My new business contributes to the film industry: Bipana Thapa

Renowned actress Bipana Thapa grabbed so many headlines in the preceding weeks, but for a bit different reason this time. Despite being one of the busiest movie actors of the rather sleepy film industry ‘Kollywood’, Thapa looked busy in a new business with the launching of a fashion store ‘Bipanaz Boutique’ at Bhatbhateni. Thapa, who has played lead roles in more than 100 flicks since her debut ‘Janmabhumi’, says her new business does not mark a departure from her acting career and claims that this will contribute to the movie industry. Besides looking after the business part, she is equally engrossed in the creative part, dress designing. Indra Adhikari of Nepalnews had a chat with Thapa about fashion, movies and money. Excerpts:

Now you are into the fashion business. Are you switching from films to fashion?

I don't think so. I feel I must give more time to my new work because this has to be established. Yet my involvement in film industry will continue. I am doing ‘Saathi Bhai’ opposite Dilip Rayamajhi. Soon, I will be working in a documentary film called 'Malami' that depicts life in villages where there are only children and old people left. However, I will not be just as active in acting for some time. I prefer roles choreographed in Kathmandu until then.

What is your priority now: fashion or films?

There is no choice as such, really. Many people think I've switched to fashion business from films. That's not the case. I launched boutique with the intention to contributing to the film industry. Nice clothes with creative designs do give a quality touch to a film. I think I have skill in fashion designing as I have been involved in it for years, but attachment with the film industry will never end. Boutique is also my effort for self-reliance. Let the society change its attitude that women should depend on men for their livelihood.

It is widely believed that movie stars make good money. Is your new business really a matter of self-reliance?

I don't really calculate my earning, daily or monthly. My store is yet to get fully established, but the response from customers has so far been overwhelming. Filmmakers are also contacting me for clothes. I would just say the fashion store supports me financially.

Tell us about your entrepreneurial talent.

I am not exactly an entrepreneur. My area of interest is designing. I designed clothes for most films that I worked in. The producers and co-workers accepted my works. Now I have ventured into fashion designing in a more professional way. This will not only benefit the film industry but also modelling business as well as the customers at large. I import fabrics from Japan, Italy, France, India and Korea and also use local fabrics. Some one-and-half a dozen people are working with me. I may not have business skills but I'm confident about my creative talent.

Do you find any difference between acting and running a business?

Not much different. When I am doing movies I keep my viewers in mind. I have to satisfy them. Here also I have to satisfy the customers and my effort will be to offer the best designs. Be it viewers or customers, making people happy is not easier. You can not make your mark without dedication and passion and I try to work as dedicatedly as possible. Sure, money is a prime factor in both cases. In that sense, I don't feel much difference between these two jobs. nepalnews.com apr 08 07

(Editor’s Note: Nepalnews will continue this column by talking to officials, professionals, politicians, businessmen, diplomats, those who make outstanding achievements in their chosen field and newsmakers. Please post your suggestions/comments to feedback@mos.com.np)

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