Every year during the Gaijatra festival—known as a celebration of humor and satire—artists bring out creative and thought-provoking satirical content. This year, popular artist Shivashankar Rijal, famously known as “Jogindar,” has launched a special Gaijatra presentation titled “Mission Nautanki.”
Rijal shared that this satirical performance aims to entertain audiences through humor while also raising awareness and criticizing social and political distortions. He believes bringing out such content is a responsibility of comedic artists, even if there’s little commercial benefit involved.
“There’s no real business model behind these Gaijatra specials, but as a comedian, I believe it’s our duty to speak out. I’ve been consistently releasing Gaijatra-targeted satire since the beginning of my career. I feel audiences now wait every year for my satirical gift,” said Rijal.
Since 2061 B.S., he has continuously produced such content for Gaijatra. His latest creation, “Mission Nautanki,” targets recent political developments, social issues, fashion, and glamour trends. It particularly pokes fun at politicians who are focused more on campaigning for the 2084 elections rather than doing real work.
“Leaders nowadays are busy talking about Mission 2084, instead of delivering results. My satire doesn’t aim to hurt anyone but to highlight the false promises being made to the people,” he explained.
The program also features a parody version of the popular song “Laideu Maya Pirim” from the movie Jatrai Jatra. Written and directed by Rijal himself, “Mission Nautanki” includes performances by Radhika Hamal, Prem Sharma Poudel, Sabitra Lamichhane ‘Sabu’, Dhirendra Singh, Kiran Khanal, Bedmani Adhikari, Balram Dhamala ‘Thule Dai’, Sabina Bik, Bheem Pariyar, and child actor Posna Shrestha.
