Lai Lai
by Ketan Chhetri
Prasad (2018) is a critically acclaimed Nepali social drama romance film directed by Dinesh Raut and written by prominent journalist-turned-writer Sushil Poude. The narrative revolves around Baburam (portrayed by Bipin Karki) and his wife Narayani (played by Namrata Shrestha), a loving inter-caste couple who run away to Kathmandu to build a life together away from their judgmental rural community. Their martial bliss faces a severe crisis when they struggle to conceive a child. When medical complications reveal Baburam is infertile, severe psychological distress, intense societal pressures, and deep-seated trust issues begin to tear at the couple's relationship.
The plot takes a darker, more complex turn when Ramesh (played by Nischal Basnet), a charismatic man from Narayani's past, re-enters their lives and exploits their vulnerabilities. Praised by critics as a milestone in realistic commercial Nepali cinema, the film masterfully avoids standard melodrama to deliver an authentic portrayal of class division, caste discrimination, and the heavy burden of traditional societal expectations. Backed by powerful, award-winning performances from its lead cast, Prasad achieved major box office success upon its theatrical release on December 7, 2018, later spawning a highly anticipated sequel.
Lai lai lai lai kathai bari lai
Bhanne ko nai cha ra timi ra malai
Lai ni lai lai
Jau dadai kati nau dadai pari
Timilai ma chu ma timro sathi
Lai ni lai lai
Sanrangi royo kaha royo
Jaha ruyo merai mann chuyo
Jau maya sarara
Pir manne ko cha ra
Maya bhanda thulo nai k cha ra
Ni lai lai
Jau maya sarara
Pir manne ko cha ra
Maya bhanda thulo nai k cha ra
Ni lai lai
Kina huncha yo bhed ra bhava
Eutai hoina ra maanis saba
Madan lai sodha maya k ho
Muna lai sodha tyaga k ho
Maanis thulo dil le huncha
Pida ma mana sabai ko runcha
Feri kina yo dosha ni lai lai
Jau maya sarara
Pir manne ko cha ra
Maya bhanda thulo nai k cha ra
Ni lai lai
Jau maya sarara
Pir manne ko cha ra
Maya bhanda thulo nai k cha ra
Ni lai lai
Jati nai aula adhi ra beri
Chekaula sabai hami dui mili
Man ma cha maya pirko cha bhari
Dukha bisaune timi chautari
Aakash muni ota lagaula
Ekai gaas le bhok taraula
Afnai sansara besa ni lai lai
Jau maya sarara
Pir manne ko cha ra
Maya bhanda thulo nai k cha ra
Ni lai lai
Jau maya sarara
Pir manne ko cha ra
Maya bhanda thulo nai k cha ra
