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| Username | Post |
| john doe | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 12:53 PM
I just finished watching the first part of her interview at the Dishanirdesh website (its a slow day at the office today) and I was just blown away by her obvious intelligence, her sharp wit, and her effortless self-confidence! She more than held her ground against the ever over-zealous Bijaya Kumar's incessant and at times blatantly disrespectful questions regarding her recent cameo as a scantily dressed seductress in the movie "Love in Nepal". The role, which is risque by any standards, should catapult Jharana into Bollywood stardom if the movie is successful. And thats a big IF! In any case, I'll be rooting for her. And here's the link to the interview, incase u're wondering what the heck I'm talking about! - http://www.nepalnews.com.np/dishanirdesh/ Enjoy!~ |
| confused | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 01:37 PM
lol jon doe interview was really goodd..but what is up with these nepali scocities man.>>common its just a movie....Jharana was really good..she seems to be very confident..and we need that kind of people in nepal.. Guys you all need to watch this interview...lol its good..have my word for it.. |
| john doe | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 02:11 PM
Yes, I got the impression that she was stifled by the claustrophobic boundaries of the Nepali movie industry, and was waiting for an opportunity to show people what she is capable of. When Bollywood came calling, she naturally jumped at what could prove to be her big break. And she doesnt come across as someone who has no qualms about gratuitous nudity. I cant comment on her acting abilities since I havent seen any of her movies yet, but judging from the interview, she certainly is made of star material. |
| L-a-x | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 02:14 PM
ya....I agree with you both. It was really a good presentation...and her confidence...I really think she has come out as a winner. For all those who have not watched her interview, I encourage you to watch it. I hope she gets better offers in hindi movies...and can go a long way....wishing her all the luck .... |
| Biswo | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 02:31 PM
John, I remember that years ago, she wrote a piece in Deshantar about how she decided to work in a movie. It was her first movie, directed by Prakash Saymi, if I remember the name correctly. I was thinking ,hey, here comes a Nepali actress who can write! She in deed has some literary skill that can mesmerize everyone. Unfortunately, if Nepal's fledgeling journalism leaves a lot more to be desired,entertainment related journalism is so horrible that it often sounds like it doesn't have a redeeming quality. In this context, it is unlikely that a fare evaluation of Nepali actors/actresses is possible. The film world is dominated by bullies like Ashok Sharma and Krishna Malla, and cinepatrika are mostly jokes.One of the thematic contents of cine patrika is our actresses don't come from high family. Now, this obsession about 'family' rather than 'quality' is designed to humiliate the actresses, and probably to size them up all the time, so that these lousy journalists can ask these naive newcomers question like "what do you think about sex?" "How much cloth are you willing to doff?" etc etc. Add Manisha. She said she didn't know Jharana. I was amused to know how ignorant she was about Bollywood's newcomers. Not everybody has friends like Madhu Dandawate to catapult them directly to the stardom in Subash Ghai's banner, and there are bound to be a lot of struggling Nepali aspirants in Bombay and I don't see anything wrong in that. Her replies and her current state in Bombay film industry reminded me Gloria Swansong of Sunset Boulevard, honestly. |
| john doe | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 03:02 PM
Biswo, I totally agree with you regarding the state of entertainment journalism in Nepal. I think Dishanirdesh was a much more respectful platform for her to express her views regarding her controversial role in the movie. And I'm not surprised that she can write! She is just the opposite of Manisha, who seems to revel in her mediocrity. |
| sparsha | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 05:26 PM
I met Jharana a few years back when I was in Nepal. She was a fresh beauty personality then. I met her in an establishment owned by a good friend of mine, who introduced me with her. Didn't talk much just casual courtesy exchanged. That was the beginning. Later when I interacted with her more, I was impressed with her self-confidence. She sounded assertive yet polite. Mostly she spoke in Nepali -with me-with heavy use of English words though. She expressed her desire in comming to the US for her study. Then, she was not playing in any movies. The night before I was supposed to take the flight back to the US, I was enjoying the evening in a Nagarkot resort with a few friends of mine. Jharana was also there. There sitting outside on the resort steps, we talked about a lot of stuff. I was, during our conversation, a bit worried if I was bothering her. But when she said "I wish you're not flying back to the US tomorrow...I hope your flight gets cancelled ...you are a good friend" I was relieved. Looks like she enhanced her confidence even more and is reaching higher. I wish her all the best. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 05:58 PM
