Mr. Ankit Sharma is one of the most celebrated young actors in the Nepali film industry  admired for his charm, versatility, and commitment to his craft. Beyond acting, he is also a talented scriptwriter, performer, and assistant director. His lead performance in the successful Nepali film Rato Tika Nidhar Ma captured nationwide attention, and his upcoming directorial and writing venture Double Triple is already generating buzz.

NepalMother.com sat down with Ankit Sharma for an extensive conversation about his journey, vision, and future in cinema. Here are 30 insightful questions  and his thoughtful answers:

Career and Craft

1. What first inspired you to pursue acting?

• Growing up, I always felt like I didn’t fit in among groups of friends in school so when we had theater classes I felt I could participate in acting exercises and escape the reality I was in. It also came naturally to me where I felt I could excel in it as opposed to academics.

2. Do you remember the exact moment you realized this was what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?

• As I mentioned earlier, it felt like an escape from my reality so post-graduation when all my friends were chasing full time jobs and I heard their stories is when I decided to be a part of the movie industry. And I think after I did my first lead role is when I realized the impact I could have which fueled the passion further.

3. How did you land your first big role, and what was that experience like?

• I was working as an assistant director for a few production companies over the years and producers and directors would always suggest I try a hand in acting. I guess they knew of my history and interest in acting. But I was finishing school at the same time so did not fully commit to the idea at the time. Few years later I reached out to the same crew, worked in a film as a producer, and was offered to act in the next one. It was a great experience; a lot of work and preparation went into it. I would be in acting workshops early morning to mid-day, then head to dance classes post lunch and then go to the gym in the evening for a couple of hours. This was just the prep for six months. The actual shooting of the film took about 50 days, we shot it in a few towns and cities around Nepal and met many interesting people along the way. It was a lot of work and no set days and hours but I enjoyed every bit of it.

4. What kind of roles are you most drawn to right now?

• So, I’ve played the hero and romanced the heroine and saved the day. It was fun but I want to challenge myself as an actor and work on a character piece, something that showcases my acting chops.

5. Do you prefer playing characters that are close to your real self, or ones that challenge and transform you?

• I prefer the latter. I am a huge believer in method acting and try to incorporate it as much as I can in my craft. The next film I do, I want to transform into the character and be focused in molding it as far from my identity as possible.
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6. How do you usually prepare for a role — mentally, emotionally, or physically?

• It comes down to the role and the character. There are also logistics at play. Sometimes the dates are very close to the shoot. Due to those factors I keep myself fit throughout the year and try to make changes according to the role as I work on the character with my director. I then use my mental approach before the shoot during pre-production and only use emotions on the day of the shoot right before the take since they have to be raw. I use this technique because films aren’t shot chronologically so it is tough to stay in the same flow as the script, it is rather dictated by the scheduling and logistics.

7. Who are some actors or filmmakers that have influenced your craft the most?

• I look up to Robert De Niro a lot. His commitment to the craft is incredible. His earlier works and the way he became the character is very inspiring. I am fond of his collaborations with Martin Scorsese. I like Sidney Lumet’s films as well as Stanley Kubrick.

8. What’s the most challenging role you’ve played so far, and why?

• I think my first role in Rato Tika Nidhar Ma has been the most challenging. The preparation was intense, and subject matter of the film was also about issues that Nepal has been grappling with for decades now. So as an actor I felt it was a big responsibility on my part to portray the director’s vision in the best way possible.

9. Have you ever turned down a role, and what went into that decision?

• I have turned down many roles in my career. I make my decision based on the director. If I think he has a story to tell and I sense that urge, I choose to work with the person. So, the roles I have turned down have been instinctive, where I felt the director was motivated by other factors and not the urge to tell a good story, which in the long run will affect the outcome of the film.

10. What’s one role or genre you’d love to explore next that you haven’t yet?

• I loved watching thrillers growing up, so I would love to explore that genre as an actor.

On Set & Behind the Scenes

11. What’s the atmosphere like on set when you’re filming?

• I try and keep it light hearted on set except for when we have to shoot emotional scenes. I think it takes a lot to get into the zone of being emotional and shooting it for me whereas for other scenes I believe I can get in and out of it instantly, so in that case I try and keep it memorable and fun with the cast and crew around me.

