Bollywood star Nawazuddin Siddiqui arrived in Kathmandu on Saturday afternoon to attend the premiere of “Shambhala,” a groundbreaking Nepali film selected for the prestigious Berlin Film Festival. Siddiqui’s visit has generated excitement among fans and added to the film’s high-profile debut.
Upon his arrival at the airport, Siddiqui was met with enthusiastic fans eager for photos and autographs. Speaking to ANI, Siddiqui expressed his enthusiasm for the film and his brief stay in Nepal. “I am here for the celebration of our movie called Shambhala. I am here for maybe two or three days,” he said.
Directed by Min Bahadur Bham, “Shambhala” is set to premiere on Sunday and marks a historic achievement as the first Nepali film selected for the Berlin Film Festival. The film has already garnered significant attention, with lead actress Thinley Lhamo winning the Boccalino d’Oro Prize at the Locarno Film Festival. Scheduled for public release in Nepal on September 13, 2024, “Shambhala” follows the story of an expectant mother from the highlands who, accompanied by her husband’s younger brother, embarks on a journey to find her husband. The film was shot at high altitudes ranging from 4,200 to 6,000 meters in Dolpa, Karnali.
During his visit, Siddiqui plans to tour Kathmandu and explore the city’s sights. “Yes, of course, Nepal is a beautiful country. Since I am here in Kathmandu, I will see all the sights,” Siddiqui told ANI. His visit to Nepal also reflects his interest in the film and his enthusiasm for collaborating with director Min Bahadur Bham in the future.
Fans in Kathmandu were thrilled by Siddiqui’s presence, with Deepika Thapa presenting him with a red rose and expressing her excitement: “It was such a blessing. My friends and I had been waiting since morning. Meeting him was a ‘wow’ feeling. It was indeed a grand welcome.”
At 50, Siddiqui has built a distinguished career in Bollywood with notable films such as “Black Friday” (2004), “New York” (2009), “Peepli Live” (2010), “Kahani” (2012), and the “Gangs of Wasseypur” series (2012). He also holds the unique distinction of having eight films officially selected and screened at the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, Siddiqui stars in the Emmy-nominated series “Sacred Games” (2019) and “McMafia,” directed by James Watkins.
Read More: Kamal Haasan Ventures into AI with 90-Day Course in the US
