to charitable causes. Rana is affiliated with various musical institutions including the National Lok Dohori Association in Tanahu. He is also the joint secretary of the Kathmandu-based National Musician Association. 

 He attributes his passion for music to his mother, who always used to hum songs of renowned Nepali artists like Aruna Lama and Tara Devi. It captivated him and sparked his interest in music. Rana has also always been an ardent admirer of the legendary Narayan Gopal. “I was inspired by him because of which I used to take part in singing competitions during my school days,” he says.  

 After school, he spent seven years training in music. He wanted to hone his skills. And he did. He won the ‘Western Star Singing Competition’ in 2009. Two years later, he launched his first album, ‘Bhavishya’ following which many opportunities started coming his way. Life post the launch was a flurry of concerts and performances at fairs and festivals all over Nepal. He also participated in many international tours.

 Rana is known to have a charismatic presence on stage. The audience is enthralled by the ease with which he performs. Humbly accepting the compliments, he credits Rajesh Pal Rai as his inspiration for interactive stage performances. “I watched Rai perform and saw how engaged the audience was and learned from that,” he says.

 Immersed in musical pursuits, it was only natural that he gradually got more involved in songwriting and music composition. Entering the field independently without any connections, he says, “It was challenging to make a name in the industry but I kept at it and have been able to make a mark.”

 He has achieved a level of recognition and fame but he believes all that can be fleeting if he doesn’t respect his craft. “In an ever-evolving music landscape, staying competitive and remaining at the forefront of the audience’s minds are things you have to work on every single day,” he says.

 Rana reminisces about the days when Caller Ring Back Tone (CRBT) services were quite popular. Over 100,000 people chose to set his songs as their CRBT. It was a huge morale boost, one that gave him the confidence to keep making music despite the challenges. Now, the number of views his songs get on YouTube and other social media is how he judges his popularity. “Audience response is extremely important for me. I will keep making music as long as people appreciate my work,” he says. 

Apart from singing and songwriting, he has also been a part of many music videos. In 2012, ‘Dhan Magey Ta Chaina’ brought him recognition and the desire to explore this facet of music as well. The success was followed by other popular music videos, including ‘Maile Maya Layeko’, ‘Ae Mero Maya Fulbutte Jama’, ‘One Two One Two Ma Pani Janchu’, ‘Timle Jastai Dhatna Janey’, and ‘Timro Profile’ among others. 

 His songs, he confesses, are written specifically for events, concerts, and stage performances. The music has folk elements and delves into the realities of love and romance in Nepali society. When creating music, he is determined to establish a connection between the story and the musical tone. So, he doesn’t include his own stories in his songs. Instead, he carefully observes and gathers elements of romance, love, and relationships to tell relevant stories. He believes it will help his work resonate with the audience. In the pop genre, the focus is on providing entertainment. 

 However, he is open to following new music trends and doesn’t want to confine himself to a particular genre. “The Nepali music industry is currently grappling with increasing levels of explicit content and nudity,” he says, adding he remains committed to his core values of producing songs that are emotionally charged as well as entertaining. 

 Rana isn’t only involved in music but has a philanthropic side to him as well. He believes he must support those in need as much as he can. “I want to and have been contributing a part of my earnings to some important causes,” he says. He has been actively involved in charitable works, assisting disabled students in special schools, elderly individuals in local nursing homes, and other marginalized groups facing various health challenges.

 In recognition of his dedicated contributions to the music industry, he has received several awards, including the Sagarmatha Award, Jaya Prapti Award, Quality Entertainment Award, and Natyaswar Award. In the future, aside from romantic pop songs, he wishes to create patriotic songs with impactful messages. He also wants to sing in other local languages to bring about a sense of connectivity between different communities of Nepal while promoting diversity in the music industry.

 For as long as he can sing and perform, Rana says he is committed to entertaining audiences and is determined to establish a legacy of producing songs free from explicit content. He also hopes that his philanthropic pursuits will serve as a model for other artists, encouraging them to engage in charitable work too.