12. Do you have any memorable or funny behind-the-scenes moments from your latest project?

• As I mentioned earlier, I keep it light hearted on set. So one time the shoot was delayed due to weather, and we were stuck with makeup and costumes on. Me and my co-star we were kind of weighed down by the long wait so we used Snapchat filters and used the goofiest ones where we had long noses and long moustaches. I thought it would just be among me and my co-star but her being mischievous sent it out to the crew and everyone had a good laugh.

13. How do you stay focused between takes or during long shooting days?

• I always remember why I signed on to do the project and I also think of my fans. The love they give me and the expectations I have to fulfill, that is my motivation.

14. What’s one thing about the filmmaking process that audiences might not realize?

• Well the audiences might not realize it but it’s a full-time job you know. Its work. We are selling a dream to the audiences when they walk into the movie theater and to be able to do that requires me to work long hard hours. There are no set hours and it doesn’t end until you have started the next project.

15. Do you ever get nervous before a big scene — and how do you handle that?

• I do get nervous but I make sure to rehearse and work with my director and co-actors as much as I can before the shoot so that it is as refined as possible when we capture the magic on camera.

Life & Personality

16. How has fame or growing public attention changed your life, if at all?

• Honestly, I always keep a low profile even before the fame. It’s flattering to get love letters and hear about the gestures fans have done for you but I try and stay focused on my craft and keep practicing on having a low profile.

17. How do you keep yourself grounded amidst all the noise and spotlight?

• I keep myself grounded by having my family and friends around me. They always tell me the truth and I am still in touch with my friends from high school who are still my best friends and I always feel like we’re still the same.

18. What does a perfect day off look like for you?

• I am very fond of hiking and being in nature. So, on a perfect day off I like being out and wind down with a nice meal.

19. Do you have any rituals or habits that help you stay balanced?

• I am fond of fitness and meditation. So I do some kind of physical activity which can include lifting weights, or running, or yoga and I meditate few days a week for about 10 minutes.

20. How do your family and friends react to seeing you on screen?

• They are very proud and happy for me. My mother of course is my biggest fan. My friends are still the same, the rib on me from time to time but I know they are happy for me.

Creative Vision & Growth

21. Do you see yourself branching out into writing, producing, or directing one day?

• I do contribute to each of those aspects in many of my films. It comes down to how much of my input does the director need from me. I have produced Rato Tika Nidhar Ma. I have directed many shorts before I became and actor and have written plays as well as scripts. Currently, I am focused on acting but I have contributed to many of my projects from a writing or producing standpoint.

22. What do you think makes a movie truly great — the story, the performance, or the connection it creates?

• I believe it is the amalgamation of all of those factors. Cinema is a binding force; it works to create empathy among individuals sharing a space together for a couple of hours who then share their views with others. The story and performances are contributing factors to create connection that leaves a lasting impression among the audience.

23. How do you deal with criticism, both from within the industry and from audiences?

• Handling criticism requires a lot of introspection. Some of the comments are justified while others are just out of spite. Once I am able to figure that out then I work on those weaknesses in my next project.

24. What’s the biggest lesson you have learned so far in your career?

• Acting is intangible and a lot of the times you don’t know how it’s going to go until the final cut of the film is out to the audience. Not knowing the outcome and how it’s going to go is a major part of the process so I look at it as a journey from one project to the next. You take on new roles and use what you have learned from the last to do better.

25. How do you want your work to impact people?

• I haven’t really thought about a particular way I want to impact people with my work but I believe in the project through the director and his vision. So, when I come on board a project, I am trusting a singular instinct of the director and how it impacts the people who view the film.

Looking Ahead

26. What can fans expect from you next — any upcoming projects you’re excited about?

• Fans can expect me in a never before seen look and character next. I don’t want to reveal too many details as it is still under wraps but my next collaboration is with a director I have never worked with before. Eagle eyed fans already know what I’m talking about but I will only talk about it once it is officially announced.

27. If you could collaborate with any director or actor, who would it be and why?

• I believe Nepalese actors haven’t been able to collaborate internationally and I would like to change that. I would love to work with filmmakers from the global community and be part of renowned international film festivals.

28. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

• As I mentioned just now, I see myself collaborating with a global community of filmmakers see myself being a part of the international film community in five years.

29. What’s one dream role you’re still chasing?

• I would love to do a role where I physically transform myself like how De Niro did in Raging Bull.

30. What’s the legacy you hope to build in this industry?

• I want to be remembered as someone who gave their best and did a diverse range of roles. I also hope to inspire future generations in the way I have been influenced by the generations before me.

