Swastima Khadka turned down an engineering career to lead Nepali cinema

Swastima Khadka, who studied architecture, stepped into the silver screen almost as a side pursuit. But her journey from Bulbul to Lalibazar made her a leader in the Nepali film industry. Strong across both commercial and arthouse currents in an eleven-year career, she has won two National Awards. She has also led the debate on equal pay between male and female actors in the Nepali film industry.

Eleven years ago, when I met 19-year-old Swastima Khadka at the workshop for her debut film Hostel Returns, the eagerness and curiosity for acting were clearly visible in her eyes.