Jazzmandu, an annual jazz festival that unites musicians from Nepal and around the globe, saw the participation of American accordionist Adrian Crookston for the second time. He performed the Forró, a northeast Brazilian musical genre, at the week-long event at different schools and Jazzmandu venues in Kathmandu. He says he aims to spread compassion and happiness through music and Jazzmandu 2023 was the perfect opportunity to do that in Nepal.

“It’s all about musicians expressing themselves and sharing different cultures’ music,” he says, adding he feels lucky to be able to share the stage with world-class musicians. “I’m grateful to be a part of this special cultural exchange.”

Crookston’s love for music began at an early age when he sang in a choir. During his teenage years, he learned to play the guitar. Back then, he lived in Italy, near a music store, from where he later got his first accordion. Since then, he has dedicated 14 years to playing and mastering the instrument.

Throughout his musical journey, he dedicated the majority of his time to Forró, which he describes as ‘funky and lively’. Growing up in the US, Adrian Crookston, 32, was influenced by the blues, rock, and even jazz, and being determined to explore music, he subtly incorporated them into his style. 

To truly honor the music while preserving the authentic techniques of Forró, he made it a point to learn from various Brazilian accordionists and also referred to various online resources. He says he remembers the exact moment that made him want to pursue music. It was back in 2011 when he was playing for a bunch of people and seeing their faces light up made him realize there was nothing else he wanted to do but make music. 

Crookston has taken the stage alongside numerous Forró groups such as Palouse Forró, Gente Boa Trio, Forró pé de Gringo, North Polka Experience, and others in various places, including the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia. But performing at the Jazzmandu festival beats them all, he says. The audience, he adds, has a deep connection with the music, and it makes performing a truly enjoyable experience. 

According to Crookston, jazz has transcended borders. He says, “Its unique quality lies in becoming a universal language rather than just a genre.” He emphasizes that jazz seamlessly integrates with diverse cultural traditions, despite its origins in the southeastern United States. “It’s a beast and a delicate flower and everything in between,” he says. It’s challenging to be able to fully comprehend jazz but trying to do so can be a beautiful endeavor. 

Even though he doesn’t specialize in jazz, Crookston focuses on improvisation during his jazz shows, emphasizing the need for the instrument to become one’s voice. He says dedicated practice is essential for natural and emotive sound. When reflecting on playing the accordion, he takes on a more philosophical perspective, viewing music as a means of expressing one’s emotions.

In music, he believes that time, money and energy are all finite that determine the level of success. Despite this, his passion for art has always overshadowed his desire for financial gain. His main goal has been to provide enjoyment to people and this, in turn, brings him a sense of fulfillment. “Interacting with the crowd, that moment when my accordion harmonizes with the energy of the audience is a feeling I can’t put into words,” he says.

Music is how he expresses his emotions, whether it’s teenage angst, heartbreak, or emotional connections. Forró, linked to a region that people had to evacuate because of drought and hunger, is perfect for him. He gets to explore the various emotions connected to the incident and channel them through his music.

The best part of being a musician, according to him, is the freedom to pick an instrument and play it in a way that reflects the emotions of the artist. He says he has over 100 Forró tunes in his head and he can play anything depending on his mood. 

Crookston, like many musicians, experiences a deep connection with his instrument. He says keeping the accordion close to his heart and feeling its vibration right make playing music an intimate experience. It’s no surprise that when he starts playing the accordion, the audience can’t help but be drawn toward the dance floor, swaying to the beats.

As a musician, he hopes that music enthusiasts will embrace each moment wholeheartedly, make music with compassion, and allow their emotions to radiate through their music. Above all, he wants everyone to recognize that music is an art form, not just a commercial pursuit. 

Dashain and Tihar are feasting times and we tend to eat with reckless abandon. But overindulgence has its downsides. It can lead to digestive issues and other health problems. So it’s important to enjoy festival delicacies without compromising on your health and fitness. What’s more, it’s important to eat right and eat well all year round. Following a good diet, one that provides your body with all the right nutrients should be your number one priority. Babita Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Supriya Bhattarai, a co-founder of Mitahara Diet Clinic and clinical nutritionist, to find out how to do that. 

