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| Photo: (c) Birgit van Art |
(kj) Namgyal Lhamo is popularly known for the Tibetan tradition singing and avant-garde Tibetan opera. She spent her childhood in India and shares a very special relationship with this country. It is in Dharamsala where she had started on her journey in the world of music. In Arvind Iyer’s recent release „Drapchi“ she realized the connection between her music and the story. Thus she travelled through music to the film.
What was the most fascinating moment in „Drapchi“?
„Drapchi“ is my first feature film and there were several such moments in it. But I think one of the most touching moments was my father’s message. Living in the darkness of captivity I understood the real meaning of freedom. It was touching in the sense of what you go through. Normally we know what freedom is, but we reinvent freedom and it means a lot to me.
How did you become an actress?
It was a pretty funny situation. As artists we participate and act in plays and don’t realize what movies are. Filming is very different, but it is still close to what I was doing as an artist. It is surely new for me, but it is not a very new thing for me.
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| Photo: (c) Birgit van Art |
How important are films highlighting Tibetan issues are for Tibet at the moment?
It is very, very important. It is the crucial time for Tibet. There is a voice which is not heard. Film is a very good way to raise the issues. „Drapchi“ is a very artistic film and I hope it also reaches China. This film is something you can think about deeply. Daily life in Tibet is very dangerous. You cannot breathe there anymore; it’s squeezing. In the movie I don’t know much of political. The story is told in a very mild way. It is very important to raise a voice.
Are there new projects or films where we will see you soon?
We already have a new film planned, but let’s see. We hope that the film will be shot, it’s in the planning.
What would you suggest to somebody who plans to become an actor?
Well, ‚do-it-like-this‘ does not work for me. ‚Do-it-as-you-are‘ is what is important.
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| Photo: (c) Birgit van Art |
What about your relationship with India?
India is still home. When Tibetans say they are going home, they surely mean India.
Thank you very much for the nice and delighting interview.
You’re welcome and thank you, too!
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| The theinder.net interview team Karuna and Tomal with Namgyal Lhamo (l.t.r.). Photo: (c) Birgit van Art |
