Bandana Shah of Republica catches up with Menuka to share her journey from struggles to success and now:
Since when have you been acting?
I come from Nawalparasi. My mother too is in films, so perhaps it’s in my genes. When I was a child, I would stand in front of the television and imitate the actors. I was pretty good at it. My parents would be very proud of me as I would win in various dance and acting competitions that took place in school. They often took us to watch films. My teachers also kept saying that I would become an actress someday. My brother and I shot for some commercials and acts at our local television station.
I wanted to become an actress. But as I grew up and became conscious about the condition of Nepali cinema industry, I got confused and hesitated to enter this field. My mind would say that I needed to study and have a proper career, so I came to Kathmandu after completion of my Plus Two.
However, I met the right people at the right time. Anup Baral Sir gave me a chance to enroll for training in Actor’s Studio. It definitely turned my luck around. I got an opportunity to learn much more about acting which was far more than what I assumed to know.
Where do you drive inspiration from?
Anup Baral and Dia Maskey have taught me how to perform. It’s not only about acting but they are my emotional support, too. I owe them everything that I’ve learnt. I’m totally inspired by Anup Baral’s teaching.
Compared to other jobs, your work isn’t constant? Does that worry you?
It’s true that an artist’s job has no guarantee or consistency. I feel insecure sometimes. But I’m still learning and enhancing myself in the hope that one’s hard work will sooner or later be recognized. I didn’t jump into all that was offered to me through my connections. I believe that I need to learn first, only then my work will be worthy.
What are your future plans?
I’ll continue with my performances. Beside this, I have a dream to go on a world tour and try out all varieties of foods.
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