KATHMANDU: Actress Mira Khadka, who started her acting career with short films like Sambandhak and Can I Hold Your Hands?, was seen in a lead role in the film Taraharu.

Recently, she has also been featured in a lead role in the web series Jodi No. 1, directed by Siddhartha Pudasaini.

She has also worked as an assistant director in Sahara Sharma’s feature film Ek Muthi Baadal and has an interest in photography and painting. Khadka regularly goes for indoor wall climbing.

Here are seven questions about this passion of hers:

How did the thought of indoor wall climbing first come to you?

I always love learning new things. A friend took me there for the first time; I just went thinking I would watch. But when I reached the top, that feeling deeply settled in my heart. After that, I didn’t feel like quitting.

How often, and where, do you do wall climbing?

I go to indoor climbing centers around Thamel in Kathmandu. If possible, twice a week.

Why do you have an attachment to heights?

Heights feel like freedom to me. When you reach a height, everything seems to stop, where only breath and silence remain. Freedom is felt in that moment. An unusual joy comes from overcoming fear and conquering your own mind.

What kind of thoughts run through your mind when you reach a height?

In that moment, the mind is completely empty. The world below looks small, and the peace within is great. Sometimes the thought comes—Look, Mira, I’ve made it this far.

What changes have occurred in your health and habits before and after climbing?

I used to struggle with time management and falling asleep. Now I have sorted both out. My body feels lighter, and my mind is calmer. I have also learned to eat food not just for taste, but for energy and balance.

Is there an ideal destination for outdoor climbing as well?

I dream of reaching the summit of Mount Everest. I hope to climb it someday if everything goes well.

If you had the opportunity to climb Mount Everest with a hero, who would you choose?

I would want to be with an artist who has the soul of Irrfan Khan. If he were alive, I would trek with him while having a silent conversation.