Apr 04, Kathmandu - In a special dialogue session at the second day of the Nepal International Film Festival, legendary Indian filmmaker Ramesh Sippy praised Nepali actor Rajesh Hamal, comparing him to Bollywood icons Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra. Sippy remarked, “Nepal is fortunate to have both Amitabh and Dharmendra in one person — Rajesh Hamal.”

While Hamal did not respond verbally, his silence and gestures appeared to accept the compliment graciously. The event, titled “Cinema Dialogue: Ramesh Sippy and Rajesh Hamal,” took place in the Tourism Board hall, where the two legends engaged in an open discussion about cinema, notably the classic film ‘Sholay’ directed by Sippy.

Sippy shared behind-the-scenes insights into ‘Sholay,’ mentioning how writers Salim-Javed initially considered him for the project. “They had a small idea, which was meant for someone else. But they didn’t dismiss me. They shared a story about an army officer and two criminals, and I was lucky to work with two incredible writers to craft a script that had all elements,” he explained.

Hamal lauded ‘Sholay’ as a film where all characters and even horses are memorable to viewers, praising Sippy’s direction. 

Meanwhile, the Nepal International Film Festival also kicked off the ‘Russian Film Days’ segment, beginning with the screening of the film ‘August.’