KATHMANDU: If there’s one name generating a lot of buzz in the film industry right now, it’s Mahesh Tripathi. His stellar performances in ‘Pheri Resham Philili’ and ‘Laaj Sharanam’, both currently playing in theaters, have brought him into the limelight.

Mahesh is receiving widespread praise for his exceptional portrayal of diverse characters. In ‘Pheri Resham Philili’, he plays a male homosexual character, Pushpa, while in ‘Laaj Sharanam’, he takes on the role of Sandesh, a poor young man from Karnali.

His remarkable performances in these films have captured the hearts of audiences, and his ability to portray such vivid, multifaceted characters has made a lasting impact.

In just three years of acting, Mahesh has already proven his versatility, portraying characters that connect with society and inspire others to take their craft seriously. His performances in ‘Chapali Height 3’, ‘Prasad 2’, ‘Halkara’, and ‘Khajure Bro’ have established him as an actor known for his diversity.

Mahesh filmed both ‘Pheri Resham Philili’ and ‘Laaj Sharanam’ simultaneously, juggling tight schedules between Kathmandu and Gaindakot. He would shoot ‘Pheri Resham Philili’ until 5 pm and then travel to Kathmandu to shoot ‘Laaj Sharanam’ through the night until 5 am. This intense shooting schedule continued for two weeks, showcasing his dedication and ability to live two characters at once.

Mahesh’s journey into ‘Pheri Resham Philili’ began when director Neeraj Maharjan saw his performance in ‘Halkara’. Although ‘Halkara’ earned praise, it was limited to a small circle, whereas his more recent roles have brought recognition on a much larger scale. “The appreciation I’m receiving now is on a much broader level,” Mahesh shares.

He’s not bound by the stereotype of having to play a particular type of character. “I’m not asked to do a specific type of role. I just want to work seriously,” he says, emphasizing his focus on honest, authentic performances.

Currently, Mahesh is busy shooting for the film ‘Paran’ in eastern Nepal, further solidifying his status as a sought-after actor. “The character offered to me was complex and innocent. It wasn’t meant to be a light, funny character,” Mahesh reflects on the role.

“If it hadn’t been portrayed fairly, I wouldn’t have taken it. I saw that it could be handled with seriousness, and that’s why I accepted the role.”

In preparation for ‘Laaj Sharanam’, Mahesh lost 20 kg. Interestingly, the lean physique worked well for his role as Pushpa in ‘Pheri Resham Philili’, a character he describes as requiring a more delicate physical appearance.

He had studied homosexual behavior during his acting training, which made it easier for him to portray Pushpa with depth and authenticity.

For ‘Laaj Sharanam’, Mahesh spent over three months in Dolpa to fully immerse himself in the character of Sandesh, a poor young man from Karnali.

He learned the local language, adopted the lifestyle, and became so deeply connected with the character that he portrayed it as if he were a native.

His dedication to understanding the struggles of Karnali’s impoverished people made Sandesh a powerful and relatable character. “It wasn’t difficult to lose the first 10 kg, but after that, it was a challenge,” Mahesh admits about his weight loss journey.

His physical transformation helped him bring Sandesh to life on screen, further enhancing the film’s impact.

As Mahesh continues to build his career, he plans to strike a balance between arthouse and commercial mainstream films. The success of ‘Laaj Sharanam’ and ‘Pheri Resham Philili’ has helped him gain recognition from a wider audience. “The buzz around these films has reached not just the audience but also the media and social media,” he says.

“It’s becoming common for an actor to be known by name, and I’m happy that I’m developing my personal identity through my work.”

Mahesh’s rise to fame has not been a quick, easy journey. With the recognition he’s earned from his recent films, he’s established himself as an actor who’s serious about his craft and is committed to playing complex, honest characters.

As he continues to evolve in his career, Mahesh Tripathi has proven that dedication, hard work, and a willingness to take on diverse roles can lead to true success in the competitive world of Nepali cinema.