Pataal Lok Season 2 took TV enthusiasts by storm with its gripping narrative, earning an impressive IMDb rating of 8.2/10. Beyond its compelling storyline, the series brought Nagaland into the limelight, showcasing its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and untapped talent.

At the heart of this success was LC Sekhose, who brought to life the character of Reuben Thom—a fiery young leader torn between his ideals and the weight of his father’s legacy.

Direction and Production from Paatal Lok Season 2 with Khedi Baptist Church Leaders after attending Christmas service

In an exclusive interview with Nagaland Tribune, Sekhose shared his journey, the challenges he faced, and his hopes for Nagaland’s growing presence in the film industry.

LC Sekhose’s journey from a musician to an actor in an acclaimed series is a testament to his talent and perseverance. Pataal Lok Season 2 not only showcased his acting prowess but also highlighted Nagaland’s potential in the film industry. As Sekhose looks forward to more opportunities, he remains grateful for the support and love he has received.

Pataal Lok Season 2 is a visual and cultural treat, with 80 percent of the series filmed in Nagaland. The show not only highlighted the state’s natural beauty but also featured local Naga actors, adding authenticity and depth to the narrative.

“It’s surreal to see Nagaland portrayed on such a grand scale. The landscapes, the culture, and the people—everything was captured with such honesty. It’s a proud moment for all of us. This series has put Nagaland on the map in a way that few other projects have.”Sekhose said.

Reuben Thom: A Character That Resonates

Reuben Thom, the rebellious son of Jonathan and the leader of the Nagaland Youth Council, is a complex character. He embodies the struggles of a generation fighting for change while grappling with the shadows of his father’s legacy.

On playing Reuben Thom, Sekhose shares, “Reuben is a character who resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pressure of expectations. He’s passionate, flawed, and real. Portraying him was both challenging and rewarding. I wanted to capture his internal conflict—the tug-of-war between his ideals and his father’s legacy.”

From Music to Acting: A Leap of Faith

Before Pataal Lok Season 2, Sekhose was a musician with no plans to venture into acting. When Casting Bay approached him for an audition, he was hesitant but decided to take the plunge.

“I’ve always been fascinated by Bollywood films, but acting was never on my radar. When Nikita Gruber, the casting director, called and insisted I audition, I thought, ‘Why not?’ Looking back, I’m so grateful I took that chance,” says the Naga musician.

The audition process was far from easy. Sekhose, who didn’t speak or understand Hindi, had to memorize lines in a language unfamiliar to him. Despite the challenges, he persevered, going through multiple rounds of auditions with different emotions and styles.

“The audition process was intense. I didn’t understand the script, but I memorized every word. It was a leap of faith. When COVID hit, the project was put on hold for two years. When they called me back, I gave it my all again. Getting the role felt like a dream come true.”

The Global Success of Pataal Lok Season 2

The series became an instant hit, garnering 4 million views in just three days. It competed with other major OTT releases and received a warm reception from audiences worldwide.

“The storyline, the script, the dialogues, and the directors—everything came together to make this series a hit. I’m incredibly grateful to my friends and family for their support. They even subscribed to Amazon Prime just to watch me!” expresses Sekhose.

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Local Reception: A Mixed Response

While the series received global acclaim, Sekhose noted that the local Naga community was less enthusiastic. He hopes for better promotion and outreach in the future.

“I wish more locals were excited about the series, not because I’m in it, but because Nagaland is in the limelight for a good cause. Maybe we didn’t reach out to people on the right platforms, or perhaps the promotion wasn’t enough. But I hope this opens doors for more opportunities in the future.”

The Fictional Narrative: Separating Art from Reality

The series has sparked both praise and criticism, with some viewers questioning its portrayal of Nagaland. Sekhose emphasized that Pataal Lok Season 2 is a work of fiction.

Sekhose notes, “This series is a fiction, except for the beautiful scenery and people. It’s a fictional story with elements of comedy, thriller, sadness, and happiness. The writers crafted it to reflect real-life experiences, but it’s ultimately a work of art. How people interpret it is personal.”

Working with Industry Giants: Learning from the Best

Sekhose shared his experience of working with seasoned actors like Jaideep Ahlawat, who played a pivotal role in the series.

“Jaideep is a phenomenal actor and a humble person. He was so good at his role that I felt intimidated at first. I had to practice my scenes multiple times, but he would nail his in one take. It was inspiring to work with him.” He added.

The Learning Curve: Newcomers vs. Seasoned Actors

Sekhose also reflected on the difference between working with fellow Naga actors like Merenla, Bandang, Theyie, Rozel, and Mengu Suokhrie, and established actors like Jaideep.

“For us newcomers, every scene was a learning opportunity. While seasoned actors like Merenla and Bendang knew their craft, we were still figuring things out. It was educational and humbling at the same time.”

Building Nagaland’s Film Industry: A Vision for the Future

Sekhose believes that Pataal Lok Season 2 is a stepping stone for Nagaland’s film industry. He hopes it will inspire more filmmakers to explore the region’s talent and stories.

“We’re very new to this, but people are slowly building up. Pataal Lok is a great example of how we can take Nagaland’s film industry to the next level. With more effort and support, Nagas can make a career out of acting. There are already many Nagas making a name for themselves in Bollywood, and I hope this series encourages more opportunities.”

Advice for Aspiring Actors: Believe in Yourself

When asked what it takes to be an actor, Sekhose emphasized self-belief, dedication, and hard work.

“The first thing we were told is to believe in yourself. Acting is not just about pretending; it’s about embodying reality. It takes practice, commitment, and dedication. Success doesn’t happen overnight.”

“This is just the beginning. I hope Pataal Lok inspires more filmmakers to explore Nagaland and its talent. It’s a proud moment for all of us, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”