Exclusive - Nirisha Basnett: Having a godfather in the industry can make the journey easier and shorten the waiting game

Nirisha Basnett is a talented actress known for her work in both television and films. She has showcased her acting skills in notable projects like Chandra Nandini, Aladdin: Naam Toh Suna Hoga, and Ziddi Dil Maane Na, earning recognition for her compelling performances. Recently, in an exclusive chat with Times Of India TV, Nirisha talks about her upcoming show and reflects on the challenges of making it in the industry without a godfather. She shares insights on how easy or difficult it can be to navigate the entertainment world independently.
⁠Tell us about your new show Reeta Sanyal and how did you bag the role?
I don’t think the word ‘crazy’ does justice to describe this show—it’s more of a crazy pro max—a mix of pulp, investigative action, and dramedy. Originally, I had auditioned for a different character but didn’t land the role. However, a few days later, I got a call asking if I knew any form of weapon fighting—specifically with nunchucks. Being a trained sword fighter and knowing some knife-fighting techniques, I confidently said yes. They then asked me to audition for another character named Z. As soon as I read the script, I knew this role was meant for me. I had been preparing and praying for such a role for four years, ever since I began my martial arts journey.
⁠⁠Which was your last show and do you think making it in the industry without a godfather is difficult?
The last show I worked on is yet to be released, and before that, my major project was Aashiqana S2. When I first entered the industry, I didn’t know anyone, but after seven years of hard work, most of the opportunities I get today come from referrals by people I've worked with—God bless them. I truly believe in the saying, “Your network is your net worth.” While having a godfather in the industry can make the journey easier and shorten the waiting game, allowing people to take you seriously sooner, I didn’t have that advantage. However, whether you have a godfather or not, long-term success ultimately comes from a combination of hard work, talent, networking, and a little bit of luck.
⁠⁠How did you think of leaving Nepal and pursuing a career in Mumbai?
My mom has always been very strict, and like they say, strict parents create sneaky kids—I’m definitely an example of that. Craving freedom and a chance to explore, I applied to be an air hostess for an international airline. Without telling anyone, I flew to Mumbai for the interview but didn’t land the job. I spent five days there, travelling solo and meeting new people. One person suggested I move to Mumbai and try modelling, saying I had the looks and personality for it. I took their advice seriously, packed my bags when I got back to Nepal, and moved to Mumbai two weeks later, without my family knowing—they were in Australia at the time. In a way, I ran away to follow an unknown path.
How has the journey been so far?
Ah, I could write a book about it! Looking back at my journey makes me very emotional. On the one hand, I’ve celebrated freedom, fame, friendship, wisdom, and independence; on the other, I’ve cried for better days, prayed until sunrise, trained harder, missed my parents, faced financial struggles, felt incredibly lonely, and picked myself up repeatedly. In short, my journey has been a profound learning experience in many aspects of life.
What's next in the pipeline?
I’ve completed filming for two projects, but it feels like luck is challenging my patience since they haven't been released yet. I'm hopeful that will change soon. In the meantime, I’m really wishing for Reeta Sanyal to do well, and I’m eager for more action projects, including a second season of Reeta Sanyal.


One of your closest friends in the industry and why?
Khushi Dubey and I have formed a strong bond, especially after Aashiqana ended. I admire her as an actor; she's been in the industry for over 20 years, and it's always a pleasure to watch her perform on set. We don't meet often due to our schedules, but we talk on the phone almost every day, and those conversations last for hours. There's no filter between us—we talk about anything and everything. Whenever we’re together, the laughter is endless. We’ve also supported each other during the toughest times. I’m close to her mother as well, and by now, we share a true sisterhood.