From dancing to acting

Back in school, all of four years old Deeya Maskey performed at a program and stunned the audience with her graceful dance movements. Since then, dancing has been her life. Having a Master’s degree in dancing and being a gold medalist in the Kathak School of classical dance form from Allahabad, India, she has performed in many dance shows till date.



Along with that, she is also seen modeling in many Nepali music videos. A number of theater performances and roles in movies, too, have the charming presence of the diva.[break]







How would you define yourself?

I like calling myself a really simple and straightforward woman. I’m also a very hardworking person and I love my work.



Whom do you look up to as your role model?

Well, during my dancing, modeling and acting career, I’ve come across many people who have inspired me and helped me become whoever I am today. To name a few, Anup Baral, the acclaimed theater actor/director, has motivated me a lot in acting. Similarly, tabla maestro Surendra Shrestha’s encouragement has helped me a lot in my dancing career.



What are you most passionate about and what are your hobbies?

My career is based on dancing and acting.Therefore, for me, dancing and acting are my life. So when it comes to speaking about my hobbies and passions, it’s these very two passions that I can’t live without.



Could you tell us about your best works till date that you’re really proud of?

While working in the serial ‘Dalan,’ I was very young and yet I got appreciated for my performances. Playing the role of a woman of the rural area of Nepal did teach me a lot. I’m really proud that I made it. Also, since the film ‘Kagbeni’ got me established in Nepali films, I would say it’s also one of my best works till date.



What, according to you, is an ideal movie?

A movie should, first of all, have a nice script to be called ‘good.’ The genre should be clear. The movie should leave some inspiring social messages for the audience, and not just inclusion of fights, songs and dances.



What are the challenges you have to face in the Nepali film industry?

There are many challenges one needs to face in the Nepali film industry. Firstly, you don’t usually get the kind of work you want. Also, the pay is also not that satisfactory, despite your hard work.



What’s the one thing that you like about the Nepali film industry?

Though the Nepali film industry is still in the developing phase, I feel happy that many professionals are trying their best. We’re coming up with new and innovative ideas and many experiments are being done, despite the risk of failure. The industry is also attracting more audience than it used to some years back.



What are the things you don’t like about the industry?

Though we’ve come a long way, I think the industry needs more professionalism. The professionals we have shouldn’t think about only their own profits but should start thinking of ways to develop the industry and take it to the next level.



What are your future plans?

I want to do more movies that will be appreciated by more people. Also, I want to bring in more projects that will help Nepali dances and film industry to thrive on.



What messages do you have for the emerging actors and dancers and how can your fans connect with you?

I would like to say that dancing and acting don’t just come easily. Both require a lot of practice and dedication. A theoretical study and perhaps a degree will help you a lot to excel in the career. My fans can connect with me via Facebook as I’m very active in networking. My profile name is Dia

Maskey.



By Suprasanna Aryal

Related story

Dancing on his toes