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1) What is the first thing you’ll do when the lockdown is over?

I will go to eat Basantapur's famous jhol momo and then go for a long drive with my friends.

2) Do you think the pandemic has changed or will significantly change your life?

Yes it has changed our lives. Apart from teaching us to be humble, it has also taught us how important saving money is. It has taught me not to be over-ambitious and stressful about work all the time, and to enjoy the little things in life.

3) Something you’ve been doing the most often during the lockdown? 

Ironically, I have been busier. I have started my own talk show called, “Lockdown Rendezvous with Sampada” where I interview famous Nepali personalities. I am regularly writing articles for various national dailies, and am also working on a film script. This lockdown has given me an opportunity to explore the power of digitalization.

4) A movie/series you would suggest for the lockdown?

Up in the Air, Parasite, Joker, Gilmore Girls, Virgin River, Money Heist.

5) Have you read anything lately? Would you suggest it?

I have in fact re-read a lot of books during this lockdown, like Prajwol Parajuli's “Gurkha's Daughter” and “Land Where I Flee,” Amar Neupane's “Seto Dharti,” Paulo Cohelo's “Alchemist” and “Aleph.” And also lots of Enid Blyton's books that I used to read as a child, which I have kept safely over the years.

6) Best music to listen to during the lockdown?

AR Rahman’s songs. And calming Buddhist meditation music.

7) How do you workout during the lockdown? 

- I do yoga: ‘Suryanamaskar’ and ‘pranayams-kapalbhati,’ ‘anulom vilom’ and ‘bhramari,’ which are very important to keep your mind relaxed and calm, and also to keep you immune from the corona virus.

8) If not at home, where would you preferably be locked down?

In a cottage full of books and film DVDs, near a beautiful beach.

9) If you were to be locked down with a Nepali celebrity for 21 days, who would it be?

Actress Gauri Malla didi. I really admire her, and I have so much to learn from her that even 21 days would not be enough.

10) One dish you wouldn’t mind eating everyday during the lockdown?

Dal, Bhat, Tarkari.

The first thing you’ll do when the lockdown is over?

It has been a month since I’ve met my friends. I’ll see them and go for a long ride with them. Probably out of the Valley. 

Do you think the pandemic has changed/will change your life?

The pandemic has already changed my life. Not only mine; physically, mentally, economically, it has changed everyone’s life, right around the world.

Something you’ve been doing the most often during the lockdown? 

Reading novels, writing poems, writing lyrics for my new songs, working out, meditating, and playing PUBG.

A movie/series you would recommend for the lockdown?

Being a fan of adventure series, I would suggest “Outlander.” It’s a perfect combination of adventure, history, romance, drama, and tragedy.

Have you read anything lately? Would you recommend it?

I recently read Hari Bansha Acharya’s autobiography “China Harayeko Manche”. This is one of the best autobiographies I’ve read and would recommend it to everyone.

Best music to listen to during the lockdown?

When it comes to music, people have different tastes. For me, I’ve been listening to some old Nepali folk music during the lockdown.

How do you work out during the lockdown? 

Cleaning my home daily, running, and meditating.

If not at home, where would you preferably be locked down?

I could have actually been around southwestern Europe as I was planning to study abroad.

 If you were to be locked down with a Nepali celebrity for 21 days, who would it be?

It would be the one and only “Maha Jodi.”

One dish you wouldn’t mind eating everyday during the lockdown?

I wouldn't mind eating the traditional Nepali “Daal Bhaat Tarkari” every day.

What is the first thing you’ll do when the lockdown is over?

I will go for a bike ride, roam around the city, and food-hunt with my friends.

Do you think the pandemic has changed/will change your life?

Yes, it has already changed and will continue to change, not only my life but everyone else’s, too, and in every aspect.

Something you’ve been doing a lot during the lockdown?

Meditation, workout, and cooking different kinds of dishes. 

A movies/series you would suggest for the lockdown?

To be real with you, along with the half of the world right now, I too am on-board on the “Money Heist” train. So, if you haven’t watched it, I would suggest you do.

Have you read anything? Would you suggest it?

“How to Win Friends and Influence People,” by Dale Carnegie

Best music to listen to during the lockdown?

I would suggest Mantra of Avalokiteshvara 

How do you work out during the lockdown?

I do ‘HIIT’ workout on YouTube

If not at home, where would you preferably be locked down?

Probably in Manang or Solukhumbu area. Then, I get to spend this moment of life in peace, breathing the refreshing air of Himalayas and drinking the mineral-rich water of the glaciers. 

If you were to be locked down with a Nepali Celebrity for 21 days, who would it be?

It would be Anuradha Koirala, not only in this lockdown, but any other time too. She is one of the most inspiring ladies and I can learn a lot from her. Also, I can spend time at Maiti Nepal surrounded by beautiful and empowering ladies.

One dish you would’t mind eating everyday during the lockdown?

You might hear this answer very often. But yes, it would be “Masu Bhaat”.

What have you done the most often during the lockdown?

A lot of Netflix. Plus, a lot more cooking than I ever thought I was capable of.

A movie/series you would suggest for the lockdown?

There are many on Netflix. For those who haven’t, all the five seasons of “Narcos” is a good start. “Tiger King” was another short, yet amusing series. But nothing beats the latest Netflix series, “The Last Dance” based on the Chicago Bulls Dynasty and their last season together in 1997-98 as Jordan and the Bulls. 

Have you read something good lately?

Duvvuri Subbarao’s “Who Moved My Interest Rate”, based on his tumultuous years as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India right after the Financial Crisis of 2008. Maybe a good read for our Rastra Bank employees in order to boost the economy after this Covid-19 crisis.

Best music to listen to during the lockdown?

Classic rock never goes out of style. My favorites: The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Dire Straits, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, etc.

How do you work out during the lockdown? 

Haven’t had a chance to work out. The only lifting I’m doing is the remote-control. However, once the lockdown ends, I will head to the mountains, and that’s always been my workout of sorts.

How long do you think the lockdown will last? 

Not sure, but I’d assume end of May 2020. As of now, countries around the globe are trying to buy time as the vaccines being experimented. Current estimates are that vaccines could take from six months to a whopping two years to develop. With that in mind, this lockdown could continue for a year or more, in the worst-case scenario.

What is the first thing you’ll do when the lockdown is over?

Drive around Kathmandu to see what has become of the city.  

If not at home, where would you preferably be locked down?

In the mountains, if the lockdown lasted 2-3 weeks. Anything longer, forget it...I’d rather be home.

If you were to be locked down with a Nepali celebrity for 21 days, who would it be?

My brother and friend, Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai). We will be able to better plan our climbs for next year.

One dish you wouldn’t mind eating every day during the lockdown?

Can’t get enough of a good Dal Bhat Thali. I don’t mind doing it daily for a week or two. However, if it’s eating the same item for a month, “NOTHING” is my answer.