What was the happiest moment in your life”
“When Girija Prasad Koirala gave me a standing ovation. From early I childhood, I had seen him in television addressing the masses. During the revolution and when he had been the prime minister. As a child, I used to mimic him and they way he talked. My friends and family found it funny. In school programs, I would be asked to do a caricature of Koirala and everyone would laugh and clap. Even in family gatherings. This encouraged me to sharpen my skills when I was growing up. I would try an attend every ceremony that Koirala would be at. I would stand in queues and be in the masses just to see him and hear him speak. I’d then come back home and try imitating the way he spoke in front of the mirror. I could feel I was getting better. One day a friend who worked in the film industry told me that there was a comedy show in Kathmandu and Koirala would be the guest of honor. I jumped at the opportunity and took part. I was about to do a elaborate caricature of Girija Prasad Koirala in a theatre full of people and he would be there. I was waiting for this day. I was nervous in the beginning but I did it. I don’t know how the 10 mins went. The theatre hall roared with claps and whistle. It was a standing ovation and Koirala also stood for me, clapping. After the show Koirala came to me in person and jokingly said ‘Very good Bhai, you speak better than me’. That moment, I still remember.
What is the saddest?
”When he died. The caricature does not come from the heart anymore. And I have almost stopped doing it. I don’t want to disrespect a departed soul.”
– Uttam Aryal, Kisandol, Chisapani, Kathmandu