Itahari – A press conference for the upcoming movie Bam Bahadur, set to release simultaneously in Nepal and India on December 20, was held in Itahari, eastern Nepal. The event, held on Sunday, was attended by the film’s cast, director, producers, and members of the press.
The gathering saw participation not only from local journalists in eastern Nepal but also from Nepali-language media representatives from Darjeeling and Siliguri. During the event, the film’s cast shared their experiences working on the project. Lead actor Saugat Malla expressed that the story of the film felt deeply personal and believed it would resonate with the audience.
Set against the backdrop of the Gorkhaland movement in Darjeeling in 1986, Bam Bahadur portrays the highs and lows of human life. The film poignantly captures the struggles faced by the Nepali community in India, particularly those living in the Darjeeling hills and the neighboring Dooars region.
Writer and director John Rai explained that the film aims to remind people of their history while fostering a more educated and peaceful society. “One of the key messages of this film is to ensure such movements don’t happen again. We should build a society that fights with intellect, not with knives and guns,” Rai said, emphasizing the importance of learning from the past.
Saugat Malla further elaborated on his emotional connection to the project:
“I am grateful to the director and producers for trusting me with this role. While reading the script, I felt as if it was my own story. It moved me deeply, and I instantly decided to be a part of it. I believe everyone in Nepal will feel a similar connection while watching the film—it will feel like their own story.”
He added, “I was curious about how this narrative would unfold. The respect I received during the shoot and the locations we filmed at have become incredibly special to me. This movie has turned out well, and I’m confident it will touch everyone’s heart. My character is unique, unlike any role I’ve played before.”
Lead actress Anisha Rasaily highlighted the shared identity the film explores, saying,“This movie underscores the idea that we all share a common story. Being from Sikkim, I wasn’t entirely familiar with the history, but while filming, I learned about the struggles people endured back then. It was haunting to hear their stories. I urge everyone to watch this film and connect with the pain it portrays because it’s a reminder that we are one.”
Actor Shantila Tamang, a resident of Darjeeling, shared her hopes for the film: “When Nepal suffers, we feel the pain too. The story we’ve told in this movie will undoubtedly touch the hearts of Nepalis everywhere.”
