For some, “Basanta” might be just another film, but for Urmila Lamgaday, a New York resident, it marks the rebirth of a long-cherished dream. After a 22-year hiatus, the singer and actress has returned to acting with the Nepali film “Basanta”, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey.
Twenty-two years ago, Urmila, from the so-called untouchable community in Nepal, portrayed Naina in the TV serial “Dalan”, depicting inter-caste discrimination and a third-generation love story within the Dalit community. Her portrayal of the struggles of the Bishwakarma and Pariyar families earned recognition for its authenticity.
Now, in “Basanta”, Urmila takes on the sensitive role of a mother. To embody the character, she traveled nearly 7,000 miles from New York to a remote village in Baglung, Nepal, where she filmed for almost three weeks.
Beyond acting, Urmila is an accomplished singer. After a 13-year break, she resumed her musical career five years ago, releasing several songs that showcase her versatility. Born in Hetauda, Nepal, her passion for singing and acting began in childhood, with “Dalan” giving wings to her aspirations.
Her acting career paused in 2011 when she moved to the U.S. Now, with grown-up children, she finds it easier to return to her artistic pursuits. Her comeback with “Basanta” was motivated by the film’s socially relevant story. “The only reason I returned to acting after 22 years is the story of this film,” Urmila says.
In “Basanta”, she shares the screen with Prakash Saput, who personally selected her for the role. She drew on her real-life experiences as a mother to bring depth to the character. Urmila immersed herself in the village atmosphere during filming, blending in with the local lifestyle.
“Basanta” tackles issues beyond caste discrimination, addressing social evils like superstition and inequality. For Urmila, the role was deeply personal, as she channeled her own grief into portraying a rural Dalit mother’s struggles.
Urmila’s return to acting is a revival of her childhood dream. “Since I was a kid, I dreamed of acting in films,” she shares. Grateful to Prakash Saput and the team, she also acknowledges her family’s unwavering support. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue working on meaningful roles and songs.
Urmila urges audiences to support “Basanta”: “Please watch and show your love. It was challenging to work on it after traveling from the USA, but I poured my heart into it.”
Support NepYork – Your Nonprofit News Media for the Nepali Community
NepYork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the Showcase of Nepalis in New York, delivering timely local news and vital resources on immigration, housing, taxes, health, business, and more. Our mission is to safeguard community journalism, amplify the voices of Nepali immigrants in NYC, and foster understanding, solidarity, and empowerment.
By donating to NepYork, you help us enhance participation in democracy, improve access to essential resources, and share authentic stories that reflect the vibrant, diverse experiences of Nepali New Yorkers. Together, we can connect, inform, and empower our community. Every contribution ensures these voices are heard and valued.
Donate today to keep Nepali stories alive and thriving in New York!
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
