This week we are presenting Mr. Kesh Gurung in our featured Personality section. He is a person who has been playing a big role in promoting Pokhara by the television program called “Namaste Pokhara”. He is always busy with his scripts and his motion camera. His show is liked by the majority of the Nepalese population and recently his shows can be viewed online too.

Please introduce yourself to our web surfers?
Well, I am Kesh Gurung from Pokhara. I am associated with Parampara Film Production. For the past few years I was running a program called “Namaste Pokhara” in Channel Nepal but right now we have stopped its broadcasting for a short time. 

Tell me more about Namaste Pokhara?
“Namaste Pokhara” is a presentation of Parampara Films that is particular for the promotion and development of a small but incredibly beautiful town Pokhara and in general the Western Development Region as well. The program showcases the various unique and interesting aspects of various ethnic groups and castes of Pokhara who follow different religions and different lifestyle, plus various places that have their own importance.

So, what was the main reason for stopping its broadcast?
Our contract with Channel Nepal had ended and at the same time we got offer from Sagarmatha TV to broadcast the show. The promoter of Sagarmatha TV is from Gandaki Zone and I thought that it will be good to broadcast this program from this channel rather than renewing the contract with Channel Nepal. Since Sagarmatha TV is a new channel it will take some time to come into action. So the public have to wait for sometime to see the program again in their televisions.

I heard that you were a dancer before you became a director. Is it true?
Yes! I was a dancer. I was born in a village and during different festivals and events we used to dance. My elders used to praise my dancing skill. I am not a professional dancer but let me say, I dance well and of course sing well. It’s more like a hobby.

Did your dancing skill help you in the direction part?
Yes it has helped me a lot. Because of my dancing skill I can choreograph the emotions needed in different scenes. This way I am able to teach my actors what’s needed in a specific situation.

How did you become a director?
Like many brothers of Nepal, I too went aboard to support my family financially. Their in a foreign land I realized how much I missed my homeland. My love for Nepal and its cultural heritage grew. I too realized that citizens of Developed country aren’t satisfied and the biggest thing in this earth is nature. When I came back to my country I thought of making movie and made one based on the importance of ethnic values. The film was made in Nepali language. This was my first step in becoming a director.

Have you made any Gurung Films?
Yes, I have made many gurung films. The last one is Sodesh Ko Mato.

What is the reason behind mushrooming of Gurung films in Pokhara? Is it done for commercial benefit or to promote Gurung Culture?
Well, in the beginning days, it was done for hobby but today it’s also done for commercial benefit. Due to the commercial success of some of the Gurung films people has shown a keen interest in this sector. I personally feel that commercialization have taken Gurung films into next step. At present people use hi-fi technology and effective management to make Gurung films and this of course has positive consequences. But the market of Gurung film is very limited so it’s really hard to get return on your investment. The love of Gurungs remaining abroad has helped a lot in increasing the Gurung films Market. I am very thankful to them.

You have been engaged in promotion of Pokhara for so many years. To what limit do you think you are able to promote Pokhara.
Personally I feel that I have been able to promote Pokhara to a great coverage but this question should be asked to the surfers reading this interview.

How do you finance the television show “Namaste Pokhara”?
I personally finance the show but it doesn’t mean that I don’t collect advertisement. A portion of the cost is covered by the advertisement and other sources. To minimize the cost I have set up my office in my own home and breakfast etc to my staffs is provided by my wife.

What are the current projects you are engaged in?
Right now I am engaged with Sagarmatha television. I am also selected the representative of this channel.

What do you think is the most necessary think needed in Nepal?
Nepal is going to get developed only if its rural area will get developed. Thus the prime thing needed to develop the rural areas is to have access to this year. Thus personally I feel expansion in transportation infrastructure.

What is the main thing needed for village tourism?
Leadership and commitment is needed to establish any village as a tourism destination. One of the examples of this is “Sirubari”. Those Villagers thinking of making their village as a tourist destination should visit “Sirubari” to learn about management, leadership and commitment.