In Nepali :

नेपाली फिल्म उद्योगका सर्वाधिक चर्चित युवा अभिनेतामध्ये एक, अंकित शर्मा आफ्नो करिश्मा, बहुमुखी प्रतिभा र अभिनयकला प्रतीको अदम्य समर्पणका कारण अत्यन्तै प्रशंसित छन्। अभिनयसँगै उनले स्क्रिप्ट लेखन, प्रदर्शन तथा सह–निर्देशनमा समेत आफ्नो कौशल प्रभावकारी रूपमा प्रस्तुति जनाइरहेका छन्। सफल नेपाली फिल्म रातो टीका निधारमा मा उनको मुख्य भूमिकाले राष्ट्रव्यापी पहिचान दिलाएको छ भने उनको आगामी निर्देशन तथा लेखन परियोजना डबल ट्रिपल ले दर्शक र उद्योगसँग सम्बन्धित व्यक्तिहरूबीच पहिले नै उच्च उत्साह पैदा गरिसकेको छ।

विशेष प्रस्तुति स्वरूप, NepalMother.com ले अंकित शर्मासँग उनको कलात्मक यात्रा, सर्जनशील दृष्टिकोण तथा भविष्यका सिनेमाटिक आकांक्षाबारे विस्तृत कुराकानी गरेको छ। तल प्रस्तुत छन् — ३० गहन प्रश्नहरू र उनका विचारपूर्ण उत्तरहरू।

करियर र कला — Career and Craft

1. तपाईंलाई अभिनयतर्फ लाग्न के कुराले प्रेरित गर्यो?
– विद्यालयमा साथीहरूको समूहमा आफू नअटाएजस्तो लाग्थ्यो। तर नाटक/थिएटरको कक्षामा भने अभिनयमार्फत आफूलाई सहजै अभिव्यक्त गर्न पाएकी/पाएको महसुस हुन्थ्यो। वास्तविकताबाट केही समयका लागि टाढा हुन पाउँथेँ। अभिनय मेरो स्वाभाविक प्रतिभा जस्तै लाग्थ्यो, जहाँ म शैक्षिक विषयभन्दा राम्रो गर्न सक्छु भन्ने आत्मविश्वास थियो।

2. जीवनभर यही पेशा गर्ने निर्णय गर्नुभएको खास क्षण सम्झनुहुन्छ?
– स्नातकपछि साथीहरू सबै जागिर खोज्दै दौडिरहेका थिए। उनीहरूका अनुभव सुन्दा मलाई लाग्यो — म भने फिल्म क्षेत्रमै लाग्छु। पहिलो मुख्य भूमिकापछि भने म कत्तिको प्रभाव राख्न सक्छु भन्ने महसुस भयो—त्यसैले मेरो चाहना र यात्रालाई थप ऊर्जा मिल्यो।

3. तपाईंको पहिलो मुख्य भूमिका कसरी मिल्यो? अनुभव कस्तो रह्यो?
– केही वर्ष विभिन्न प्रोडक्सन हाउसमा सह–निर्देशकको रूपमा काम गरेको थिएँ। त्यतिबेला नै निर्देशक तथा निर्माताहरूले अभिनय गर भनेर सुझाउँदै आएका थिए। तर पढाइ पनि सक्नुपर्ने थियो। पछि उनीहरूसँग पुनः सम्पर्क भयो, एउटा फिल्ममा निर्माता बनेँ, त्यसपछि अर्को फिल्ममा अभिनयको प्रस्ताव आयो।
छ महिनासम्म बिहान अभिनय तालिम, दिउँसो नृत्य कक्षा, बेलुका जिम—गज्जबको तयारी भयो। करिब ५० दिन नेपालका विभिन्न शहर र गाउँमा छायांकन हुँदा धेरै रोचक व्यक्तिहरूसँग भेट भयो। कडा परिश्रम, निश्चित समयतालिका नहुने—तर प्रत्येक पल मज्जाको।

4. अहिले कुन प्रकारका भूमिकाले तपाईंलाई आकर्षित गर्छ?
– हिरो बनेर नायिकालाई बचाउने र रोमान्स गर्ने भूमिका त गरेँ। तर अब चरित्र–केन्द्रित, चुनौतीपूर्ण भूमिकामा आफूलाई परीक्षा दिन चाहन्छु।