First of all, what comprises a healthy diet?

A healthy diet isn’t about weight loss. You are always on a diet as long as you are eating something. A diet is not limited to specific foods but includes all your eating habits. Additionally, it’s crucial to integrate food and nutrition seamlessly into your overall lifestyle, which includes aspects like sleep, exercise, physical activity, spiritual well-being, and mental health. It’s also important to eat small, balanced meals every three to four hours. Each meal should include food groups like fruits, nuts, and seeds for optimum nutrition.  

How can we avoid overindulgence during the festive season?

‘Mitahara’ means ‘Moderate eating’ in Sanskrit and we often provide clients with practical tips they can follow to eat in moderation, which is the right way to eat. Firstly, it’s important to be mindful about portions when it comes to eating. Next is to never compromise with exercise. Usually during the holidays, our sleep schedule gets pretty messed up. Inadequate sleep can lead to unhealthy cravings so you must sleep enough and sleep well. Also, hydration is important, and so is saying ‘no’ when you have had enough. Oftentimes, we are pressured to eat and we keep munching whether we want to or not. 

Can food help prevent or cure diseases? 

The right food can keep diseases at bay. For instance, if you have high cholesterol, fiber can help you as it binds cholesterol in the intestine and removes it from the body. Those with high blood pressure can benefit from foods containing nitrates, commonly found in items like green leafy vegetables and beetroot among others. If you have diabetes, you must avoid beetroot and opt for foods with a lower glycemic index like avocado, barley, and whole grains. Likewise, osteoporosis, common in menopausal women, can be addressed by consuming calcium-rich foods, with sesame being a good option while omega-3-rich foods like flaxseed are good for a healthy heart.

What are some things to keep in mind while eating? 

Be mindful of carbohydrate intake and avoid things with high glycemic index like white rice and flour. Opt for whole grains like millet and barley instead. You can get plant-based proteins and healthy fats like omega-3 from sources like flax seeds. Many people don’t consume enough fiber. So, I’d suggest prioritizing eating fruits, salads, and green vegetables. Include colorful foods in your diet. The more colorful your plate, the better. Also, drink green tea as it’s rich in antioxidants. 

I’d also like to mention that loss of appetite is very common, especially in older people. You should focus on balancing all the macronutrients to avoid muscle wasting and undernourishment. Work-related stress and lifestyle changes can also reduce appetite. While food choice alone might not boost appetite significantly, increasing the frequency of meals might help. You can start with your favorite foods. Also, it’s a good idea to eat fruits and nuts between meals. 

Is fasting good for us? 

Occasional fasting is good for your gut. It can help reduce inflammation in the body and tackle oxidative stress and cholesterol issues as well. But to get the optimum benefits, you must fast for 18 hours or more. However, if you are pregnant, have health issues, or suffer from eating disorders, then fasting isn’t for you. 

How can one practice mindful eating? 

The best way to do this would be to maintain a food diary where you log in what you eat and when you eat. Reviewing your food diary time and again can help you identify your eating pattern, and dietary habits, and also figure out if some specific times or emotions trigger excessive food intake. You have to understand your eating habits to be in control of them.

Can you share a  trick to tackle food cravings? 

There’s a behavioral hack that’s extremely effective. ‘Breathe it out, Drink it out, and Sweat it Out.’ This helps during intense cravings. If you have an intense episode of craving, first try practicing deep belly breathing ten times then drink some water or herbal teas. If it doesn't subside try going for a short walk.

How can we take care of our gut health?

The intestinal microbiome is often called our ‘second brain’ since it influences our emotions through the chemicals it produces. So it’s imperative to pay attention to your gut health. This is where the 3P’s (Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Polyphenols) come into play. Probiotic foods include fermented foods like yogurt which will help promote the increase of friendly bacteria in the gut. Prebiotics feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Think barley, apple, and banana. Polyphenols are found in green vegetables, green tea, berries, and apples.

There are so many restaurants in Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur, that it’s often difficult to decide where to go. When you are confused, opt for L’Italiano. It’s perhaps the most opulent and charming restaurant in the area. The food is simply delicious; each bite will make you swoon. And while you are waiting you can take some Instagram-worthy photos as the place is stunning. 

