‘Many hollow ideals believe they can pilot the country like a jet plane if given responsibility’

Many probably recognize Achyut Ghimire more by his voice than by his real name. His clear, expressive, and captivating voice is his signature. Through this voice, he has significantly contributed to popularizing Nepali literature among the masses.

After hosting the radio program Shruti Sambeg for a long time, Achyut is now active on digital media. He narrates novels and story collections on YouTube. He is also popular through his Ghazal and poetry program named Bulbul and his solo poetry recitations.

We had an open conversation with him this time.

1. Present Day

What news or event has recently brought you joy?

I was pleased to hear about the Prime Minister’s joint meeting with the European Union ambassadors.

What has disturbed you?

It is distressing to see many media outlets spreading false news as truth and yet, after their deceit is exposed, showing extreme refusal to adequately refute it.

What topic or person has caught your interest lately?

There are many, but the subject of Parliament seems very interesting at present.

What do you consider the best and worst aspects of Nepali society?

The worst is the constant fighting, distrust, and physical confrontations. The best is when society eventually reaches consensus, often without mediation.

How often do you read newspapers and online media? What is your experience with contemporary journalism?

I read newspapers quite a bit. However, it feels like journalism is losing its essence today. Politics, the military, police, and power should be ordinary subjects for journalism, but now journalism appears to be following them blindly. Journalism should guide society, but I see society and individuals mocking it instead.

Looking back in history, what would you want to change or improve?

I would have improved live broadcasts from various locations.

2. Childhood and Adolescence

What games did you play most as a child?

Probably football, but not very consistently.

What nicknames were you given?

Achyute, Bulbul.

Did you have conflicts with friends?

A little, but nothing memorable.

What celebrity crossovers did you follow?

As a child, I enjoyed watching tele-novels featuring Saroj Khanal, Badri Adhikari, Sunil Sharma, Nisha Sharma, and others.

3. Cinema

How did you feel watching a movie for the first time?

I remember watching movies at Kanyadan hall, otherwise Hindi films on national television.

What types of films do you prefer?

Art films, films about international relations or psychological themes.

Favorite films?

Currently, South Indian films appeal to me. Previously, I liked Hindi films like Sole, Lajja Majnu, Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. In English, I appreciated Hotel Rwanda, The Pursuit of Happyness, Perfume, Titanic. In Nepali cinema, recent movies featuring Dayahang Rai and films with actors transitioning from theater have been very appealing.

Are there any popular films you did not particularly enjoy?

Yes, but I cannot recall specifics now.

How do you select films to watch?

Mostly based on recommendations from friends who share my tastes.

What kind of films should be made more in Nepal?

Films that teach real-life lessons, encourage social reform, and provide direction.

4. Books

How much and what kind of books do you read?

I used to read a lot but now have limited time. I read mostly about topics that are in discussion or that teach me new things.

Favorite books?

Many. Stories by BP Koirala, Parijat’s tales, and Bhairav Aryal’s satirical works are favorites.

Favorite authors?

BP, Parijat, Bhairav Aryal, Krishna Dharabasi, Nayanraj Pandey. Among newer generations, GS Paudel and Keshavraj Gyawali.

If you could spend a day with any fictional character, who would it be?

I would spend it with Puloma, the erudite character in ‘Sumnima.’

What subjects should Nepali books focus on?

Stories or characters that remain memorable for decades and are easy to read and learn from.

5. Travel and Interests

Do you like to travel?

I love it.

Most visited and most desired destinations?

I have been to Dubai most frequently, and I want to visit the Maldives.

Favorite trip?

My trip to Kohalpur, Banke.

How much music do you listen to? Favorite singers?

I listen regularly, especially classical and modern songs. Singers such as Deep Shrestha, Deepak Kharel, Aruna Lama are favorites.

Who do you listen to most recently?

Sujaan Chapagain.

Special hobbies?

Traveling and reading.

What about your food preferences? Favorite dishes?

I can eat almost anything.

How do you shop?

Rarely.

When do you shop mostly?

Only when necessary, like for essential clothing.

Do you buy your own clothes or have someone else buy them?

I buy for myself.

Most expensive purchase or service?

I mostly buy middle-class items, nothing particularly expensive comes to mind.

6. Politics

What is your view on Nepal’s politics?

It seems like a formula that keeps Nepali society in conflict.

What do you see as the main political problem?

From the start, our politics was influenced by the US or Russia. The country cannot run on the Congress-Communist rivalry. Leaders sell dreams with lies and fail to deliver reality.

Less than 10 percent seem to understand Congress or Communist ideology properly. There’s a hollow idealism that those who get responsibility can pilot the country like a jet plane just by their ego and self-importance.

If you could improve one trait in leaders, what would it be?

I consider myself a citizen of Earth. I will live 80 years. Nations have existed for thousands of years and will continue without me. Leaders should realize they are just one small particle, and many know more than they do.

Favorite or influential leaders?

In terms of service to the country: BP, Manmohan, Pushpalal, Ganesh Man, Krishna Prasad. Currently, according to media, Gagan Thapa, Dr. Surendra Pandey, Sushila Karki, and Ravi Lamichhane. I cannot say all their qualities are admirable.

If you became Prime Minister, what would be your first priority?

I would focus on creating a corruption-free administration.

Social Media and Digital Tools

What mobile phone do you use?

OnePlus.

How much time do you spend daily on mobile and online platforms? Which do you use the most?

About three hours, mostly Facebook. I also get news from there.

Do you check your phone immediately upon waking and before sleeping?

Yes.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media?

Advantages: delivering information to the public and connecting many people. Disadvantages: addiction and spreading misinformation.

How do followers, likes, and comments affect you?

People are naturally greedy; I am tempted too. But I trust only authentic, natural followers.

How much do you use AI tools? Which ones mostly?

I don’t use them much; only a little ChatGPT.

Has social media increased freedom of expression or the spread of misinformation?

Currently, it seems to spread more false information.

Does social media threaten to replace books and newspapers?

Not entirely. Reading interest has decreased.

7. Interesting Facts

If you were reborn, what would you want to be?

A bird.

How do you reduce stress?

By sitting alone and thinking deeply.

Favorite fragrance?

Night-blooming jasmine (Husna) flower.

Best advice you have received so far?

Do not commit mistakes; always do good.

Message to future generations?

No matter how much technology advances, you must live as human beings. Respect machines but never stop working hard. Physical effort is essential.