Jharana bajrcharya=jharana thapa?? |
| najar | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 09:16 PM
I had watched her interview with Bijay Kumar. Very impressive on how she handled the interview and responded to his questions. Left him at awkward position at times with her thoughtful and confident answers. Confident, pretty, and knew what she was talking about. |
| sparsha | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 09:24 PM
I agree with Najar. Bijaya Kumar looks and sounds lost with Jharana. Also, why was he (Bijaya Kumar) asking Jharana the same question again and again? I felt like he came to the table with few very questions or was not prepared enough to take a confident Nepali woman. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 09:40 PM
I wish Isolated Freak is here to Bijaya Kumar stopping him interrogating Jharana or close this thread as the other thread...la bravo show your purusartha... |
| M.P. | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 10:34 PM
After watching Jharana Bajracharya's interview, I think Bijaya Kumar, despite all his expertise exhibited so far, WAS confused this time. Too bad, Kollywood could not retain an actress like Bajracharya! ---------------------------- Bhunte, A friendly suggestion: Stop losing sleep over the thread that was closed. There is no point in going to every thread asking why Isolated Freak has not been there to close the thread. If I am not wrong, two other threads have been started on the same issue you are talking about. This is just my suggestion, you know whether or not to consider it. Your life, your way! Btw, this, in now way, means that I agree completely with what Isolated Freak has posted in the other thread. --------------- |
| kiddo | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 10:36 PM
I followed the link and went over the interview. Vijaya Kumar's repeated question had a point, a point that all the journalists tend to chase. No doubt he is one of the best journalist in South Asia. Jharana, in the other hand, handled every question well. The one that I liked most was about her answer on reluctance to 'show' as much in nepali movie as she did in the hindi. She said that Nepali movie tend to present in a rather cheap manner (not exactly her words). Very true and very honest. |
| shilps | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 10:45 PM
john doe ..the interview was worth watching...thanx for the info..she is indeed a very confident girl n' proud for what she did..very true to herself |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 31-Oct-03 11:25 PM
M.P., Thanks for your friendly suggestion and I gladly take it. However, this thread is questioning about someone's professionalism. I won't be surprised Bijaya Kumar as a Journalist asking even one may think a very stupid question. What is so funny in the interview? Do people still laugh seeing dog's J shaped tail? Regarding that gentleman, I was very soft in his best interest this time. |
| LadyBug | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 07:31 AM
The part I liked best is how she was so willing to challenge the stereotypes ppl have about the idiosyncrasies of being an actress....and that she is just a normal woman like everyone else. ALso her assertion that she is an ok looking woman....quite a blow to the "mai hu" bhanne nepali keti haru, who usually go to beauty pageants to show the "fairer than average nepali" skin. Like Jharana said beauty lies in how you carry yourself, and your confidence, provided that you are ok looking heehh :-) this is a lesson for lots of ladies to stop going to the make up counter in the mall and shopping for things the media tells you to buy. Nice to see such an open minded actress in Nepal. bravo! |
| isolated freak | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 07:50 AM
Bhunte, You seem to have started this campaign against me, and that's fine with me. However, to make things clear for other Sajha visitors, let me defend my position and provide you with answers to the questions you've raised. 1. Contrary to what you and yourself believe, DEVYANI is not a public figure. So, its none of your's or mine to know where she is now. 2. You might have thought that it was harmless to post her pic and know her whereabouts, but the thread soon became way too nasty, dirty and personal. There were others who tarnished the thread but your comments/answers to some of the posters in that thread can be best described "INDECENT". You weren't being nice to the posters who didn't agree with you or towards Devyani. 3. Look Bhunte ji, I won't discuss with you on your raiti-mentality question. You are stretching it a bit far. I would have defended any hari-rame-shyame or geeta-seeta-reeta the same way I defended Devyani. |
| isolated freak | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 07:55 AM
Contrary to what you and yourself believe, DEVYANI is not a public figure. So, its none of your's or mine business to know where she is now. |
| isolated freak | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 07:59 AM
Regarding that gentleman, I was very soft in his best interest this time. also bhunte, If the above comment is directed against me: YOu don't have to be soft in my best interests, you can go all hard on me. namaste |
| dharma_sankat | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 08:02 AM
I heard that after a woman had several relationships, she talks philosophical things while she could not find the next partner!!! |
