NATIONAL8 (Spotlight Weekly]

Story Of Love

In its sixth gift to the Nepalese public, Mansarovar Films introduces a promising young actress

By A CORRESPONDENT

She comes as a breath of fresh air in a talent-hungry film industry of Nepal better known as Kollywood. A girl in her teens, Sanchita Luintel, the lead actress of "Apsara" (fairy), has shown a fair degree of potential in her very first film.

That is no small feat as Luintel had to play in the film along with some established names of the Nepalese film industry. Ramesh Upreti, Dhiren Shakya, Bipana Thapa, Harihar Sharma are the major actors/actresses in the film.

Sanchita Luintel : Rare blend of beauty and talent

"I am happy with the performance of Sanchita. She is a very talented girl," said Dr. Bhola Rijal, Chairman of Mansarovar Films Pvt Ltd. Dr. Rijal had written the story and songs for the film. Ramesh Budhathoki is the director and Sambhujeet Baskota, the music director of the film.

Mohini (Sanchita) is a naive country girl who falls in love with a US-returned boy (Ramesh Upreti), who, despite the pressures from his family to marry his father's friend's daughter (played by Bipana Thapa), is keen to marry a simple village girl. He even gives the name of "Apsara" to his lady-love.

Smitten by the Cupid's Arrow, the two lovebirds vow to honor their love even though his father is dead against it. Bipana Thapa also makes a good mark in her portrayal of a lady set to snatch the man of her dream from the arms of his lover. Ramesh Upreti has also done justice to his role.

A film based on the theme of love story, Apsara, however, also has its share of actions and comedy blended with it. It, however, has some scenes of action which the film could have done without. They are unnecessarily gory. Songs and dances are good.

Having just hit the screens in the mofussil towns, Apsara is reportedly making a good initial opening by the standards of Kollywood.

Mansarovar had made five films before Apsara including Laxmi Puja, Saathi and Ek No Ko Pakhe. "Till now, Saathi has been our biggest hit. But I am confident that Apsara will break the record," said Dr. Rijal.

Apsara will be screened in the theaters of Kathmandu from late October.

KATHMANDU UTSAV - 2000
Marketing Venture

As Dashain comes closer, various groups are trying to woo the consumer

By A CORRESPONDENT

Unlike previous years, the Everest Exhibition, organizer of the Kathmandu Utsav - 2000, is organizing this year's major consumer fair in Tundikhel with the objective to woo more people.

The seven-days-long extravaganza will rope in more than three hundred exhibitors including five dozen different Indian companies to the capital. Discover India is the additional attraction within the trade fair.

"This is going to be one of the largest consumer fairs in Kathmandu with more than 500 stalls showcasing thousands of different products," said Bhaskar Rajkarnicar, Co-ordinator of Organizing Committee of Kathmandu Utsav-2000. "Consumers in the Kathmandu will have various choices."

The Utsav will begin on 11 September and end on 17 September. During the week various other programs like Tuborg Utsav Music Contest, Fashion Parade, Free Dance, Kids Corner, Magic Show, Utsav Bicycle Rally, Nepali Culture Dance, Cartoon Show, Utsav Kite Flying Competition and Beer\cola Drinking Competition will also be organized.

"We are introducing many new events to make the festival successful and colorful," says Rajkarnicar. "I think people will feel the difference in this year's Utsav.

For the consumers, the Utsav will offer the best opportunities to examine different consumer items under one roof while enjoying the festive moods.

"In the Utsav Music Contest, we are inviting all top pop stars of Nepal. The model designer contest at Utsav Fashion Parade will be another fascinating event," said Rajkarnicar.

From the children to adults and teenagers, the Kathmandu Utsav will offer unique opportunities to enjoy. The Discover India will show the glimpses of Indian products in Nepal.