Krishna Tamang, the executive chef at L’Italiano, brings six years of experience to the table. He mastered the art of preparing authentic modern Italian cuisine under the guidance of an Italian chef in Dubai. He confesses he has never been to Italy but he can whip up unique and artisanal Italian dishes like nobody’s business. 

I was a bit confused by the menu at first. I didn’t know what to order as all the dishes had Italian names. But the restaurant staff came to my rescue and were very helpful. I chose the Pappardelle al ragu di cinghiale as it is one of the most popular dishes at the restaurant. Cinghiale is the Italian word for wild boar. The dish is a classic cuisine the highlight of which is the boar ragu sauce. It’s served with long-flat ribbon noodles. According to Tamang, the meat is slow-cooked for six hours. The tenderness of the meat and the aroma of the spices were testimony to the fact that this dish was a labor of love. 

Another ‘delizioso’ dish we had was the Pancia di Maiale, also known as Pork Belly in English. The chef told me that it undergoes a 48-hour ‘sous vide’ cooking process, ensuring that it’s cooked evenly at a consistent 70 degrees. It thus came as no surprise that the texture was exquisitely tender and every bite was flavorful. To balance out the flavors, they serve it with the creamiest ever mashed potato topped with a delectable sauce. The restaurant is among the pioneers in introducing this dish to Nepal. 

We also tried their Diavola pizza. The smoky aroma and the large pepperoni toppings were a delight to the senses. It was unlike any other pizza I had had. The secret lies in allowing the dough to ferment for a full 48 hours, resulting in a soft and chewy texture. The sauce, perfectly seasoned, and the gooey mozzarella cheese hit just the right notes. 

According to Tamang, the majority of the ingredients used at the restaurant are imported from Italy and India. They use high-quality double zero flour for pizza to ensure that even if you go overboard and have a few too many slices than you normally would (which is a possibility given how good the pizza is), it won’t leave you feeling uneasy. 

We tucked into classic Italian Tiramisu despite not having room for much after all the glorious food because it looked so good. The multi-layered dessert had strong hints of coffee and cocoa with just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite left a lingering taste. The portion is more than generous enough to justify the price. 

All in all, L’Italiano was a delight. Apart from just how good the food was, I was also impressed by the impeccable cleanliness. The ambiance, with lush green plants, flowers, and elegant tableware, exudes a warm, comfortable feeling. You can easily spend a couple of hours just taking in the space and relishing the wonderful dining experience, which is what I did and intend to do again soon. 

Their specials:

Pappardelle al ragu di cinghiale

Pancia di Maiale

Diavola

Tiramisu

Location: Jhamsikhel, Kathmandu

Meal for two: Rs 4000

Opening hours: 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Contact: 01-5448179

Online Payment: Accepted

Parking: Available

With more than three and half decades of experience in nursing, Archana Ranjit has played the roles of a mother, sister, and daughter to many patients. She is a nursing officer at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital where she has been specializing in surgical nursing, primarily focusing on the burn surgical ward and the operation theater. Recently, she transitioned to the role of sister-in-charge at the hospital’s outpatient department (OPD), following her dedicated service as the head of the burn ward for eight years.

During her teenage years in Bhairahawa, her hometown, she fearlessly practiced the ear-piercing culture and rushed to the first aid treatment of those in need. Her career choice was perhaps only an extension of that. A visit to the hospital introduced her to one of her relative’s sisters who inspired her to pursue nursing as a profession. Since then, Ranjit, now 56, has maintained a steadfast dedication to nursing, progressing from a staff nurse to eventually taking on her current prestigious role at one of the most reputed hospitals in Nepal.

She has expertise in the field of surgical nursing, particularly in burn care. Additionally, she serves as a trainer in the Training of Trainers (ToT) program. In Nepal, she proudly mentions, “Our trainer group was the pioneering team to receive and provide ToT for burn ward training.” In Nepal, she is among the ten people who have received advanced training in burn care.