| Nepe | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 10:13 AM
Several years ago, I had a chance to watch an interview with Sushmita Sen (Miss Universe, 1994). Her wit, self-assured and down-to earth answers, buoyancy, her sense of her rights as an individual and how she celebrated her life were totally mesmerizing to watch and to listen to. I felt it a second time when I watched Jharana's interview. I celebrate her achievements and potential. She has a great future for herself and to inspire all of us. My salute to her. |
| Biruwa | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 10:29 AM
Ho ba, I had seen jharana's interview and actually thought about starting a thread on that topic. Unfortunately, I was too damn busy that I just couldn't find a corehent thought about the interview. Jharana did sound as a confident and witty character. Haven't seen any of her movies so can't say about her acting talent either. But a couple of answers by her in this interview were ground breaking. I am not saying that, that character or outlook suits all women. If you are in the acting line, then that is the outlook you should possess. She is definitely on the right track. |
| Rosie | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 12:59 PM
Yep, Jharana was certainly good. That stupid Bijay Kumar has no clue as to when to stop lingering on the same question. He was so negative...it almost sounded like he was reproaching Jharana for having done the sexy scenes. He thinks that he is Nepal's Larry King...lol. On a side note, I think it should have sucked for Jharana to be all seductive with that skinny and effeminate little shrimp Sonu Nigam...Hopefully the next time, she'll get a better looking co-star. |
| lonely1 | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 02:09 PM
Yes, Jharana handles the interview very well, and once again we have arrogant Vijay Kumar as a spokesperson for traditional nepali patriarchy. Having said that what surprises me is that nobody in this intellectual colony of Sajhapur questions our culture's ambivalent attitude toward woman's body. There is fascination with it and at the same time a condemnation of it. Fascination because we love watching it, but can't accept it and so condemn it. This is part of global phenomna but in South Asia it is so intensely felt now as the region grapples with the process of modernization. Still the question to direct our attention to is why does a woman's body and dress get so much attention? What does it tell us about ourselves as a culture/ society? |
| dautari | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 02:11 PM
Bhunte dai: Jharana Thapa and Jharana Bajracharya are two different people. Jharana Thapa is married to producer Sunil Kumar Thapa (not to be confused with Nepali screen baddie Sunil Thapa aka Raate). She has starred in a few movies that did not do well. Jharana Bajracharya is former Miss World Nepal turned Nepali actress. However she is also yet to taste success as an actress. According to the grapevines, Jharana Bajracharya is going to marry Alok Nembang, former VJ of Image Channel, now with Kantipur Television. Alok Nembang is also a reputed music video director in nepal. BTW he is Xavierian, if anyone remembers him ... batch of eighty something. |
| sparsha | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 05:56 PM
Bhunte ji, This is the thread about Jharana Bajracharya not IF Vs Bhunte. I know you are aware of this. What I also realize is you are defending yourself with offending words. I respect your right to defend yourself but in my personal opinion the way you defended perhaps is not the right way. You are, of course, free to disagree but this type of attack only fuel "tamashe's" interest. Personal attack on others not always boosts attacker's reputation or credibility. I know you could've defended yourself with other more appropriate words. May be anger was raging high as you wrote the above response to IF. As a well-wisher, I would like to request you to refrain from personal attacks. I am not defending IF here. In fact, I am not talking about IF at all. Hope to read more constructive postings from you. A well wisher, Sparsha. |
| Biswo | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 06:03 PM
Hi All, I think it is in our best interest not to bring personal things in our cyberworld. Let Sajha world be a place which overlaps with real world minimally, especially when it comes to personal relationship between visitors. I have great regard for Bhunteji, but let's play within the rules of the game. The reason I am saying this is because this is a slippery slope, and we don't know where it is going to lead us to if we bring in personal things here that sajha.com visitors can't arbitrate and decide. We have , in the past, tested and concluded that bringing in personal things only undermines the reputation of sajha as a common platform for the Nepalese to share views. We may not have a grand lustre of elite media, but we don't want sajha to be Jerry Springer Show either. |
| Ruby | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 09:58 PM
that is totally messed up!! are you kidding me? its one thing to talk about the actual issue on hand, how can you stoop so low and attack someone so personally ? |
| KaLaNkIsThAn | Posted
on 01-Nov-03 10:34 PM
