Pradeep Khadka, a prominent name among young audiences, is well-known for his acting, especially in films like Prem Geet. However, his latest role in Aktor: Take One presents him as a character, Kushal, who is struggling with his identity. Instead of relying on talent, he is determined to become a “superstar” through the glitz and glamour of the film industry.
After watching the premiere of Aktor: Take One in Bhaktapur on Monday evening, many fans felt that Pradeep, playing Kushal, will indeed fulfill his character’s dream of becoming a superstar. However, due to legal issues over the film’s resemblance to the previously released Aktor, the premiere of Aktor: Take One was postponed by the court.
Pradeep sees many similarities between himself and his character, Kushal. A decade ago, he, too, was striving to become a hero in the film industry without much knowledge of scriptwriting, acting, or filmmaking techniques. All he knew was that he wanted to be a superstar. He even invested in his film, Escape, in an attempt to become a hero, but the film failed to capture the audience’s attention.
After his initial failure, Pradeep was discouraged but eventually got another chance to play the lead role in Prem Geet, a film that brought him into the limelight. He recalls his struggles with identity, both personally and professionally. After continuous offers and recognition, he faced criticism about his acting skills and began questioning his talent.
Pradeep admits that before working in Prakash, he did not fully understand the depth of acting. He felt he was just playing characters like in Prem Geet or Lilibilly, but after working with renowned acting coach Anup Baral, he realized the importance of understanding the character and the nuances of acting.
In his journey, Pradeep learned that a true actor must deeply connect with their character. He explains that he initially lacked confidence in his ability to portray complex roles, which led him to turn down offers, including one for Prakash. However, he later sought guidance from Anup Baral, who encouraged him to embrace his craft and grow as an actor.
Today, Pradeep continues to experiment with his roles, working on three different films in a single year. He has taken on contrasting characters, including the intense role in Pitamber. His upcoming project Airi is currently in pre-production, marking another step in his growth as an actor.
Pradeep, who has often been labeled as a “star” or “superstar,” now seeks to be recognized purely as an “actor.” His goal is to build a career based on his craft rather than the fame associated with stardom. He says, “I don’t want to be known as a superstar or star. I want to be recognized for my acting, and if I am called an ‘actor’ after my film Actor: Take One, that would be the best recognition.”