As a nurse, Ranjit has always had a strong connection with burn patients. At the burn ward, her focus is on comforting patients both physically and emotionally including managing their fluids, nutrition, and diet, offering counseling, and closely observing them for the need for potential surgeries. Despite her varied responsibilities, her primary focus remains on ensuring her patients are as comfortable as possible. “Managing burn injuries requires a lot of vigilance. Patients come with minor to severe, life-threatening burns and each case is different,” she says. 

Throughout her nursing career, she has actively volunteered for numerous initiatives. As a trainer under Burn Violence Survivors Nepal, she has participated in various training camps. In the past, she was associated with Impact Nepal, an organization that conducted ENT (Ear Nose Throat) camps, where she provided her services in various remote areas as well as several other medical and surgical camps organized by the hospital she works at. She is also associated with Astitwa, a non-profit working for the rehabilitation of acid and burn survivors, to bring about awareness on burn violence and its treatment.

The most important aspect of patient care is building trust and creating a familial atmosphere, she says. She views the act of caring for her patients as a form of worship, equating hospitals to temples; embracing a belief in a religion centered around service.

Emphasizing the importance of politeness, Ranjit says, “Nurses need to view patient care as their responsibility rather than just a job.” She is proud of relationships akin to motherhood and sisterhood with her patients. Her enduring patience and meticulous attention to patients are the qualities that she believes make her a true healer.

Five years ago, she came across a burn victim who had recently given birth. Given their challenging financial situation, they couldn’t even afford the basic necessities for the baby. Ranjit took it upon herself to care for the child while the mother was in a critical condition. Even now, when the mother has recovered, she continues to provide assistance within her means. “They refer to me as their mother,” she says with a smile that lights up her eyes. 

 She believes that an autocratic approach to leadership is detrimental, especially in healthcare. As an in-charge, she values and respects every team member. Despite her round-the-clock responsibilities, she persistently strives to create a comfortable space while remaining professional. “The hospital feels like a second home and I want people I work with to feel the same,” she says. 

Despite irregular shifts, she doesn’t have any complaints about her work. On the contrary, she loves that no two days are the same. The only challenging thing is seeing patients in pain. Their suffering and tears still break her heart even after all these years. 

“Advancement in treatment has made things bearable. Now, we don’t feel as helpless as we used to when a burn patient is admitted,” she says. Years ago, burn care basically meant dressing the wound. But now many effective procedures ensure rapid recovery and that makes her heart swell with joy. Nonetheless, what disappoints her is the lack of burn wards across hospitals in Nepal. 

Through her dedicated work, Ranjit has emerged as a patient advocate, ensuring that patients’ needs and concerns are acknowledged and respected. She also strongly believes in raising social awareness about the need for immediate burn care. 

Ranjit highlights the importance of educating every household about the immediate first aid treatment for burns, specifically emphasizing on the use of running water for 30 minutes instead of outdated methods like applying aloe vera or ice. She says there is a lack of awareness among people and says the government must incorporate these essential skills into the school curriculum.

At conferences and meetings that she participates in, Ranjit advocates for the provision of free treatment for every burn victim in Nepal, similar to what acid victims stand to receive under the new policy. 

Ranjit values the love she receives from her patients and the satisfaction she feels when someone gets better is immense. These are, she says, the real awards. At work too, she has received prestigious honors like the ‘Dirgha Sewa Padak’ and the ‘Best Nurse Award’. The Nepal Burn Society has also recognized her for her steadfast dedication and contributions to burn care. Retirement is looming and Ranjit has plans to volunteer at a nursing home and provide free medical care. 

With the growing opportunities in the nursing field worldwide, there is a rise in the number of students pursuing this profession. She urges aspiring nurses to enter the field with a spirit of service, alongside professional growth instead of just being enthralled by the international opportunities it offers.

Thirty-three-year-old Prajwal Adhikari is a poet and lyricist. He has written several notable poems such as ‘Pathshala’ ‘Sankalpa’, and ‘Akashvani’ among others. He has also co-authored books like ‘Swachchhanda Suseli Haru’ and ‘Chhakalai’. He wrote the lyrics to songs like ‘High Voltage’, ‘Maya Ko Radio’, ‘Apartment Department’ and ‘Bhangera ra Bhangeri’.

