By Renuka Dhakal
Kathmandu, Feb. 10: Supporting characters are vital for making movies entertaining. Yet, in many cases, they are side-lined or under-emphasised in favour of the “lead.”
But film critics and scholars, both in Nepal and abroad, routinely point out the importance of, for lack of a better word, “non-lead” actors in giving shape and form to films.

Prem Pandey is one such actor who has been actively engaged in acting for two decades. He has acted in movies with big industry names like Shiva Shrestha, Rajesh Hamal and Bipin Kakri, among many others.
But it all started in 2002 when Pandey acted in his first film Mama Ghar directed by Narayan Puri. He played the role of Shiva Shrestha’s friend, earning him recognition as the ‘hero’s friend’.
This title continued into his second film Kartabya where again he played the role of lead Rajesh Hamal’s friend.

In fact, right up until Bipin Karki’s Jatrai Jatra, Pandey has often been seen as the ‘friend.’ But Pandey does not mind because he believes that this perception has allowed him to gain fame among the audience.
But has he never wished to become more than a ‘hero’s friend’? Has he never wanted to become the ‘hero’ itself? To this, Pandey replied, “My face and physique do not match the perceived image of a hero and producers and directors have always preferred to cast me in supporting roles.”

Pandey’s first movie Mama Ghar catapulted him into the zeitgeist. It not only made him a ‘friend’ but also gave him a new name. Yes, Prem Pandey’s is not the thespian’s real name. It is Punya Prasad Pandey but after the movie, he became Prem Pandey in the eyes of the public.

Then with Kartabya, Pandey truly cemented his presence in the Nepali film industry and he has not had to look back since.
In addition to Mama Ghar and Kartabya, Pandey has acted in over two dozen movies including Bish, Biratako Chino, Jatra, Chha Ekan Chha, Cha Maya Chapakkai, Jatrai Jatra and all three parts of Chhaka Panja. Similarly, he is currently shooting Chithi and his other films Srishtiko Phool, Hirdayabhari and Pardeshi 2 are preparing for release.

Additionally, Pandey has also appeared in numerous tele-films like Tito Satya, Jire Khursani, Jeewan Chakra, Yatana, Twakk Tukk Returns, Parichay, and Tension Saap Ulto Sulto and is currently seen in Ka Beman airing on NTV. He has also lent his talents to advertisements and music videos.

Pandey is also working on his physique for the Chhaka Panja 4. He said that he has lost 18 kilograms in four months for the film.
Born in Budhabare, Jhapa, he came to Kathmandu in 1990 after his School Leaving Certificate (SLC) to pursue higher studies. However, he had always been fascinated by acting since his childhood days and decided to use his time in the capital to follow this passion.

He said, “My childhood dream of becoming an artiste and the encouragement from my friends while performing in school aroused my interest in art.”
In recognition of his talents, he has received multiple honours and awards like the second Star International Award for Senior Actor, ANP National Award 2021, Best Actor Award at the PIM Nepal Film Festival, International Chalachitra Award and more.

After 20 years in the industry, Pandey now dreams of making a good film with his own investment. And to fulfil this dream, he is collaborating with director Shankar Ghimire.
“The film will be shot in the USA, Canada, and Nepal,” he said, adding, “My aim is to make a movie that will reach foreign markets and I want to expand my journey in the art field through the avenue of filmmaking.”
While acting is his passion, Pandey is professionally associated with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal and is also a member of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, Film Development Board, Film Artistes Association of Nepal and other institutions.