FAMILIAL BONDS IN SPOTLIGHT- The Journey of Najir & Shristi

Najir Husen and Shristi Shrestha, two prominent Nepalese actors, share their journeys in the entertainment industry and the importance of family support. Husen reflects on how his family's evolving acceptance of his acting career has motivated him, while

NAJIR HUSEN
Najir Husen is a Nepalese film actor, known for his work in the Nepalese entertainment industry. One of the most critically acclaimed actors in Nepal, Husen began his career in acting at the Mandala Theater, Nepal. He received fame for his role in Hostel Returns as Rameshwor Yadav and Bikram in Bir Bikram 2, and is now set to make an impressive impression as Ram in the upcoming movie, Keti Harayeko Suchana.

Your career in the film industry has been impressive. How do you manage to keep your family ties strong while navigating the demands of such a competitive profession?
I often find myself away for months due to shoots, which makes me miss my family. Fortunately, my brothers live in Kathmandu, so on my off days, we make it a priority to spend time together. We either gather at my place or visit theirs. During these times, we enjoy cooking and sharing meals, going shopping, or hiking. We also spend the night at each other's homes, where I share stories from my shoots. This routine helps us maintain our close bond despite my hectic schedule.

Family often provides a strong foundation. How has your family helped you stay grounded and motivated during the ups and downs of your career?
I come from a Muslim background, and initially, my family members were not pleased with my decision to pursue acting as a career. I started as a theatre actor, and at that time, they didn’t express much concern. However, when I shared my intention to make a full-time career out of acting, they were bit disappointed. For them, acting was an art, not a legitimate occupation. Like many parents, they hoped I would take up a business or a profession that would elevate our social status. It was challenging to make them understand my passion, but over time, as my movies were released and my work gained recognition, my parents also began to receive respect and acknowledgment. This shift in perspective helped ease their concerns, and they eventually accepted my career choice. They are now very proud and supportive. Although my mother passed away 13 years ago, her words, lessons, and advice have continued to keep me grounded and motivated. During my low phases, my sisters and brothers are always there to lift me up. They’ve seen both my darkest moments and my brightest achievements, and their support encourages me to keep moving forward. I am proud and grateful to have them by my side.

In Keti Harayeko Suchana, you explore themes of personal connection. Did you draw from your own family experiences to bring authenticity to your character?
In the movie Keti Harayeko Suchana, the character Ram Baran Thakur is portrayed as a kind family man who has grown up surrounded by women. Similarly, I was raised by my mother and sister, which allowed me to relate deeply to the character. I also drew from my elder brother’s personality and way of thinking to further connect with my role. By combining inspiration from my own life, my brother’s traits, and the society I grew up in, I tried my best to bring authenticity to the character.

What’s one piece of advice from a family member that has stuck with you throughout your career and continues to influence your decisions today?
One piece of advice from a family member that has been deeply influential in my life is my mother’s. She always said, “Sapana sano manche ley pani dekhnu parcha” (even a small person should dream). I have a dream that is yet to come, but her words have been a pillar of support, motivating me to persevere. This dream has guided me through life’s struggles, teaching me resilience. Additionally, my mother’s emphasis on being kind has kept me grounded and humble throughout my journey.

How do you handle the pressure of fame and public expectations while maintaining meaningful personal relationships?
I have a small circle of meaningful relationships, which helps minimize the pressure of managing fame and public expectations. My friends are very supportive and understanding when it comes to my time. They respect my need for space and give it to me without any fuss. Whenever we meet, we engage in deep and soulful conversations about various aspects of life, making our time together enjoyable and stress-free. I feel fortunate to have friends who not only support me in my career but also maintain a strong bond through simple meet-ups.

If you were to dedicate this film to someone in your family, who would it be and why?
I would like to dedicate this film to my mother and brother. They are the most significant parts of my life. In the movie, the character’s love for his mother and grandmother reflects the love I have for my own mother. The character fulfils his mother’s dreams and wishes, which is something I deeply resonate with. Unfortunately, my mother passed away during my struggling phase of career. If she were still here, I would have loved to fulfil her wishes—taking her shopping, on foreign trips, or even for a plane ride as she had always wanted. I see myself in the character’s actions, and I wish I could do the same for her now. Personal message: Thank you for the love and support you have shown me, for embracing both my work and who I am. Your love feels like a celebration of my existence, and the growing support from my audience is truly immense and a blessing to experience. I am deeply grateful to all Nepalese audiences from all around the world, who have supported not only my acting but also my poetry, which uplifts me greatly. I also appreciate the constructive feedback that people give me. The love you’ve given me is equally reciprocated from my side, and I hope this support continues, especially for my upcoming movie, Keti Harayeko Suchana, releasing on Kartik 30 (November 15).

SHRISTI SHRESTHA
Shristi Shrestha is a Nepalese actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder and also the title holder of the Miss Nepal 2012. Starting from modeling, she has now made her presence as an actress through applause-worthy movies like Gajalu and a remarkable series ‘Just Another Love Story. Recently starred in multiple music videos, Shristi is all set to show us her character; Sita in Keti Harayeko Suchana, releasing November 15.

Your journey from modeling to acting has been inspiring. How did your family support you through this transition, and what role did they play in helping you overcome the challenges?
I am truly blessed with an incredibly understanding and supportive family. They have been not only my cheerleaders but also my mentors throughout this journey. During times of challenges, they offer me a safe haven where I can retreat, reflect, and rejuvenate myself. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in helping me overcome obstacles, and I would not be where I am today.

With your busy schedule in the spotlight, how do you stay connected to your roots and maintain close relationships with your family?
Living away from my family is far from ideal, but technology plays a crucial role in bridging that gap. Thanks to video calls, I get to see and talk to them every day, which helps me stay connected on a daily basis. Beyond that, the values, morals, and love they’ve instilled in me are always in my heart, no matter where I am. In that sense, they’re always with me.

In Keti Harayeko Suchana, you explore deep emotions. Did your personal experiences with family life influence your performance in this film?
Yes, surely. The intention of understanding mine and any characters I come across in the story with as a non judgemental is crucial and something that I’ve learnt from my family. For instance, seeing a situation rationally/practically comes from what I’ve learnt from my brother, while the empathy and the pure love towards all beings stems from my mother. I try to balance these elements and response in a scene accordingly.

In your opinion, what defines a "smart family" in today's fast-paced world, and how do you incorporate those values into your own life?
“Smart family” for me is a family that grows and evolves together. We are all humans and are not perfect but being there for each other to uplift the individual and collective journeys of life is important and beautiful too. Like Rumi said, “We are all just walking each other home.”