Interview of the week: Everything is in the name… HELEN : Shakuntala Vidya Sharma

She is the face of a Sikkimese girl in the Nepali film Industry. A former model and a popular Hindi TV serial actress, she meets Shakuntala Vidya Sharma from Daramdin. She is ready with her new Nepali film, Helen, which is also her first home production.

Tell us something about yourself?

Born in a modest family, I am the middle child among three girls. Both my parents have spent their lives teaching, while I have always been more inclined towards art, unlike anyone else in the family. Acting has been my favourite form of expression. It is when I act I feel I’m letting go of everything I want to express. That is where I find myself. So maybe that’s me.

From Daramdin to Helen, how has life changed?

It isn’t much different from the real journey from Daramdin to Gangtok. Some green forests, Paddy fields, cascading waterfalls, rivers, smooth highways, and bumpy roads. So, the view, time, and place constantly change in every journey. With that change comes experience, and with that experience comes change. Life is still the same; thoughts and views are different now.

Your film Helen is all set to release; what are your expectations?

My only expectation is that those who wish to watch our film will find a way to do so, and I wish that everyone watched it.

Why Helen, what is it in a name?

Everything is in the name… HELEN.

How close is the film’s story to the reality of life?

It’s real fiction. The story may be fictitious, but the moments are something one can relate to.

This is your second film with Prashant Rasaily, the film director. What is so special about him?

I don’t know what is so special about him, but I’m sure his work is special.

You acted in a popular TV serial, Balika Vadhu. How did it happen, and how was life after that?

I decided to move to Mumbai after college in Darjeeling in 2010 and joined an acting school there. After a series of auditions, I finally managed to get into a Television series, and Balika Vadhu is one of those. After the Mumbai experience on the small screen and before Helen here in Sikkim, there have been some life-changing events. Some I have learned from my own shortfalls, and some from others. So, all this learning has definitely made me stronger and wiser, and I am ready to take bigger steps in my life.

How did the seed of acting get into you?

I must have eaten it… (Oops!!)

Is it easy for a model to be an actor?

Yes… If there's an actor inside the model.

What are the projects you are looking forward to?

I am looking forward to “projects”

Your words to the readers.

Please continue to read and share your words of encouragement to artists and dreamers. That is all that keeps them happy and moving. Thank you all.

They wanted to kill me??

AN ENVELOPE A PIECE OF PAPER LIST OF ADDRESSES INSIDE THE ENVELOPE I was part of a successful newspaper at Gangtok; the weekly newspaper “Weekend Review” was then considered the third party in Sikkim after the Sikkim Democratic Front led by Pawan Chamling and Congress led by N B. Bhandari, former Chief Minister of Sikkim. I had just completed my graduation when I got a chance to join the big-wig WR team. It took me a week to decide, and I was a news reporter. Even then, my primary concern was looking for Sikkim's old history. The new job was interesting, challenging, and more of an adventure. I never knew what I would do the next day or where I would be. I was only told to file a report to the newspaper office at Gangtok every Thursday. I was associated with the WR team for more than two years till our editor was replaced, and I found it uncomfortable to work with the new editor. His lack of journalism ethics made me leave WR. Within the fol...

REMEMBERING FALLEN HEROES

In memory of the brave Gorkha soldiers of the Darjeeling Hills who laid down their lives for the greater cause of the motherland, Nayan Subba takes the opportunity to recall their contributions on the occasion of the 58th Republic Day The Gorkhas are a small little community in India where people of diverse origins mingle to contribute a great composite Indian culture. They are the descendants of General Amar Singh Thapa who invaded India and annexed Garhwal and Kumaon that included the hill stations of Simla, Musssoorie, Lansdowne, Almora, Nainital, Ranikhet and Pithoragarh. In the northeast General Johar Singh and General Purna Ale overran a major part of Sikkim in 1788, which included Nagri and Darjeeling. The British defeated the Gorkhas during the Anglo Gorkha war of 1814-16 and the lands they had conquered were ceded to the British and re-profiled. Those who have been living in India since the Gorkha invasion are known as the Indian Gorkhas. Darjeeling is a much favoured tour...

Maharani Kunzang Dechen wife of Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal

Maharani with her children Photo shared by Tenpa I am thankful towards Tina Tashi for providing information about the persons in the photographs. Maharani Kunzang Dechhen in the centre to her left is Prince Paljor, to her right is Prince Palden Thondup Namgyal who later became the Chogya of Sikkiml, in front is Princess Pema Tsedeun. The baby is Princess Pema Choki. MAHARANI KUSHANG DECHEN RAGASHAR was married to Chogyal Sir Tashi Namgyal, the King of Sikkim on 8th October 1918 at the Royal Chapel, Tsuklakhang Monastery. They had three sons and three daughters: Paljor Namgyal, Palden Thondup Namgyal, Jigdal Tsewing Namgyal, Pema Tsedong Namgyal, Pema Choki Namgyal and Sonam Palden Namgyal. Maharani Kunzang Dechen died at the Royal Palace, Park Ridge, Gangtok, March 1987. NB: Information taken from Royalark

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