He has received critical acclaim for much of his works and has been awarded for them too. Over the years, he has won many regional poetry competitions as well. In an interview with Babita Shrestha of ApEx, Adhikari spoke about what inspires him to write and how he manages to captivate his audience. 

What made you want to write poetry?

From a very early age, I loved music and wanted to become a singer. I came to Kathmandu to pursue that dream but the instructor told me my voice wasn’t good enough. I used to compose songs then but I hadn’t even dabbled in poetry. Then, this one time, I happened to attend a poetry recitation event, and listening to brilliant poets led me to write my first poem, ‘Euta Yuddha Ajai Baki Cha’. I had the opportunity to recite this poem at the National Poetry Competition at Bhrikuti Mandap and was fortunate enough to be among the Top 20 selected poets. I believe this fueled my passion for poetry and now I mostly write and recite poems.

What, do you think, is the purpose and significance of poetry in today’s world? 

Poetry is as old as human civilization. I believe it defies a specific definition and stands as the highest form of expression, while creating an emotional bond with the audience. To me, poetry represents a form of meditation. 

I see poetry as passive activism. It’s basically a nonviolent tool that doesn’t carry political agendas or weaponry for social change but still manages to have an impact. For instance, consider Shrawan Mukarung’s ‘Bise Nagarchi Ko Bayan’ which was recited during the people’s movement in 2006/07. This poem created a new approach to activism. 

Good poems are like mantras as it makes us want to live a meaningful life. Even these days, people are writing poems on social issues like women's empowerment and such. This is because poetry has the power to influence people and reshape their perspectives.

How do you approach writing poetry?

Writing poems, for me, is an emotional experience. I can’t force myself to write. Poetic ideas come in waves, sparking my desire to write. Occasionally, when I’m waiting at a bus stop, a sudden wave of inspiration hits me. In those moments, I don’t concern myself with what others might think and I quickly jot down my thoughts on my phone or on paper. Most of the time, I find myself writing in the ‘What’s on your mind’ section on Facebook.

I generally don’t rewrite because I believe it would undermine the natural flow of ideas. All poems aren’t meant to be good. So, if I find a piece satisfying, I add it to my collection and often share it on my Facebook page. However, if I’m not pleased with it, I delete the entire piece. Most of the time I send it to newspapers for publication. I haven’t published an anthology yet but I’m working on it. 

Is there a subject matter that you find yourself drawn to? 

Traveling fuels ideas. I mostly write after observing and experiencing things. Poetry, I think, is ever-evolving and you have to be open to new ideas and themes. 

Once, while watching Animal Planet, I saw a lion kill a doe that had just given birth to a fawn. I observed the baby deer desperately trying to walk and get milk from the lion. This natural cycle made me reflect on how things are in our society. Drawing from that, I wrote a poem on how marginalized and underprivileged communities often face oppression from those in power.

What is your technique to connect with your readers? 

Poetry is a form of expression that weaves together sentiments, thoughts, and personal experiences through the use of symbols and imagery. To convey intense emotions, I employ metaphors and similes. I believe they make poems impactful. 

I have a distinct memory of composing a brief poem on a simple incident which later turned out to be an outstanding piece. It was about a fly which I could not kill. To make it impactful, I latched on to a myth and added subtle hints of satire. In most of my poetry, I try to create a vivid image in the minds of my audience, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the emotional depth of the poem.

Do you have any advice for aspiring poets?

If you want to pursue a career as a poet, you must read writings of established as well as contemporary poets. The more you immerse yourself in their writings, the better equipped you become to develop your individual style and express your ideas. Every one of us possesses an innate ability to convey our thoughts and emotions. So, instead of comparing your work to others, you should focus on refining your writing by competing with previous versions of yourself.

