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Actor Prakash Ghimire is not a new name in the world of theater and cinema. Having acted in dozens of films, he is well-known among Nepali audiences for his character roles. This Friday, his new film Agnidahan is set to release. The movie is crafted to challenge the superstitious belief in ‘witches’ (bokshi) in Nepali society. Ghimire chose to act in the film because of its strong social message. Here is an excerpt from an interview with him:
How did you get involved in Agnidahan?
When I was returning from the shooting of Ghampani, Mr. Ghanshyam Lamichhane called me. He mentioned they were working on a film and invited me to join. Since I am also a teacher, I expressed concern about balancing my teaching responsibilities with the shooting schedule. Later, Mao Tse Gurung also called, explaining that the film was based on a social issue. Hearing this, I agreed to work on the project. I am personally interested in social causes, so I felt inclined to contribute. When I later looked at the team, I realized they were all familiar faces.
In the trailer, you are seen supporting the idea that ‘witches don’t exist.’ Is that your real belief? If yes, why?
Yes, I firmly believe that witches don’t exist. Mental illnesses in people are often misunderstood and labeled as witchcraft. In earlier times, shamans and even doctors couldn’t recognize certain illnesses. When they failed to identify a disease, they started branding people as ‘witches.’
In your understanding, are there any real witches in society?
Every issue has a scientific explanation. In the past, when women suffered from mental illnesses, they were taken to shamans or doctors. However, no one could diagnose their condition as a mental health issue. Instead, they labeled them as ‘witches.’ In reality, the problem lies not in the existence of witches but in identifying mental health disorders.
Why are women accused of being witches?
The idea of witches is a construct created by humans. People fail to understand certain aspects of the human mind and behaviors. When they can’t comprehend someone’s condition, they resort to accusations like witchcraft. Instead of providing treatment for mental illnesses, these women are subjected to severe torture, which is wrong. Our inability to recognize and diagnose illnesses is the root of the problem. Agnidahan seeks to shed light on these social injustices and challenge harmful traditions through cinema.
