Jitu Nepal Debuts as Hero and Producer in "I Am Jitu Bahadur"

Kathmandu. Jitu Nepal made a wide identity in the field of Nepali humor and satire with the nickname 'Mundre'. At one time, Mundre was the main character of the popular comedy TV serial 'Jire Khursani', a role played by Jitu Nepal. 'Jire Khursani' ran for a long time, but it faded with the end of the television era. After that, Jitu became active in films and comedy shows.

His show 'Mundre Ko Comedy Club' remained quite popular recently. After that, he has been more prominent as a hero in films. Jitu, who previously played comedic roles in films, debuted as a hero in 'Harry Ki Pyari'. The film 'I Am Jitu Bahadur', in which he plays the lead role, is set to be released nationwide on Asar 5. In this film, he is not only an actor but also a producer.

In Ratopati's 'Star and Stories', actor and comedian Jitu Nepal was interviewed about his artistic struggles and films. Here is the edited excerpt of the interview (detailed video can be watched and listened to):

Will "I Am Jitu Bahadur" be different from your actual biography?

This is not exactly my biography, but many aspects of the story match my past struggles. Initially, the film was supposed to have a different name. But later, the director said, 'Your real name is Jitu Bahadur, and the character struggling in the film is also Jitu Bahadur, so let's call it "I Am Jitu Bahadur".' It depicts the struggles of an ordinary young man from a village who comes to Kathmandu to become an artist.

You were getting work as a hero, and now you've become a producer, is the responsibility of a producer easy?

Becoming a producer brings a great responsibility on the shoulders. What I find most difficult and stressful is that some brothers and friends have invested money by trusting me. My first duty and challenge is to return their money safely after the film's release. I don't want anyone to say, 'I gave money to Jitu, and it was lost.' At least if I can return their investment, even without profit, that will be my real victory.

First a hero, then a producer, was this according to plan?

It wasn't planned; circumstances and time brought it about. The film's director is Subhendu Ghosh, who is from Kolkata. He gave me some encouragement. He told me a beautiful story, saying, 'We can make a good film on a low budget, and I will take care of all the technical aspects.' I also liked the story, and I decided to try something new and got involved in production.

There are rumors in the market that Jitu became a producer due to an 'ego' clash with Deepak-Deepa?

There is no such 'ego' or animosity. People in the market speculate in their own ways. I am not someone who harbors a lot of anger or ego. Sometimes, I might get hurt by small things, but over time, it disappears on its own. I still have a good relationship with Deepak ji and Deepa.

Now that you are shining on the big screen, how much have you forgotten those days when you first came to Kathmandu, and how much remains fresh in your memory?

I came to Kathmandu with my SLC certificate after passing the exam. I was a 16-year-old boy, and I felt like a big shot. Passing SLC in the village was a big deal. But SLC alone was not enough to get a job in Kathmandu. Due to my height and physique, I was rejected in many places. Even to get a security job, one had to have a large physique.

I often walked hungry. When I didn't have money to ride the bus, I would hang from the back, climb onto the roof, and get off before the conductor came to collect the fare. Remembering those struggles still brings tears to my eyes. Those days are the biggest schools of my life. I used to load up to 120 kg of vegetables on a bicycle from Kalimati. Pushing the bicycle from Bijulibazar bridge to Baneshwor felt like my heart would burst. What's there to say about the moments of crying; there were so many. Once, I walked from Kamaladi to Dillibazar, crying all the way.

No matter how much you work, people still call you Mundre?

Yes. The character of 'Mundre' from 'Jire Khursani' is a milestone in my life. The height it gave me was based on my past struggles. The audience really liked Mundre's style, way of speaking, and mannerisms.

As artists are entering politics, haven't you received any offers?

It's not that there haven't been discussions; I've received proposals from many places. But I will never enter politics. I am content and happy with the respect and love that the god-like audience has given me as an artist. An artist is a common person for everyone and should not be limited within party boundaries.

Video/Photos: Manoj Khadka, Ayush Dhami/Ratopati