After 15 years of experience working in the Nepali film industry, Satyaraj Chaulagain, 33, is finally embarking on a new journey: He is ready to make his movies. His successful stint as director and/or lyricist for movies like ‘Kohinoor’ and ‘Ma Yesto Geet Gauchu’ among others has given him the confidence to take this bold step. Apart from being a filmmaker, he is also the managing director of the advertising agency Simple Ad Media.

As a child, Chaulagain loved Tulshi Ghimire’s movies. It was watching them that made him want to become an actor. Fueled by a passion for filmmaking, he established ‘Cinema Sanchar’ in 2006. The idea behind it was to bring in experts to provide dancing, singing, and acting classes to those looking to make their mark in the movie business.  

It was during that time that he met Dayaram Dahal, a well-known director. Dahal lived close to Cinema Sanchar’s office. Dahal saw how passionate Chaulagain was about the movies and offered him work as an assistant director in one of his projects. This was how, 12 years ago, Chaulagain took his first hesitant step into the world of directing movies. Under Dahal’s mentorship, he directed ‘Maya ko Barima’ produced by Gopi Krishna Movies. 

“I was interested in acting but I became enthralled by the challenge of directing movies after working under Dayaram sir,” he says. Since then, Chaulagain has worked as the assistant director in more than a dozen films, including notable movies like ‘Kohinoor’, ‘Naike’, ‘Ko Afno’, ‘K Ma Timro Hoina Ra’, ‘Bhaag Saani Bhaag’ and ‘Ma Yesto Geet Gauchu.’ ‘Anuraag’ marks his directorial debut. His second film, ‘Bichhed’ is set for a November release. 

His debut film didn’t get the response he expected. But he says it was a learning experience. He could identify the gaps and limitations and work on them. He is, however, optimistic about Bicched, which is a love story. He intends to take it to international film festivals as well. 

Before diving into the world of directing movies, he was also a lyricist. He was even nominated for different music awards including Second Jeevanta Award 2023. He was awarded the ‘Best Modern Song Lyricist’  for ‘Maya Timi Sangai’ and ‘Best Modern Pop Video Director’ for ‘Sapana Banera’. He also was honored with the National Inclusive Music Awards and Golden Horse Bishes Samman in 2023.

Chalagain believes his taste in music helps refine his directorial abilities, particularly in terms of incorporating music into films. Even now when he is busy with his projects, he is up for writing lyrics. He has penned popular songs like ‘Timro Sworma Swor’, ‘Aama’, ‘Yesto Sathi Timro Banchu Ma’, ‘Maya Timi Sangai’ and ‘Mero Desh Nepal’.

Life seems to be on track but it wasn’t always that way, he says. He started his career at a young age and though much of what he learned was through experience on sets, he realized there was sometimes no substitute for theoretical knowledge. So, he got enrolled in a six-month online course conducted by renowned Hollywood director, Peter D. Marshall. He considers this to be a solid foundation upon which he can build his filmmaking career. 

“A director is the captain of the team, you could say. There is nothing s/he isn’t responsible for,” he says. From handling financial issues when and if they arise to managing different people’s working sensibilities, a director has a lot on his plate. “It’s important to learn to manage people as well.”

Filmmaking, he says, has become significantly easier over the years. Digital media has made it possible for people to pick up new skills should they so wish to. There are a lot of resources available online. You no longer have to shadow senior directors to learn and enter the industry, he says. But he feels collaborations are important. As a stickler for quality, Chaulagain believes in letting experts do their jobs rather than dabbling in everything yourself.  “A movie is the result of teamwork and good movies require great teams,” he says. 

A director is only as good as his actors. But the beauty of direction lies in being able to bring out the essence of the characters through them. Which is why, he says, casting the right actor for a role is so important. Movies should entertain you as well as make you think, says Chaulagain, and good acting and a solid script are key elements for that. 

Talking about the current status of the Nepali film industry, he says, “Around two decades ago, Nepali and Bollywood movies were on par. But the Nepali film industry hasn’t been able to maintain that status.” To address this, he highlights the importance of both the audience and the government lending support to Nepali cinema. 

“The government should support film education programs and film schools, fund film courses as well as provide scholarships to aspiring filmmakers,” he says.