Narayani Khatri’s artistic journey: Fulfilling her Mother’s dream against all odds (With Video)

Narayani Khatri, a talented model and dancer, has carved a unique path in the Nepali entertainment industry, overcoming societal expectations and personal challenges along the way.

Born into a middle-class family in the rural district of Pyuthan, Narayani’s passion for dancing began in her early childhood. She eagerly awaited the month of Sharwan to participate in local festivals like Teej and fairs, where she could express herself through dance. However, her enthusiasm was often met with disapproval from some in her community, who urged her parents to discourage her from dancing in favor of focusing solely on her studies.

Despite the pressure, Narayani’s parents stood by her side. ‘Some neighbors tried to tell my parents to stop me from dancing. They were concerned, but my parents ignored them and supported me. That’s why I am here today,’ Narayani recalls. Her parents’ unwavering support proved to be the foundation upon which she built her dreams. Although society often chastised her, calling her mischievous for neglecting her studies, Narayani refused to be deterred. ‘It hurt sometimes, but my parents’ support gave me the strength to continue,’ she shares.

Narayani’s journey is a reflection of the struggles faced by many girls in rural Nepal. In a society where girls often face greater challenges and are expected to work harder than boys, pursuing a career, especially in the arts, is no easy feat. Yet, Narayani chose to defy the odds and follow her passion.

The loss of her mother was a turning point in her life. ‘When I lost my mother, I realized that I had nothing left to lose. That’s when I decided not to dwell on the small things,’ she says, reflecting on how personal grief transformed her perspective. Her mother, who had always dreamed of seeing her daughter as a successful artist, had wished to see Narayani act alongside popular actor Pal Shah. Tragically, her mother passed away before she could witness her daughter’s rise in the industry. ‘She always told me she wanted to see me act with Pal. Infact that was her dream,’ Narayani says with a bittersweet smile.

Despite the emotional setback, Narayani was determined to fulfill her mother’s dream. A year and a half after her mother’s passing, Narayani found renewed motivation through her role in the song Karimaile…. The song, written by Netra Aryal and sung by Khem Senchuri and Devi Gharti, became a pivotal moment in her career. In it, Narayani plays a key role alongside Pal Shah, portraying a poignant love story of loss and separation-one that resonated deeply with her own experience. ‘The song felt like a reflection of my own life. In the dream, there was love, but upon waking, there was separation,’ she shared.

In a touching tribute to her mother, Narayani even shaved her head for the song’s release. ‘In the video, I played a character who loses her mother, and in real life, I felt that same grief,’ she explains. Some critics told this act was an attempt to go viral, but Narayani insists that her motivation was purely personal. ‘I don’t care about going viral. I just want to stay relevant and continue working hard throughout my career,’ she asserts.

Before making a name for herself in the world of acting and dance, Narayani spent years performing in Dohori-Sajh (traditional Nepali folk music performances), a genre often looked down upon due to its nighttime schedule. However, Narayani considers this experience to be the foundation of her artistic journey. ‘Dohori-Sajh was my school. It taught me so much, helped me grow both artistically and economically, and allowed me to meet new people,’ she says.

Dancing is now an inseparable part of Narayani’s daily life. Even in her conversations with friends, the topic often turns to dance. Yet, despite her success, there remains an emptiness in her heart from the absence of her mother. ‘I’ve fulfilled her dream, and I am happy with the progress I’ve made. But sometimes, I wish she were here to see it. She would have been so proud,’ Narayani reflects, her voice filled with emotion.

Narayani Khatri’s story is a testament to resilience, determination and the power of following one’s passion, no matter the challenges that lie ahead. From facing societal expectations to enduring personal loss, she has emerged as an inspiration to many, especially rural women in Nepal, who see her as a symbol of hope in pursuing their dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be.
Full interview :