Prajita Gupta
“Maha ko Ma” is an autobiographical book that throws light on the unseen and perhaps the harsher side of the life of one of the most eminent entertainers in the Nepali entertainment scene, Madan Krishna Shrestha.
Better known as a part of the comedic duo “Maha Jodi”, with the other being Hari Bansha Acharya, Madan Krishna Shrestha has been able to capture hearts of all Nepalis across the globe with his talented method acting portrayal in the various stages that he performs on, ranging from theatres to films.
More often than not, he can be witnessed performing comedic acts with Hari Bansha Acharya , who is also one of his closest friends and a vital part of his life. The name of the book comes “Maha ko Ma” from the “MaHa Jodi”, where ‘Ma’ resembles Madan Shrestha and ‘Ha’ resembles Hari Bansha Acharya.
The book shows the behind the scenes struggles faced by Madan Krishna in accomplishing his title as the most coveted comedian and actor in the Nepali industry. Despite the book having many experiences that have been shared by Madan Shrestha with Hari Bansha Acharya, the ability of Madan Krishna to depict a completely different view of the same experiences as written in the autobiography of Hari Bansha, China Harayeko Manche, without repeating the stances has garnered praise from critics and fans alike.
The struggles faced by him during the initial phases of his half century long acting career and love life have also been beautifully portrayed in the book. He has written about how his mother’s death in his childhood affected him, how he ended up in the acting field which was drastically different from his academic field and how he met the love of his life while working in Sanchaya Kosh in the 1970s. He has also talked about the challenges he had to face against his marriage with wife, Yasoda Subedi, due to differences in the couple’s castes.
“If you find a partner that understands you, you will lead a successful life.”
The regrets that he carries in his heart towards his wife, his Parkinson’s condition and the struggle of his wife against rectal cancer have been depicted in this book in a manner that make the readers wonder about how life is indeed a series of happiness and sorrows. He states how grateful he is to Hari Bansha, who had supported him throughout the dreadful period of his wife’s illness and how this brought them closer together.
The book brings the readers closer towards the real Madan Krishna Shrestha as a person and away from the comedian that we have always seen him as. Written over six years, it was launched in September by Hari Bansha Acharya in Hotel Yak and Yeti by Fine Prints publishers and is a must grab to learn about the life of an actor away from the spotlight.
