Thinley Lhamo on how success can redefine your relationship with work

Thinley Lhamo is a Tibetan actor who was recently seen in the movie Shambhala, a 2024 film directed by Min Bahadur Bham. She was awarded the prestigious Boccalino d’Oro Prize for Best Acting Performance at the 77th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. Shreya Shrestha from ApEx spoke to Lhamo about the challenges of being an actor, her aspirations, and how the work she does makes her the person that she is. 

How did you get into acting and how has your journey been so far?

My journey started with the first movie, ‘Naka,’ which was released in 2017. It was followed by ‘Hari’ in 2018. Shambhala happened after a long gap but I’m grateful to be back. I met many directors after my first film and there were talks of working together but nothing came out of them. It could have been due to bad timing, conflicting visions, or maybe the stories just didn’t work out. I believe I was also a little slack, meaning I could have been more out there and invested in my personal and professional growth.

Shambhala has been a huge success and it’s gotten you many accolades. How does it feel?  

It took a lot of time for me to process what was happening. We were told that I was getting an award at the very last minute, and I was in the middle of something. I had to rush through everything, and things happened so quickly that I didn’t have a chance to truly comprehend what had just occurred. It was incredibly hectic, and everything moved at a breakneck pace. We were immediately thrust into a whirlwind of activity, including taking photos for the media. While I understand that people were genuinely happy and enjoying the moment, I personally didn’t have the opportunity to fully experience those feelings. Instead, I felt a sense of public joy, as I was surrounded by many people who were celebrating my success and the impact of my work.

 What was your experience like while shooting for Shambhala?

The experience was wonderful. I was able to return to filmmaking after a long gap and that thrilled me. The project instilled in me a sense of determination, making me realize that I can overcome any obstacle. I believe I was physically and mentally prepared to act again. I can’t control how things go and the outcome isn’t in my hands but I was thankful that the opportunity came my way. I had some problems with the local dialect and had to work on that. The team dedicated itself to practicing the dialogues and we also spent a lot of time understanding the culture of the place the story was set in.

 What are some of the challenges of being a part of the film industry?

Getting into the film industry without prior knowledge can be a daunting task. Navigating the complex work systems, understanding industry norms, and building relationships with professionals are challenging, especially when you lack a strong support network. I vividly recall a particularly nerve-wracking experience at the Berlinale press conference. Despite preparing for various scenarios, I found myself overwhelmed by all the pressure. This incident, among others, has been a valuable learning experience. It has reinforced the understanding that I’m still in a phase of continuous learning and growth.

 Do you have anything you want to highlight about Berlinale and Locarno?

The level of competition is undeniably high, and it’s essential to network with as many people as possible at such events. This opportunity allowed me to connect with a diverse range of individuals. One aspect that truly impressed me was the profound respect for cinema. In Nepal, I noticed people talking and disturbing others during screenings. However, at the event, the audience was incredibly attentive, fully immersed in the films. They even expressed annoyance if anyone disrupted the viewing experience, highlighting a level of cinematic appreciation that I found truly admirable.

 How has your work contributed to your personal growth?

Meeting a diverse range of individuals and navigating interpersonal dynamics is a fascinating aspect of life. People are interesting with their unique perspectives and experiences. Some individuals are driven to achieve great things, yet remain unsatisfied, while others find contentment in a simpler lifestyle. While I’ve previously done two films, this time the acceptance has been notably different. It seems that the nature of the work and the impact it has made have resonated with people, inspiring a desire to push boundaries and strive for even greater achievements.