Bhunte, Wow! It's great to see you lambasting some sajha poster in the thread. Isn't it great to bring out somebody's dirty linen out in the public? You did really awesome job by educating us with so many negative points and rather disgusting facts about a fellow sajhaities. Hats off to your ability to stoop so low. Lets not even examine a credibility of the facts you put forth. You are highly educated, intelligent, responsible, matured person. You just analyze it yourself. Who do you think will be affected by your such a cheap comment? I don't think IF will. He must be having a last laugh. It's like a boomerang -- It has returned back to you. Watch out! Watch out!! What happend to the spirit of sajha? One sajhaities thrashing other sajhaities makes me sick to my stomach! arggghhh! Why can't people distinguish between right and wrong before they post something? No hard feelings though! Just my thoughts! |
| M.P. | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 12:18 AM
Rosie Wrote: >>>Jharana was certainly good. That stupid Bijay Kumar has no clue as to when to stop lingering on the same question. --------> Dear Rosie, I am not in a belligerent mood as some people seem here. But, to tell you my feeling, if I may say it without hurting you, is this: to judge Bijay Kumar by this interview alone is a joke. True, this journalist got stuck at times by Jharana Bajracharya. True, Bajracharya is marvellous, creative and what not. But to label Bijaya Kumar "stupid" merely on the basis of this interview is itself an act of stupidity. This veteran has muted several politicians just like the way he was partly made speechless by Bajracharya's words. I do not mean to offend you, but do you mind answering these question fo me: how many of Bijaya Kumar's interviews have you actually watched to lable him, so confidently, stupid? |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 01:00 AM
Dear friends, I was pretty much aware of your genune concerns, but had no choice except revealing Isolated Freak's true face when he niu khojing with me personally. I restrained much for his face saving, but couldn't resist. Yes, truth is always bitter. The post is somehow not here. Probably the guy cried to remove it. Those people who are still interested to see those 11 points about the Isolated Ferak can email me. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 01:18 AM
I'm sorry to all of you that the thread derailed someway. If the guy still want to discuss, he can email me or discuss in a separate thread if he wants. Let's go back to Bijaya-Jharana topic. Thanks! |
| Nepali Kanchi | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 01:40 AM
Bhunte ji, you said about Isolated Freak ji " when he niu khojing with me personally." But didnt you start all this ny saying, " I wish Isolated Freak is here to Bijaya Kumar stopping him interrogating Jharana or close this thread as the other thread...la bravo show your purusartha... " that was all said and done even before Isolated ji said a word! And when he gave you a very diplomatic answer , other than " won't discuss with you on your raiti-mentality question" ( a lil off?) You went off on him personally!!!!....I read it, and hell no , I wont repeat it! whats up with that? |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 02:17 AM
Nepali Kanchhi ji, lahara tanda pahara gharkeko jastai this thread somehow relates to the other thread (where is she) where the gentleman had quoted Ashu suggesting to talk about idea not person or so in Sajhaland. Somehow in Jharana thread people are talking more about person. And, I had simply suggested him to follow his quote and close the thread if people are talking here about person. No thing more. Hope it clears up your concerns. Somehow idea and person are sometime so much interrelated, hard time separate indeed. Thanks. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 02:22 AM
Nepali kanchhi, i was particularly upset when someone indescent people talks about descency. If you still want to discuss about him or related issue email me @ bhuntebhunte@hotmail.com. Thanks. |
| Bhunte | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 02:35 AM
Nepali Kanchhi, what's going with Karnali republic? I remember you had a website with all the details like proposed constitution, etc?? |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 06:43 AM
For the FIRST TIME, I saw a defiance in a Nepali lady. I think the main difference between Jharana and lots of other people fighting for so call woman's right is that she is honest about each every word she is saying and it shows. Her body language and her words are so much in tune with the fact that she is comfortable in the shoes she is in. She seems to have a pretty levelled head on her shoulders. I really enjoyed watching the interview. Power to her and down down her opponents :) At least she got my vote on her ideologies. -- BV |
| KaLaNkIsThAn | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 07:12 AM
Bhunte The last thing I wanted to do was reply on this thread, and specially to reply you. Dude, please don't talk about decency here. Like you said before, "laharo tanda paharo garjincha". Just to give you "COUPLE OF HINTS" about decency from your side, have we really forgotten about your reply to "RUCK" in one of the threads recently? How decent was it? On the top of that, she was pregnant!! I am sure we went to different school, probably we learned differently about decency. Have we really forgotten "Poontey" episode? No not "Poonte" but "Poontey". Who would go to sajha chat room as "POONTEY" and pretend to be "Poonte" and talk nasty to the people so that he could give "Poonte" a bad name? No, nobody went to the sajha chat room as "bhuntey" or any other variation of that name. If that is your defination of "decency", then everyone in the chat room is indecent. So, please don't talk about decency, those were just couple of hints. Decency, Do hell with that!! (I know you will come up with your defense, I know you might even come up with something about Poonte, since I have started it. I know everything you did was decent for you. I know you don't want to hear anything against yourself. I know by the end of the day, I feel like "playing drum in front of bhaishi". But you know, the few things you should have known were the only few things you chose not to know). Other than that, you have a good weekend! Kalankisthan! |
