Fireside

Epizodes

• Bhisma Raj Angdembe – Constitutional crisis and the future of the opposition 20.05.2026 57min

  In this critical episode of Fireside with Rupesh Shrestha, recorded on May 7, 2026, we dive into an unfolding constitutional shockwave in Nepal. Joining us is Bhishma Raj Angdembe, Leader of the Parliamentary Party of the Nepali Congress, providing an insider's account of a contentious two-hour Constitutional Council meeting. Andembe reveals how the government, chaired by Prime Minister Balen Shah, bypassed 80 years of established judicial tradition by recommending Judge Manoj Kumar Sharma, who ranks fourth on the seniority list, as the next Chief Justice.Angdembe elaborates on the formal written dissent he and the National Assembly Chair submitted, arguing that replacing seniority with a subjective "meritocracy" risks turning constitutional bodies into hubs for political recruitment. The conversation expands beyond the courtroom to critique the government’s "One-man Army" approach and the seven new ordinances that Angdembe claims are targeting the very "roots" of traditional political parties. Key Topics:Why the Nepali Congress views bypassing judicial seniority as a dangerous "break in continuity" that threatens the court's independence.A deep dive into the seven new ordinances and how they affect the democratic "roots," including student politics and trade unions.Angdembe’s critique of the state's "insensitivity" and lack of humanitarian consideration during the clearance of squatter settlements.Signs of a party "reunion" as the third generation of leaders seeks to bridge old gaps to face a shifting political landscape.
• Gauri Malla – The Reel vs. Real Life of a Legend 14.05.2026 57min

  In this "Legacy Edition" of Fireside with Rupesh Shrestha, we revisit a powerful conversation with the legendary actress Gauri Malla, originally broadcast on October 26, 2020 (Kartik 10, 2077 BS). With a career spanning over 35 years, Gauri Malla reflects on her journey from her debut in Santan to becoming a cornerstone of the Nepali film industry.Beyond the glamour of the screen, she opens up about her "rebellious" and courageous battle with cancer, sharing the mental fortitude required to face a life-threatening diagnosis. The conversation takes a sharp turn into social commentary as she addresses the "shameful" reality of women’s safety in Nepal, questioning why crimes like rape persist even as women have reached the highest offices of President and Chief Justice. The episode concludes with a poignant original poem by Malla, critiquing the arrogance of power and the "Kursi" (the chair).Key Topics:35 Years of Cinema: Lessons from a life she describes as a "school".The Cancer Struggle: A first-person account of surviving a health crisis.Leadership Paradox: The disparity between female representation in high office and grassroots safety.A Call for Vision: Why leadership requires more than just holding a position.
• Harka Sampang – The Voice of Labor Culture in Parliament 13.05.2026 32min

  In this episode of Fireside with Rupesh Shrestha, we sit down with Harka Sampang, the former Mayor of Dharan and the current Chairperson of the Shram Sanskriti Party. Known for his unfiltered and direct style, Sampang reflects on his transition from the "free-spirited" world of local activism to the formal constraints and procedural limits of the House of Representatives. He shares his unique perspective, viewing Parliament not as a final achievement but as a vital tool and "stepping stone" to amplify the voices of the marginalized. Key Topics:Small Party, Giant Vision: Why the Shram Sanskriti Party considers itself "vast" in patriotism and vision despite its small number of seats.The Philosophy of Justice: A candid discussion on the human struggle for impartiality and why justice remains elusive in a partisan world.National Sovereignty vs. MCC: Specific legal and intellectual property concerns that drive Sampang's demand for the compact's repeal.Stability Through Reform: The case for a directly elected executive to end the cycle of shifting ministerial chairs and ensure long-term national progress.
• Yogesh Bhattarai – A Call for Transformation and Leadership Transition 13.05.2026 38min

  In this episode of Fireside with Rupesh Shrestha, broadcast on April 13, 2026, we speak with Yogesh Bhattarai, the Deputy General Secretary of CPN-UML. Following a devastating electoral defeat and the rise of a new political order led by Balendra Shah, Bhattarai offers a candid "post-mortem" of his party’s current paralysis and the need for deep internal reorganization. The dialogue dives into the "clouds" that have loomed over the CPN-UML since the December 2020 (Poush 5, 2077) dissolution of Parliament, which Bhattarai identifies as the root of the party’s current ideological crisis. Key Topics:Leadership and "Paving the Way": A direct call for KP Sharma Oli to step down, arguing that a regular or special general convention is necessary to refresh the party's leadership and policy.The Gen Z Reckoning: A critical look at the Bhadra 23/24 protests and the social media ban, with Bhattarai admitting the party's failure to properly apologize or realize its mistakes regarding the youth.Internal Ideological Conflict: Critiquing the aggressive rhetoric of leaders like Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal' and tracing the party's decline back to the 2020 parliamentary dissolution.The Struggle of the Third Generation: Whether leaders like Bhattarai, Gagan Thapa, and others can overcome "bureaucratic" party hurdles and their own "inaction" to lead the next generation.
• Pradeep Giri – The Final Vision for Nepali Socialism 14.05.2026 59min

  We honor the memory of the late Pradeep Giri, one of Nepal’s most profound intellectual minds and socialist thinkers, in this archival episode of Fireside. Recorded and aired in the third week of Chaitra 2077 (April 2021), this dialogue captures the late leader’s insights just over a year before his passing on August 20, 2022.Pradeep Giri delivers a masterclass on the ethics of politics, lamenting the vacuum of vision in modern leadership. He discusses the enduring relevance of B.P. Koirala’s socialism and provides a searing critique of the internal dynamics of the Nepali Congress and the wider political landscape. This episode serves as a vital historical document for those seeking to understand the intersection of philosophy, morality, and the struggle for a just society in Nepal.Key Topics:Political Morality: Why politics must be an act of character, not just arithmetic.Socialism Today: Re-evaluating the goals of equality in a shifting landscape.Legacy of B.P. Koirala: The foundational ideas that should guide the future.A Voice Silenced: Revisiting the wisdom of a leader who stood above the pursuit of power.