KATHMANDU: Tragic news has surfaced from Jajarkot, as Vikas KC, the young actor who portrayed a malnourished child in the recently released film “Laaj Sharanam,” has passed away due to malnutrition. Born on July 17, 2009, KC took his last breath at his home on Tuesday, April 2 (Chaitra 19).

Director Kumar Kattel ‘Jigri’ confirmed the heartbreaking news, revealing that KC, much like his on-screen character, was a real-life victim of severe malnutrition in the Karnali region. After the film’s shooting, the crew brought him to Green City Hospital, Kathmandu, for treatment, but he was later referred to Kanti Children’s Hospital, where further treatment was deemed impossible. Eventually, he was sent back to Karnali.

Despite efforts to provide medical aid, food, clothing, and financial assistance, KC’s life could not be saved. Lyricist Basanta Udas had also tried to arrange further support for the family, but the efforts fell short.

Expressing deep sorrow, director Kattel urged the government to take immediate action to address child malnutrition and the alarming child mortality rate in Karnali. The film crew has extended their condolences to KC’s family and emphasized that there must be prompt interventions to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

“Laaj Sharanam,” which clearly portrays the suffering of Karnali, has been running in the cinemas for over a month. There have been reports of 50,000 malnourished children in Karnali, echoing a crisis that cannot wait to be solved.