Madan Krishna Shrestha

Yesterday evening, I met Madan Krishna Shrestha at his residence. He was in his common room warming up with a gas heater. Above his sofa were awards that he was bestowed with in his career.

The country beloved actor was discharged two days ago from a hospital. There wasn’t any news of his hospitalization. I came to know about it through word of mouth.

The news wasn’t leaked because that might have disturbed his treatment. People, out of respect and admiration, would have visited him at the hospital.

Somehow it was fine. But as from media’s perspectives, we always want to tell stories and happenings with such a popular yet humble man who had devoted his life to bring smiles to the people.

I considered myself lucky because I got opportunities to accompany Maha (the duo of Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya) in a few places. After all, the duo is the most famous comedians who have always used comedy with fair amount of intellect and wisdom rather than going for cheap laughing materials. They use satire to almost perfection and always maintain that satire has a greater meaning.

Their healthy comedy with contemporary satire has won hearts of many. I know people who long for a glimpse of them.

The duo is involved into social works. In 2006 Jana Andolan, when they began a fund for the treatment of those injured in the movement, people donated millions.

Yesterday, Shrestha was smiling and happy as usual. He shared lyrics he composed in the hospital bed. He felt satisfied when many visited him at the hospital. He said the visiting people made him busy that he never felt bored. The behaviors of doctors and paramedics too touched him.

Eleven months ago, while shooting for a Nepali feature film, he did a shot when he was required to fall down. He did it well but felt a little pain around left hip. The pain gradually increased and he was limping a little while walking since then.

He then went to the Annpurna Hospital for an operation by Dr. Basant Pant. Dr Pant operated his cervical spine for pinched nerve. The biggest challenge, the doctor said, was to save the real voice of a very good singer and he succeeded.

Shrestha stayed at hospital for 10-day. He still needs rest for a couple of weeks. Then after, he said, he would on the field of acting with the same strength.

He shared a very interesting incident: Hari Bansh never left him during his hospital days.

The duo, who has complimented each other for years now, is a symbol of love, brotherhood and partnership in profession. In a country marred by conflict, the duo has long endued partnership and is moving ahead with the exemplary synergy.

I wish speedy recovery of Madan dai! I wish for the longevity for the MAHA partnership.