Stretched on more than one ropani of land, Sabitri Sadan in Chhauni, is more popular as a fine place to do indoor shooting for Nepali cinemas than as the residence of Sabitri Pradhan today.[break]
Over the years, hundreds of films have been shot in Sabitri Sadan. Like Chobhar, Nagarkot, Kurintar, and Pokhara are understood to be suitable locations for outdoor shooting, there must be hardly any filmmakers in Nepal who is not aware of Sabitri Sadan.
Sabitri Pradhan herself has many fond memories of this house where she has seen dozens of movies shot. In fact, many actors from the film industry still call her “Mommy” while directors and producers address her as Bhaujyu.
“Neer Shah is still fond of my gundrukko achaar. Whenever Dilip Rayamjhi visits me, he makes sure that he gets to taste my Newar delicacies,” Sabitri Pradhan says.
Pradhan never thought that film personalities would come to her for permission to shoot their films in her residence. It was 18 years ago when actors Rajesh Hamal and Karishma Manandhar visited Sabitri Sadan and asked permission to begin shooting for their movie “Chahana.”
“I had never seen film actors; I had never seen how shooting was done. I was curious and I allowed them to do the shooting,” Pradhan flashed back. “How I wish I had said no then. At least, I would’ve lived peacefully. And people wouldn’t have termed my abode shooting house.”
Pradhan lent her room for free for movies in the beginning. But after “Mohani” she was tired as filmmakers queued up at her doorstep.
With high ceilings, wide rooms and attractive staircases inside and an open garden, Sabitri Sadan is a perfect mansion for interior scenes.
Pradhan still remembers her husband telling her not to allow filmmakers in their residence. But after “Chahana”, “Thul Dai” and “Mohani”, both Pradhans gave up the idea. “They were even ready to pay us Rs 5,000 a day. It’s however another story that some paid, some promised to pay but never came back again,” Pradhan added.
After two decades, Pradhan is no more comfortable lending her house for any further movies.
“I’m tired now. I’m 65, I can’t still be shouting at people. Film crews make the entire house a mess. There are many cases when goods from my house disappeared. It’s funny to see how technicians even steal soaps and shampoos,” she laughed. “There was a time when some filmmakers went to extremes, making my house a junction for doping brown sugar and other drugs.”
But because there are not many suitable indoor locations, Pradhan has agreed to allow shootings of selected movies, however on certain preconditions.
“These days I don’t permit overnight shooting. They must pack up by 9,” she revealed.
Pradhan was never comfortable giving her house for overnight shooting. She says she got sick and tired of the ignorance of filmmakers.
“How do you feel when you hear gunshots at 2 in the morning? Even after requesting time and again, there were many cases when directors have extended their action shootings to 3 in the morning.” Her sons and daughters-in-law often complained that they missed privacy in their own house. “I’ve lost count of goods being destroyed in my house while shooting.”
In recent days, Pradhan has lent the rooms for only a few selected movies for Rs 5,000 a day. The electricity bills comes to Rs 3,000 everyday, which is also paid by the filmmakers.
“Even after declining, they come to us and even beg on their knees. We’re left with no option in such circumstances,” she enunciated.
Gone are the days when Pradhan herself was keen on acting. She has done a few roles in “Chahana”, “Bhai Tika” and “Ragatko Naata.”
“I’m no more interested,” said she and elaborated, “Once I said yes to appear in one birthday scene in Karishma Manandhar’s movie. I thought it was all about a few minutes. The director took four days to complete that scene, and I had to be there in the same dress each day, like a stranger in my own house. [Chuckles]”
Pradhan has many fond memories of the who’s who of Kollywood. Many love to call her Mom and she feels proud to have this extended family.
“Though there are many complaints, I however feel good at times to realize that my family is huge. From Basundhara Bhusal to Subhadra Adhikary, Laxim Giri, Shree Krishna Shrestha, Dilip Rayamajhi, Nikhil Uprety, Rajesh Hamal, Karishma Manandhar, Niruta Singh, Bipana Thapa, Kristi Mainali, and Jal Shah, everybody loves me so much,” Pradhan shared emotionally and added how each of them is also fond of her kitchen recipes.
“Jharana (Bajracharya) still asks for my makkai (corn) and gundrukko achaar, Dilip (Rayamajhi) loves my way of making choyela, and so do many others. I so feel like a guardian figure,” she chuckled.
It’s almost twenty years now, and more films are being filmed inside the Sabitri Sadan. Sabitri says she still fights with her husband and children to allow film shooting, provided the film crew agrees to follow her criteria – and yes, only if they stop calling her home “The Shooting House.”
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