| bhole_babaji | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 09:17 AM
I saw that interview. It was kind of a joke. Bijay kumar looked very unporfessional. Jharana was arrogant and bitchy as well as sluty. what a shame you guys. |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 09:26 AM
Arrogant, Bitchy and Sluty??? :) Now why would anyone call her that? --BV |
| LadyBug | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 12:28 PM
Vincent, PPL cannot accept this image of a forward looking, smart, confident nepali woman. So that's why they call her that. coz they are not used to any woman in their family being so open and articulate. Did I mention intelligent? no offense to babaji....bom bhole :) you know babaji u kinda pushed away the shiva faith i have by the wrong name u chose for urself. heheehhe...hope you adjust ur attitude as to the principle of receptivity.lol. |
| bhole_babaji | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 03:09 PM
She said she will open her dress only for Hindi movies. Just look at her face in the interview. She thinks she is better than other Nepali people. I found her very very arrogant and you guys found her confident.... . I don't know how come you guys find her nice... |
| midwestdude | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 03:26 PM
I like Jharna. Very cool and professional. I think she handled Vijay Kumar very well and treated him ... the way he wanted it. Notice his repetition on "dui barsa mai tapaile shaanti prapta garnu bho?" He was repeating that over and over. But Jharna is a breath of fresh air in Nepali society and its attitude. We need more people like her and here's to Jharna....... way to go girl! |
| Rosie | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 04:55 PM
M.P., I think Bijay Kumar is STUPID because he thinks too much of himself. I've watched his other interviews with Nepali politicians and yes he did make them shush but that was because those politicians are even more stupid than Mr. Bijay Kumar himself...you know, the stupid wins over the stupider...lol...One interview I recall from a long time ago was the one with Amitabh Bachchan. What Bijay Kumar was doing with Jharana was a lot like what he did with Bachchan. He kept on asking Amitabh about his affair with Rekha...it was ridiculous how he kept on alluding to the same issue even after Amitabh had made it clear that he wasn't going to get into that anymore. And by the way, a journalist or an interviewer becomes great not by making his interviewees speechless or by insulting or reproaching them like Bijay Kumar enjoys doing. An interviewer becomes great by winning the confidence of the interviewee and getting them to speak out and getting the truth out. |
| rebelismyname | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 06:31 PM
Hi everyone, few comments and complemnets about the interview ( or about jharana) and also about some the postings above Most of you: think jharana is attractive I: think jharana is attractive most of you: think Vijaya kumar is a horrible journalist I : think Vijaya is a media personality just like Barbara Walter. they both are terrible Most of you: liked jharana's confidence I: don't think jharana has any confidence at all reason(s) : she doesn't know wheather the movie is going to do well in the box office she is not sure if this particular role is going to be credential for her career didn't know why she wanted to compete in Miss Nepal. her remark " "just wanted to have fun". I wonder what was her answer when she was asked "what do you want to do if you become miss Nepal?" most of these beauty pagents contestents want to "help" the poor, spread the message of "peace" and blah blah blah most of you: think she is cool I: think she is hypocrite reason: when she was asked what does she like about nepali men her answer was "I like when in our society men fill pressured to be something ass they become an adult." but she doesn't like when men act as if they are better than women. If you want be treated equally then you have to bear equal responsibility also. I know most of you are going to say that i am sexiest but if you want me to be fair then be fair to me also. don't tell me that you want everything I get yet you don't want to do everything I do. I've seen plenty of nepali "literate" women in america who choose to get married and be a house wives and let their education go to waste. I have plenty more to say but it is just impossible to write everything I have to say. I still need to see the whole interview so i'll be writing more. By the way everyone so far who have written in this thread seem like american pop culture fanatics who are writing what they hear. and you hear to be polite and be complementary and to say "I love you" without being sincere. rebel rebel's music recomendation: where is the love by black eyed pea silenced by mudvayne hell awaits by slayer |
