Post-Hero Krishna Malla: An Inspiration in Nepali Cinema and Theater

In Nepal, artists from the previous generation find it difficult to secure regular work. Some veteran artists are working in serials. However, actor Krishna Malla is one such ‘post-hero’ who, despite not acting in films, continues to contribute to the industry in various ways.

Malla associates the ‘post-hero life’ more with work than with lifestyle. He says, “One is not just a hero on screen. It’s hard to say someone comes only as a hero. There is a life behind the hero. I consider myself an actor.”

“Gradually adapting oneself to the times is also an art. I am showing some activity. One must continue acting in roles that suit oneself,” he adds.

Having worked in films like ‘Basudev,’ ‘Gothalo,’ ‘Maya Priti,’ and ‘Gajal,’ Malla expresses concern about the lack of ‘space’ for older artists. He says, “It’s not that veteran artists aren’t given work. One must adapt oneself to collaborate with the ideas of new artists.”

At that time, Godabari Elmunai organized an inter-college drama festival. I performed a play titled ‘Marubhumikako Lekhak.’ After that, my confidence in acting grew.

Artists who acted in the 90s are still finding work in Bollywood. They can also find work in Nepal. However, Malla believes that writers and directors need to tell stories according to the times and bring artists into today’s ‘time frame.’

Malla had established himself as a chocolate hero in romantic films. He began his acting journey in the 30s. He joined the theater after coming to Kathmandu in 2028 BS and studying at Tri-Chandra College.

He used to act in plays during the college’s annual festival. “At that time, Godabari Elmunai organized an inter-college drama festival. I performed a play titled ‘Marubhumikako Lekhak.’ After that, my confidence in acting grew,” he recalls.

After the establishment of Nepal Television in 2042 BS, he received support from Nir Shah. He was able to produce the TV series ‘Shri Panch Prithvinarayan Shah.’ Television had just begun, and we produced serials like ‘Chakravyuh,’ ‘Tadhako Basti,’ and ‘Marshal,’ which won the hearts of the audience,” says Malla.

Having worked at the Academy and National Theater, Malla formed his own drama group, ‘Shri Samuha.’ He doesn’t forget three individuals in his career: filmmaker Nir Shah, film director B.S. Thapa, and theater artist Hariprasad Rimyal. He says, “Opportunities to work in stage, film, and radio came to me because of them.”

Malla mentions that he is currently working on a good film. He is impressed by actor Saugat Malla’s acting. He says, “Actor Saugat Malla’s acting touches me. There is no artificiality in his acting. There are others too, but I place Saugat at the top.”

If he had been happy with politics or had a ‘yes, it will work’ attitude, Malla wouldn’t have left his job at Nepal Television’s seventh level. He says, “I am someone who can’t work under pressure. I don’t like things imposed by others. I don’t like being under someone’s pressure. That’s why I left the job.”

Having served as the president of the Nepal Film Society, Malla has also been organizing film award programs in America.

Even in his sixth decade, Malla remains active and still misses the stage. He says, “I can’t get that golden time now.”

Acting attracted him so much that he forgot his family background. His father was involved in politics and contracting. But he forgot everything. He says, “Even though I came from a political family, I was drawn to art. I went that way. My father didn’t stop me.”

During his days at Tri-Chandra College, Malla engaged in student politics. He says, “In student life, I combined acting and politics. Later, I gradually lost interest in politics. But politics hasn’t left me till today.”

He says, “Politics is a very ruthless game. Once you enter, you have to lose your emotions. That’s why I haven’t jumped into it openly.”

If he had been happy with politics or had a ‘yes, it will work’ attitude, Malla wouldn’t have left his job at Nepal Television’s seventh level. He says, “I am someone who can’t work under pressure. I don’t like things imposed by others. I don’t like being under someone’s pressure. That’s why I left the job.”

Even now, many politicians request him to join their parties. He has faith in a particular party. He sees Nepal’s politics as deteriorating. He says, “Politics is a very ruthless game. Once you enter, you have to lose your emotions. That’s why I haven’t jumped into it openly.”

He admires sharp speakers like MPs Chandra Dhakal and Sunil Sharma. However, he believes it’s time to rise above the politics of three figures in Nepali politics: Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and KP Sharma Oli.

He is happy that artists are also joining politics now. But he is serious about whether they joined with political awareness or for the lure of positions. Malla says, “Artists who have more attachment to positions and less political awareness are joining parties.”