Candid in conversation: Presenter Vijay Lama during his Black and White interview with Chief Secretary Leela Mani Paudyal last week at a studio in Bhaisepati. Photo by Sonia Awale
News on tv, radio and newspapers are mostly about what is amiss in society. In Nepal headlines were about war, now it is mostly about politics, corruption or disasters. Political talk shows are seen to be essential in boosting viewership of tv stations, but in the past few years the ratings for news and current affairs are shrinking as Nepali viewers migrate to entertainment programs on Indian tv channels.
Seven years ago, actor and airline pilot Vijay Lama realised that the media was becoming a part of the problem by spreading hopelessness and cynicism in society. He launched a unique talk show, Black and White, which came as a breath of fresh air at a time when mainstream tv stations were competing to be more strident and sensational.
“There was negativity all around and media feasted on it. I wanted to do something that would instill positivity in the people,” says Lama who has been acting since he was 18, and flies Airbus 320s for Nepal Airlines. “Black and White was the perfect platform.”
The show, which airs at 20:30-21:00 every Wednesday on Image Channel, has a unique format where guests aren’t always celebrities, but Nepalis determined to make a difference through determination and dint of hard work. Black and White strives to focus on hope in a country steeped in negativism by spreading the power of the good example.
“There are so many unsung heroes and stories to tell that will inspire others,” says Lama. The show has seen Ani Choying weep as she talked about the neglect of Nepalis by the state. Lama himself also tears up during emotionally-charged interviews like the one with Bishnu Gautam who lost both his sons within one year to road accidents. He and his wife decided that they would jump off a bridge and commit suicide, but on the way drove past a highway accident which made them change their minds. They set up Laxmi Pratisthan, a foundation that works for the education of the underserved, and to improve highway safety.
True to its name, everything on the show has a black and white motif. The guests and presenter come dressed in black and white, the set is themed similarly, even the cushions have black and white ying-yang patterns on them.
Last week, Lama conversed with outgoing chief secretary Leela Mani Paudyal at the Black and White studio in Bhaisepati as if they were chatting in his living room.
Paudyal reminisced about government’s weakness in post earthquake response, but also praised the strength of Nepalis, discussing future preparedness plans. To make the conversation lighter Lama asked how Paudyal manages to pack so much into a 24-hour day. Paudyal said: “Nepal will only have a future through hard work, honesty and a positive attitude.”
Lama usually starts a show with an enthusiastic welcome, shows viewers a prepared introductory video profile, the conversation flows, revolving mostly around the guest’s struggle against overwhelming odds to make a difference in society.
Lama’s latest acting role is in the Hollywood movie Everest about the tragedy on the mountain that killed eight climbers in 1996 which has a star-studded cast that includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin and Keira Knightley. Lama plays Lt Col Madan KC, the Nepal Army pilot who made the highest ever helicopter landing on Everest to rescue climbers. The film will be having its Asia premiere in Kathmandu in September.
Lama has been thinking of revamping the format of Black and White, perhaps record them in different parts of Nepal and focus on ordinary Nepalis doing extraordinary things. “We want to make the show more acceptable to the public and less Kathmandu-centric,” says Lama. The plan is to also live stream Black and White so Nepalis around the world can watch it simultaneously via the Internet.
Says Lama: “I have learned from each one of my guests. Much like they are an inspiration to others, they inspire me, too.”
Read also:
Back to Everest in 2015, Kunda Dixit
Real Nepal, Vijay Lama