5. आफ्नो वास्तविक जीवनजस्तै पात्र वा पूर्ण रूपले फरक पात्र—कुन भूमिकामा रुचि?
– पूर्ण रूपमा फरक। म ‘मेथड एक्टिङ’मा विश्वास गर्छु। आगामी फिल्महरूमा आफूबाट सकेसम्म टाढा गएर पात्रमा रूपान्तरित हुन चाहन्छु।

6. भूमिकाको तयारी कसरी गर्नुहुन्छ — मानसिक, भावनात्मक वा शारीरिक?
– भूमिकामा निर्भर हुन्छ। कहिलेकाहीँ छायांकनको मिति नजिकै पर्छ, त्यसैले वर्षभर फिट रहने कोशिश गर्छु।
मानसिक तयारी पूर्व–उत्पादनमा, भावनाहरू भने छायांकनको ठीक अगाडि मात्र—किनकि फिल्महरू क्रमबद्ध (chronological) रूपमा नशुट हुने भएकाले भावनाको निरन्तरता राख्न कठिन हुन्छ।

7. कुन अभिनेता वा निर्देशकहरूले तपाईंलाई सबैभन्दा बढी प्रभावित पारे?
– रोबर्ट डी. निरो! उनको समर्पण अविश्वसनीय छ। उनले पात्रमा ढलेर गर्ने अभिनय असाध्यै प्रेरक लाग्छ। मार्टिन स्कोर्सेजीसँगका उनका फिल्महरू मनपर्छ। सिड्नी लुमेट र स्ट्यान्ली कुब्रिकका फिल्महरू पनि मन पर्ने।

8. अहिलेसम्मको सबैभन्दा चुनौतीपूर्ण भूमिका कुन? किन?
– रातो टीका निधारमा को पहिलो भूमिका। विषयवस्तु नै नेपाल दशकौँदेखि भोगिरहेको सामाजिक समस्या थियो। निर्देशकको दृष्टिलाई सही रूपमा प्रस्तुत गर्नु ठूलो जिम्मेवारी लाग्यो।

9. कहिल्यै कुनै भूमिका अस्वीकार गर्नुभएको छ? किन?
– धेरै पटक। म निर्देशकको कथावाचनबारेको चाहनामा भर पर्छु। यदि त्यसमा शुद्ध कलात्मक इमानदारी नदेखे—छोडिदिन्छु। किनकि गलत प्रेरणाले फिल्मको नतिजामा असर गर्छ।

10. कुन विधा/भूमिका अझै नगरेको — तर गर्न चाहनुहुन्छ?
– थ्रिलर! सानैदेखि निकै मनपर्थ्यो — त्यसैले अभिनय गर्न चाहन्छु।

सेटमा — On Set & Behind the Scenes

11. छायांकनका बेला सेटको माहोल कस्तो हुन्छ?
– भावनात्मक दृश्य बाहेक बाँकीमा, सेट हल्का र रमाइलो राख्न मन पर्छ। क्रू–कास्टसँगको हाँसो–ठट्टाले काम अझै यादगार बन्छ।

12. पछिल्लो प्रोजेक्टको कुनै रमाइलो बिहाइन्ड–द–सिन क्षण?
– मौसम खराबीले छायांकन रोकियो। मेकअप र वेशभूषामा नै थुना भयौँ। त्यसपछि मैले र को–स्टारले स्न्यापच्याटमा लामा नाक र मूँछ भएका फिल्टर प्रयोग गर्यौँ। उनले त्यही फोटोहरू क्रूलाई पठाइदिइन्—सबै हाँसी–हाँसी लठ्ठ!

13. लामो छायांकनमा कसरी फोकस राख्नुहुन्छ?
– किन यो प्रोजेक्ट लिएँ, र फ्यानहरूको माया सम्झन्छु। त्यसले ऊर्जा दिन्छ।

14. निर्माण प्रक्रियाबारे दर्शकले नबुझेका के कुरा छन्?
– यो पूर्ण समयको जागिरे जस्तै हो। दर्शकलाई सपनाको संसार बेच्दैछौँ—त्यसका लागि सीमाहीन समय र मेहनत चाहिन्छ।

15. ठूलो दृश्यअगाडि डर लाग्छ? कसरी नियन्त्रण?
– लाग्छ। त्यसैले निर्देशक र सह–अभिनेतासँग धेरै रिहर्सल गर्छु — क्यामेरामा जादु कैद गर्ने तयारी।

जीवन र व्यक्तित्व — Life & Personality

16. लोकप्रियताले जीवनमा कस्तो परिवर्तन ल्यायो?
– म पहिलेबाटै ‘लो प्रोफाइल’मा बस्थेँ। फ्यानको माया मिठो लाग्छ तर म काममा केन्द्रित रहन खोज्छु।

