The passing away of director Nilu Doma Sherpa has come as a huge shock to her family, friends and well wishers all over. As loved ones hold onto memories of and with Nilu, we are all once again reminded how unpredictable the course of life really is. The friends, family and strangers that we exchange smiles with today are never guaranteed to be here tomorrow.
From family, friends to strangers, many spoke about the ability of Nilu to bring light into the room; her expression, confidence and sass could not be ignored. For the shy, anxious or those still confused with their sexual identity, Nilu Doma’s unapologetic stance towards LGBTI/Q issues was one that I believe had an impact on many. Through observation, I could see that she was her true-self and being herself came naturally to her.I admired that and her departure is a huge loss to the LGBTI/Q community in Nepal.
Who was Nilu Doma Sherpa?
Born in 1985, Nilu Doma Sherpa, debuted as a film director in the 2015 release movie, ‘How Funny’. The movie produced by ex-Miss Nepal, Malvika Subba, featured well known actors like Dayahang Rai, Priyanka Karki, and Keki Adhikari. The movie also featured journalist Rishi Dhamala in a guest role. Although the movie was not successful commercially, one of the songs of the movie had been very popular. Before her directorial debut, Nilu had also worked as an assistant director of the first Nepali movie about lesbian love, ‘Soongava’.
She was also featured in a main role in ‘Punte Parade’. Nilu’s friends remember Nilu was a simple and a lovely person. She has a vision and plan to make the Nepali film industry great. She was also working on the script of her next movie with another writer San Basnyat. There is no doubt that the death of Nilu is a huge loss to the Nepali film industry. A few hours before her death, Nilu was enjoying in the marriage ceremony of Nisha Adhikari.
She had also shared photos of the marriage and she was also one of the close friends of Nisha who had participated in the Mehendi ceremony on Wednesday. She seem to be enjoying the parties. Nilu wrote – “And yes that’s a High 5 between the Groom and The Bride… Looks like a match made in heaven. God Bless this new couple. Love and prayers always. #MattersOfTheHeart #LoveMovesUs #NishaWedsSharad #LoveIsInTheAir #BeautifulCouple”