| dautari | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 06:49 PM
Mr.Vijay Kumar is no Larry King. I don't like most of his interviews. However, it was Bhushan Dahal who managed to take the best out of Mr.Vijay Kumar when he was the producer/director of Disha Nirdesh during its first season. After Bhushan Dahal joined Kantipur TV, Vijay Kumar decided to cash in on Disha Nirdesh's success by being at the helm himself. And like his interviews, he has fallen flat on his face. |
| bhole_babaji | Posted
on 02-Nov-03 09:55 PM
Jharana was saying that getting a break in this movie was as happy feeling as winning the Miss Nepa competitionl. Do some search on the web about this movie and what comes. She is not mentioned in any of the articles. I did one of saw her picture with some exposure. Is she an extra for some songs ? And how did she get that break ? Through some madwadi businessman who she said is her friend. |
| tabasco | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 02:34 AM
>>>Do some search on the web about this movie and what comes. She is not mentioned in any of the articles. Bhole babaji, I did some googling and found Jharna's being mentioned everywhere and with some pictures too...I don't know what are you trying to prove here. Have some respect man.... Why do't you try and see it yourself..and this time KEEP YOUR EYES WIDE OPEN - http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=3273 - http://www.filmnasha.tv:8080/loveinnepal.jsp - http://nowrunning.com/comingsoon/loveInNepal/loveInNepal.asp :) |
| ashu | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 08:26 AM
There is a curious divide in Nepal's gender-related landscape. On the one side are the old-line feminists, usually hailing from privileged, politically connected Bahun, Chettri, Newar families . . . Durga Pokharel. Durga Ghimire, Shanta Thapaliya, Sapana Malla-Pradhan, Bina Pradhan, Indira Shrestha, Arzu Deuba and others make up, what one of my friends calls "the Gender Queens" of Nepal. These are all donor-savvy feminists, didi-type of activists who know how to mouth the jargon quite well. Listen to them closely, and you get the sense that though they mean well, intellectually they are stuck in some time-warp, circa 1970. Crudely speaking, they represent the 'mother generation' of Nepali feminism. The 'rebels' are the younger ones, on the other side: Seira Tamang, Manjushree Thapa, Ashmina Ranjit, and many others who -- through their analyses, writings, art and music and even activism paint on a broader canvas of what it means to be a female in Nepal -- politically, socially, in terms of various castes and even sexually. These are NOT card-carrying feminists who have started NGOs or are donor-mukhi. Instead, through their work, they challenge the status quo -- quietly and powerfully. Jharana represents a more of a field-based, if you will, strand of that evolution: The liberated Nepali female who's comfortable being herself, her choice about her career, and her choice of means to be successful in that career . . . as someone who is not going to let other people's judgements about her sway her own opinion of herself. She has the poise, the confidence and the smarts to succeed. All she needs is a little bit of luck, and people who can help 'market' her well to Bollywood. I hope she does well. The 'mother generation' -- whose mantra boils down to 'victimhood of Nepali women', and I say that without any disrespect to their work -- just would not know what to make of the likes of Jharana, who represent the other end of the spectrum, closer to the way men live. [This was clear to me the way the members of the "mother generation" treated the suicide of a young actress Shreesha Karki last year]. Personally, I liked the way Jharana held her own against Bijaya Kumar, who came across as a patronising lecher. I wish Jharana all the best. oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| mickthesick | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 09:10 AM
..I strongly agree with Ashu. I watched Jharana's interview and let me tell you this- before watching the interview I did not have any hard feelings towards Jharana's work and I did not have any appreciation too. But as I was watching the interview and listening to her answers to the not-so-intelligent questions put forward by Bijay Kumar, I started developing respect for this young actress. It comes as a pleasant surprise and something to be proud of, that a young actress in Nepal has brains alongwith the looks. Her stance towards her role in the bollywood movie was very commanding and there was nothing Bijay Kumar could do to deteriorate her firm stance. I felt that Bijay Kumar might be a genious infront of uneducated Nepali MPs and ministers, but when it comes to asking questions to an educated and learned third generational young lady- he runs out of questions and the grounds under which he asks questions. It was clear that he was running out of points because he was repeating the questions that Jharana had already answered before. Personally I felt that Bijay Kumar was more nervous than Jharana because I think in his carrer this was the second time he was facing an intellectual film personality after Amitabh Bachhan. |
| mickthesick | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 09:13 AM