17. जमाना र चमक–दमकबीच कसरी भुईँमा रहनुहुन्छ?
– परिवार, पुराना साथीहरू — उनीहरूले सधैं साँचो भन्छन्। हामी अहिले पनि उही जस्ता छौँ।

18. उत्तम छुट्टी कस्तो हुन्छ?
– प्रकृतिमा हिँड्ने — हाइकिङ, अनि राम्रो खानासँग दिन टुंग्याउने।

19. सन्तुलनमा रहन कुनै बानी?
– व्यायाम र ध्यान। दौड, योगा, वेट ट्रेनिङ — र हप्तामा केही दिन १० मिनेट ध्यान।

20. तपाईंलाई पर्दामा देख्दा परिवार/साथीहरूको प्रतिक्रिया?
– अत्यन्तै गर्व गर्छन्। आमा त सबैभन्दा ठूलो फ्यान। साथीहरू मजाक त गर्छन् — तर मनदेखि खुशी छन्।

सर्जनशील दृष्टि र विकास — Creative Vision & Growth

21. भविष्यमा लेखन, निर्माण वा निर्देशनमा विस्तार गर्ने योजना?
– पहिले पनि धेरै परियोजनामा ती भूमिका निर्वाह गरिसकेको छु। रातो टीका निधारमा मैले निर्माण पनि गरेको हुँ। छोटा फिल्म निर्देशन र नाटक/स्क्रिप्ट लेखन पनि। अहिले अभिनय मुख्य प्राथमिकता।

22. ठूलो फिल्म कसले बनाउँछ — कथा, अभिनय कि दर्शकसँगको जोड?
– यी सबैको संयोजन। सिनेमाले केही घण्टाका लागि अपरिचितहरूलाई एकै भावनामा जोड्छ — यही महानता हो।

23. आलोचना कसरी व्यवस्थापन?
– आत्मविश्लेषण। केही आलोचना सही हुन्छ—सुधार्छु। केही ईर्ष्याबाट—त्यस्तोलाई छोडिदिन्छु।

24. करिअरको सबैभन्दा ठूलो सिकाइ?
– अभिनय अमूर्त हो। नतिजा अन्तिम ‘कट’ दर्शकले हेर्दासम्म थाहा हुँदैन। अनिश्चितताकै बीच यात्रा अगाडि बढ्ने हो।

25. तपाईंको कामले दर्शकमा कस्तो प्रभाव पारोस् भन्ने चाहना?
– ठ्याक्कै परिभाषा छैन। तर निर्देशकको दृष्टिलाई विश्वास गर्छु। फिल्म जतिबेला दर्शकमाझ पुग्छ—त्यही उनको प्रभाव हो।

आगामी योजना — Looking Ahead

26. अब फ्यानहरूले तपाईंबाट के अपेक्षा गर्न सक्छन्?
– कहिल्यै नदेखिएको अवतार र चरित्रमा देखिनेछु। विवरण अहिले गोप्य छ — आधिकारिक घोषणा पछि मात्रै सार्वजनिक गर्छु।

27. कुनै निर्देशक/अभिनेता जससँग सहकार्य गर्ने ठूलो चाहना?
– अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय सहकार्यमा नेपाली कलाकारहरू धेरै अघि बढ्न नसकेको महसुस हुन्छ। म त्यो परिवर्तनमा हातेमालो गर्न चाहन्छु—विश्वभरका फिल्मकर्मीसँग काम गर्न र प्रतिष्ठित महोत्सवमा सहभागी हुन।

28. पाँच वर्षपछि आफूलाई कहाँ देख्न चाहनुहुन्छ?
– विश्वव्यापी चलचित्र समुदायसँग सामूहिक काम गर्दै, अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय स्तरमा नेपाली अभिनयको प्रतिनिधि।

29. अझै पछ्याइरहनुभएको ‘ड्रिम रोल’?
– शारीरिक रूपान्तरण आवश्यक पर्ने भूमिका — डि निरोले Raging Bull मा गरेको जस्तै।

30. उद्योगमा कस्तो विरासत छोड्न चाहनुहुन्छ?
– आफ्नो सर्वोत्तम दिएर विविध भूमिकामा चिनिने कलाकार बन्न — र भविष्यका पुस्तालाई प्रेरित गर्न।