Filmmaker, actor, and theatre artist Bendang Walling shared his personal journey during the Nagaland CineFest held at Heritage, Kohima, on 28th February 2025, recounting his path from growing up in a small town to finding his calling in drama and acting. Raised in a Christian family, Walling recalled how church programmes became his first platform to explore acting and drama.
His turning point came when he learned about the National School of Drama (NSD) in 2008. Walling applied to NSD in 2009, passing the entrance exam—a challenging feat since applicants needed a graduate degree and experience in at least six recognized theatre productions. “For those of us from the Northeast, it wasn’t easy. Church plays didn’t count—we needed formal theatre experience, and opportunities were limited back home,” he explained.
Walling shared his experiences and struggles during his time at NSD. After graduating in 2012, he returned home with a desire to contribute to his community through theatre. “It wasn’t easy. Many parents didn’t understand what theatre was, so I had to go door-to-door explaining the process and convincing them to let their children join workshops,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. “To be a good artist, whether as an actor or director, you have to stay grounded in your culture, language, and traditions.” His persistence eventually paid off, landing him roles in Paatal Lok and The Family Man. “It took me over a decade to get a significant role, but I never gave up. Art isn’t about quick success; it is about growing slowly and steadily,” he said.
For aspiring actors, Walling’s advice was clear: “Before thinking about fame or money, focus on building your foundation. Take diploma courses, attend workshops, and study theatre seriously. This field is collaborative—you can’t do it alone.”
As more schools and colleges in Nagaland begin to recognize the importance of drama education, Walling remains hopeful. “Change takes time, but I believe that one day, our stories—authentic and deeply rooted—will resonate with the world.” Through his heartfelt words, Bendang Walling reminded the audience that the path to artistic success is not about speed but about staying true to oneself and trusting the journey.
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