..what i have written above is an appreciation to Jharana's struggle and her intellect. My above writings in no way mean that I do not consider Bijay Kumar to be a good journalist. I have a great deal of respect for Bijay Kumar since I was a child. I am still a fan of his especially when he makes the MPs and ministers turn their faces red with his bold questions. But I personally felt that he lacked his potential while interviewing Jharana. |
| VincentBodega | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 09:32 AM
I just want to echo Ashu's and mickthesticks support on Jharans stand and personality. Bholebabaji, you are right about the fact that Jharana declined from doing the same kinda scene in Nepali movies. She also gave a very good reason and an honest reason to that. Well let me remind you of that. Nepali movies and the film technology lack the expertise in picturing something thats glamorous any differently than thats just plain sick. Who would want to be in that situation. Again, I think what she did was just great and even though I havent watched a single movie of hers I wish her all the luck. This one Miss Nepal so far that I think I am proud to call shes from the same country as I am. PS: Does she have a fan club or something. I feel as she should be told that there are certain people who are really appreciative of what she stands for. |
| NK | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 11:07 AM
Ashu, Lets not disparage these so called mother generation feminists because now Nepal seems to have Manjushree Thapa and all those you named. When we see trailblazers women in various fields and women who are poised, articulate, and making their own decision (s) we tend to forget how these women came to be where and what they are now. My dear, it is no coincidence nor is it a divine intervention. These new generation rebel (as you put it) are the outcome of what those mother generation feminists sow. You cannot call Rosa Parks just a fuddy-duddy-old-fashioned-black woman who-just thought-o- no- sitting in the back seat of a bus now that the US has Condolezza Rice. And yes, after hearing so much about Vijaya Kumar, I found him quite disappointing. Even, yes, bordering on "patronising lecher." |
| Deep | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 12:36 PM
Jharana ko jharanale chutyo Bijayadai lai---nithrukkai paryo--kathai--la hera thar thar kameko--sudhhi buddhi nai chhaina bichara---hwattai chhire jharana ma bicharai nagari--jharana ko "karanta" le hanyo ni--baurai ra chhan kathai ajhai eutai kuro--tyo luga kina tyasto lako---na din ma bhok chha na raat ma nindra meri bassai! |
| Gokul | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 12:45 PM
BK was jori khojing, JB was timurking. BK was khutta taning, JB was laat haaning. |
| jira | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 12:46 PM
tyo interview ta mailey ni heri sajhabasi ko kripa lay. Awudhi ramro lagyo ni awu. Nepal ka actress haru ko pragati..je bhayeni unilai mero tarfa bata prasansa tyasto farasilo kura gareki hunaley........Bijaya Kumar bhanney manchhey ali chuccho swobhaab cha...aaja ka pidhi haru lay belabelama tuchha tuccha nadiney ho bhaney tyasta lai kasley thik parni pheri? sabbai kuro ma maney revolution chaiyo naya josh ka saath. Jharana ko gahakilo auntarbarta ko lagi pheri ekpatuk wah wah |
| jira | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 12:48 PM
Gokul dai, If I am not mistaken, are you the same Gokuldai from MN who used to go to UFM?......just curious ke.....bhaye dekhi yo jira ko namaskaar |
| Deep | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 01:02 PM
Jiradai feri "gokuldai" "gokuldai" bhanera MN ko naata lamna khojya kina ho? khola wari pari ka lai wastai chhaina kata ho kata MN tiraka lai dai dai bhandai--khai ke ho ke ho--jiradai ni chabel ko bhang jasto bhaye--kaile lagni kaile nalagni-- |
| jira | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 01:25 PM
khola waari ka lay wastai gardainun deep dai....khola waari ka musa lukya jasto lukya chhan..dekhiyela ki bhanera lutta duloma chhirchan mailey ta kati bhannu...deep dai sangai basera jaand khawu bhanya ailey dekhi ho ra? Reen bokya manchey ni yasrai lukdaina hola.............. |
| Nepe | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 01:54 PM
NK, You stole my jibro. Despite all imperfections, pioneers are pioneers. Things do not happen without them. I have read a few articles by some of these *the gender queens*. I have a mixed reaction about them. But I appreciate their feminist stand. Their recognization of *victimhood of women* is the first step towards the long journey of equality to women. We need both the pioneers and the followers, the noisy ones and the quite ones, the activists and the individualists, the error makers and the learners, the preachers and the examples, Durga Pokharels and Jharana Bajracharyas. And Ashus and NKs too. |
| Nepe | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 02:04 PM
Was thinking to ask.. forgot.. Ashu, You brought an interesting point. What were the individual reactions of these *gender queens* to Shrisha Prakaran ? |
| mickthesick | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 03:04 PM
