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He links Mollywood with Nepal. The cute child Unnikuttan aka Rimboche in the 1992 Malayalam film “Yodha” is back here; this time as a handsome young man. In his new avatar, we can see him in veteran director Lenin Rajendran’s new film “Edavapathi”. The film tells the story of Tibetan refugees in India and Siddhartha Lama plays the role of a young Tibetan saint who searches for the soul of his own land. When I met him in Nepal, first I noticed was his enduring innocent smile that captured the hearts of Malayalam audience. From the charming Unnikuttan in the movie, Siddhartha Lama has grown into a young man with a lot of responsibilities. In addition to his social activities, he is the personal secretary to his father who is the Secretary of Sports Council in Nepal Ministry.
Throughout the conversation, inter alia, Siddhartha Lama wistfully recalled his “Yodha” days. Excerpts from the interview:
How did you become part of the film “Yodha”?
It was accidental. My father Yuvraj Lama is a fight master and film producer-director. He is one of the members of the first Karate black belt batch in Nepal. His friend stunt director Gopal Buttani was known to cinematographer Santhosh Sivan. Once when they visited my father, Santhosh Sivan happened to see me. Actually, he was in search of a boy of my age for the film “Yodha”. He asked me if I was interested in acting. Without hesitation I said, “Yes” (chuckles). I said so as I thought my father also will be with me. (His father also acted in the film “Yodha” as the long-haired henchman of the villain character portrayed by Puneet Issar).
Do you remember the actors in the film?
I was a child then. Also your language is very hard to learn. But this time, I have decided to give it a whirl (laughs). I have interesting memories about the film “Yodha”. My pet name was “Bunty” at home. On the set, everybody used to call me “Pindi” and “Bindi” to see me blushing. This time, I am eager to see and act along with actor Jagathy Sreekumar again.
Does the character Rimboche really exist in Nepal?
Yes. But their life is not so dramatic as portrayed in the movie. They lead a peaceful life. In my knowledge, there are over 50 monasteries in Nepal. About five or six Rimboches are living there.
You went into oblivion after one film. Why?
After “Yodha”, I did two or three Nepali movies. My first film in Nepali, “Devta” was produced by my father. After that I concentrated on my studies. After studies I joined my father in his own film production company. I am the MD of Cine Craft Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. Also I am the secretary of D-Care Foundation which works as part of the Anti-drug Campaign Preservation Movement. Apart from rehabilitation, it aims at creating awareness against the use of drugs among youth.
Your memories about Kerala…
Once I had been to Kochi. But at that time I was not aware of that place. I remember the shipyard there. Now I remember about South India through the song “kolaveri…” (laughs).
What about your second innings in Malayalam?
Definitely it’s a second coming. I am glad to accept the offer given by Lenin sir. When I met him, he narrated the story, and I realize that it’s a responsible job now.
Tell us about your family…
My wife is Supriya Gurung Lama, who is the treasurer of D-Care Foundation.
Mother is a homemaker and my brother Ananda Lama is doing the promotional works of Nepali handicrafts and Buddhist paintings.
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