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Rajesh Hamal
Nepalese actor (born 1964) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Rajesh Hamal (Nepali: राजेश हमाल [raˈdzes ɦʌˈmal] ⓘ; born 9 June 1964)[1] is a Nepalese film actor and television presenter. He is considered one of the prominent figures in Nepali cinema and is often referred to by fans and media as "Maha Nayak" (Nepali for "The Great Actor"). Hamal began his acting career in 1991, peaking in the 1990s and early 2000s. He has set several box office records in Nepali cinema, including the most commercially successful films as a lead actor, the most consecutive hits, and the most acting awards.[2][3]
 | This article contains wording that promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. (May 2025) |
Hamal made his acting debut in his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi's 1991 film Yug Dekhi Yug Samma, which propelled him to national fame. The 1992 blockbuster Deuta further cemented Hamal's status in the Nepalese film industry. He is widely regarded as the most significant actor in Nepali cinema history, as well as one of Nepal's most influential people, due to his personality, social activism, and contributions to the Nepali film industry.[citation needed] During the 1990s and 2000s, he was Nepalese cinema's most dominant actor.[citation needed] He also hosted the first season of the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati (2019).
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Early Life
Rajesh Hamal was born in Tansen, Nepal, on 9 June 1964 to Chuda Bahadur Hamal and Renu KC.[4][1] His father, Chuda Bahadur Hamal, was the Nepali ambassador to Pakistan.[5] Hamal did not communicate much with his father and told Wave magazine: "Every day of my life, I regret not bidding him a proper goodbye. Additionally, I should have made an effort to properly communicate with my father and talk about my aspirations and passion in a better way".[6]
Hamal spent most of his childhood in Nepal and attended private school until grade eight. In his early teens, he went to Moscow with his father. They remained in Russia for many years, and Hamal went to college there. He finished his higher education at the University of Delhi, completing his M.A. in English literature.[7]
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Career
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1984–1990: Modelling, film debut, and breakthrough
Before entering the film industry, Hamal modeled for a magazine in India named Fashion Net while studying at the University of Delhi.[7] He appeared in a fashion show organized by the Indian Embassy Women's Association in the late 1980s.[7]
Hamal's first starring role was in Bhagya Rekha (1987), opposite Karishma Manandhar. However, Manandhar left the project and was replaced by Kristi Mainali. Filming began, but director Deepak Rayamajhi suspected an affair between Hamal and Mainali, which led to both actors leaving the project.[citation needed] Rayamajhi's film was successful, and he then signed Mainali and Hamal for his next film, which was Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1988).[8] The plot of this movie follows two young couples who are impacted by the pressure of family rivalries. Besides Hamal and Mainali, the film was the debut of producer Chhabiraj Ojha and action director Rajendra Khadgi. Hamal later told Teenz: "Actually, somewhere inside, I always wanted to act. More than acting, I was fascinated by films. I wanted something in this field, but I did not know how to begin. Luckily, my cousin was a part of the film industry, and he offered me a role. That was in 1987, and at that time, I did not know I would be doing films for the next 20 years".[9]
1991–2004: Superstardom and Mahanayak of Nepali cinemas
In 1991, Hamal joined up with Tulsi Ghimire for the first time in his directorial film project called Deuta.[10] The film starred Hamal, Shrawan Ghimire, Srijana Basnet, with Tulsi Ghimire in support. On the film's release, it became a box office hit in Nepal and is now regarded as the breakthrough for Hamal in Nepali cinema.[11] The Kathmandu Post wrote: "Incidentally, this was also the film that catapulted Hamal into stardom, and while that alone could place Deuta in a Kollywood Hall of Fame (if such a thing existed), the movie is much more than that".[12]
In 2000, Hamal was cast in actor Neer Shah's directorial film titled Basanti. He portrayed Gagan Singh Khawas. His co-stars were Karishma Manandhar, Gauri Malla, and Divya Dutta. The film is based on the novel of the same title written by Diamond Shumsher Rana. Hamal says his favorite films are Deuta and Basanti.
