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Ekta Paudel, who is set to debut as a director with the Nepali film Harsha releasing on Mangsir 12, says the film touches on a subject that deserves broader public discussion.
Her entry into filmmaking has drawn attention due to her training at the New York Film Academy and her connection as the niece of late director Shiva Regmi.
Paudel selected Harsha from more than half a dozen scripts, choosing a family-oriented story for her directorial debut. The trailer has already indicated that the film focuses on emotional and family-centric themes.
When asked why audiences should watch Harsha, she said, “Nepali films are doing well at the box office, which is encouraging. On my way here, I passed Jamal and saw posters of three Nepali films outside Bishowjyoti—this made me hopeful. Harsha is a family drama, and I have tried to tell an emotional story. Even if I cannot match the 100 percent that my uncle Shiva Regmi gave, I’ve made an effort to present a sensitive subject.”
Reflecting on her experiences at the New York Film Academy, she said the cultural backgrounds of students shaped how they expressed emotions on screen. This influenced her decision to root Harsha in Nepali society, focusing on family psychology and local realities.
The film tackles the societal pressure surrounding lineage continuity and the psychological burden it creates, Paudel explained. “Among six or seven scripts, I chose this one because the subject demands public discussion. If audiences understand it well, the conversation could expand further,” she added.
Given the film’s female director and female-centered narrative, expectations are high for a strong female perspective. Paudel said, “I have tried to present it as effectively as possible.”
