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Kathmandu – Actress Rekha Thapa has stated that merely appearing on screen does not define heroism. Speaking at the White House Literature Festival on Friday during the session “Heroes of the Past, Heroes of Today,” she shared her perspective on the evolving definition of a hero.
“Being seen on screen is not the only measure of heroism. A true hero instills hope in society. Their contribution to social transformation should also be taken into account,” she said. She emphasized that a hero is not bound by time but is defined by their contributions.
Thapa, who began producing films at a time when the industry was male-dominated, shared that she took a bold step to establish herself as a filmmaker.
She pointed out that in today’s cinema, stories have become the real heroes rather than individual actors. “In the past, only those in lead roles were considered heroes. But the definition has changed. Now, characters drive the narrative, making stories the real heroes. It feels like traditional heroes and heroines have been displaced,” she remarked.
Thapa also noted that society’s perspective on heroes has shifted. She recalled a moment during the earthquake when, despite feeling afraid, people questioned whether heroes could experience fear. This, she said, reinforced the responsibility of public figures to act protectively in crises.
Furthermore, she expressed concern about the declining audience for Nepali films and urged people to support the industry. She also called for the preservation and encouragement of new generations in filmmaking.
Similarly, actor Nazir Hussain stated that anyone with a helping nature is a hero in society. “For an elderly woman crossing the street, the person who assists her is her hero. This is why artists, too, should contribute to social causes,” he said.