..one thing that i could not resist writing: When Jal Shah dances around in miniskirts, when karishma dances in bathing suits, when Puja (forgot the last name) dances in the water (in the song *yo pani kasto beimani*) with her entire body visible behind her white saree....then the nepalese media and press takes it lightly. Then why so much publicity for Jharana's dance in a bollywood movie. Is it because the nepalese media and press doesnot appreciate a nepalese actress playing in a bollywood movie? If not then what's the real reason. The very media that objected Jharana's dance in the movie are the ones who drool their mouth when Manisha( another nepali actress) dances around the trees and in the water with bare essential clothes. Why such difference when comparing the two? I think the showing-skin-phenomena in movies should not be taken too seriously by the public and the media. Every actor and actresses have to pass through a phase in thei film-carrer when they have to show some skin to get noticed and to get more offers. Once they get established in the industry they can choose whether or not to do such scenes or movies again or not. Take an example: hollywwod actresses ( sharon stone, Guwyneth paltrow, Nicole Kidman etc. ) and actors ( Richard gere, michael douglas, harrison ford etc. ) did show some skin in the beginning of their movies carrer. Once they started being notice d and gained popularity they had an option to not do such scenes and movies. Bollywood actresses also showed some skin ( madhuri dixit, kajol, manisha, tabu etc. ) in the beginning phase of their carrer...but today they don't do so. Why? Because now they can choose not to do that. Jharana is in her initial phase of her bollywood carrer.She chose to show some skin and that has got her noticed. If she gets more movies and succeds in making a mark, she will no longer have to do such scenes and movies. She can make her own rules. Let's not forget that there is nothing as good as a bad publicity. Bad publicity helps a person to succed more than good publicity. So the kind of bad publicity Jharana has been getting has not haunted her, instead it has helped her to be noticed by more people than before. The kind of bad publicity that Manisha got for her last movie "ek chhoti si love story" did not do her any harm. Instead it made more people to watch the movie. I am sure, because of the kind of negative publicity Jharana has been getting lately, will make more nepalese people to watch her new movie. |
| confused | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 03:09 PM
je bhanne ni keta hoo..i loved that chick..her replies were soo powerful tyo bijaya kumar ko kattu nai jharyo |
| makuro | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 04:15 PM
Bijaya Kumar style of asking thado question sometimes even at the expense of interviewee's exasperation brought popularity and scorn both in equal proportion. He rose to the popularity because of his 'thado' style and he is much disliked because of his thado style. We all know howfeeble he appeared in Amitav's interview. But in retrospect, I think Bijaya Kumar's style proved to fruitful to Jharna. Had he been nice to her, we may not have known how tactfuly she could answer the tough questions that were intended to get her. About feminism, a paradox or irony I notice is when there is fashion show or beauty pageantry in Nepal, there bound to be some sort of protest. The slogan usually be 'women are not the object of luxury.' On other hand participants or organizer of such shows don't think they are anti-feminist or so. They think such pageantry or shows are women's right. |
| ashu | Posted
on 03-Nov-03 10:20 PM
NK, NO, I was/am NOT disparaging the works of the people I wrote about. I know most of them personally, and I have raised these issues in face-to-faqce th them at Martin Chautari. So, yes, I do know what I am talking about. In case you did not see it above, I went out of my way to write that "I say [whatever I said about the 'mother generation'] without any DISRESPECT [for] their work". On a larger note: For the purpose of this particular kura-kani, I wanted to place Jharana in a particular Nepali feminist context, and I felt that it was necessary to make a passing reference to 'the mother generation' to make such a context interesting for others to read, think about and to stimulate further kura-kani. Nobody's getting personal here. The point, as DIVERSE aspects of contemporary Western feminists have taught us, is NOT to worship the members of 'mother generation' uncritically, but to appreciate their work WHILE putting it in a critical context that inspires further thought. That's all. ***** Nepe, The response of the members of the "Mother Generation" to the Shreesa Karki case was mixed, to say the least, and, much to my disappointment, Karki's case, despite its raising much hall in the beginning, did not lead anyone anywhere. [Background info: Karki, a young Kollywood actress committed suicide in October 2002 after much harassment by a tabloid editor who had published her naked pictures without her persmission.] oohi ashu ktm,nepal |
| SimpleGal | Posted
on 04-Nov-03 05:19 AM
I saw the interview as well, thanks to John Doe for the link. Throroughly enjoyed it! And despite all the scorn that Mr. Bijay Kumar has received for his questions, I must say that many of them spoke the minds of most Nepali people (both in the country and abroad). He was more of a medium than the source itself. As Jharana replied to one of the early questions, this is the hypocrisy that abounds in our society. And she couldn't be more on the mark! I am sympathetic to Mr. Bijay Kumar, though not entirely happy with the *sequence* of his questions which hinged too much on the controversy rather than attempting to first understand where she was "coming from." The later questions were better, to say the least. My best wishes to Jharna for her career! |