Bijaya Adhikari of Online Khabar wrote: "filmmakers like Nir Shah, one of the forerunners of the historical period drama genre, have been consistently making successful films in the genre like Basanti, Masaan, and Seto Bagh".[13] Rachana Chettri and Preena Shrestha of The Kathmandu Post wrote: "Cinematographically, the film achieves its purpose of bringing the old palaces and courtyards populated by royals and their supporters back to life".[14]
In 2004, Hamal appeared in a Shiva Regmi directorial film named Hami Tin Bhai, which had an ensemble cast including Shree Krishna Shrestha, Nikhil Upreti, Jharana Thapa, Nandita K.C., and Rekha Thapa.[15] In 2018, it was announced that a sequel would be produced. Other films featuring Hamal include Kasam (1992), Sadak and Prithvi (1994), Simana (1996), Shankar (1997), Chadhni (1999), Ek Number Ko Pakhe (1999), Dhukdhuki (2000), and Ajambari Nata (2005).
2005–2017: Continuation of success, television debut, and acting break
 | This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2025) |
Hamal expanded his career beyond just film, appearing on television shows and commercials in 2004. A popular Nepalese show called Wai Wai Quiz Whiz was his television debut, and he made a guest appearance on the Miss Angel Program the same year. Hamal was also endorsed by various companies to star in commercials for products such as steel, soap, and cement. He also endorsed the first bike made in Nepal, which is called "Cosmic Ying Yang". In addition, he has been the face of NMB Bank Nepal, Indica Easy, and Global College of Management.
2018–2023: Music videos and television appearances
Beginning in 2018, Hamal opted to act in fewer movies, taking a pause in his film career. During this time, he dedicated himself to charities, social work, and youth empowerment. Meanwhile, he was modestly involved in several music videos, including Malingo,[a] Hajur Mussukai, and Shailung[b] by Bikas Rana, directed by Nitin Chand.
He also appeared on Mundre Ko Comedy Club and other shows as guest appearances.[citation needed]
2024–present: Acting comeback
| This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2025) |
In 2024, Hamal is set to come back with Diwakar Bhattrai in his directorial film Narasimha Avtar. Shooting started in September 2024, and this marked his first comeback in the film industry after a seven-year hiatus.
Television hosting
Hamal has twice been a judge for Miss Nepal. In 1997, he judged alongside Kamal Rupakheti, Laxmi Keshari Manandhar, and Sanjaya Agarwal; the event was won by Jharana Bajracharya.[16] Ten years later, he was the chief judge of Miss Nepal 2007,[17] alongside Malvika Subba, and Bhusan Dahal; the winner was Sitashma Chand.[18] In 2019, he hosted the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati.[19]
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In the media
Hamal is often referred to as "Mahanayak",[20][21][22] and "Rajesh Dai".[23] Nepali actress Karishma Manandhar, stated that if Hamal ran for Mayor of Kathmandu, she would vote for him.[24]
In 1998, the Nepalese government honoured Hamal for his contribution to Nepali cinema.[citation needed] He has also received honourable mentions from the National Human Rights Commission, the late King Birendra, and Nepal's Armed Police Force.[citation needed] He has several honours from the Federation of Nepali Journalists. In 2015, he was honoured by then-President Dr Rambaran Yadav.[citation needed]
In response to the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Hamal joined the Building Back initiative to aid in reconstruction efforts as a Goodwill ambassador.[25][26]
On 14 May 2017, he was the subject of a death hoax when it was reported that he had died after his car was struck by a large truck. Hamal stated that he believed people should be careful when reporting such news.[27]
Personal life
Hamal is married to Madhu Bhattarai, whom he first met at the Lux Beauty Pageant in 2004.[28] He proposed to her on 14 May 2014, and they married ten days later in a private ceremony at the Hotel Annapurna in Kathmandu.[28] Hamal says he was impressed by Madhu's talent at the pageant, but she says she was nervous seeing her favorite actor as a judge, and she couldn't answer his questions properly.[29]
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Awards and nominations
| This section of a biography of a living person does not include any references or sources. (December 2021) |
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References
External links
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