Nepal’s ‘Mahanayak’, ruled cinema for over three decades with 300 plus films, inspiring millions and still going strong at 61. Do you recognise which actor we are talking about?
Published: September 11, 2025 4:24 PM IST
Amidst the violent protests in Nepal, the film industry there has also become the topic of discussion. In such a situation, it is impossible not to talk about Rajesh Hamal. If there is one name that has become immortal in the cinema world of Nepal, it is Rajesh Hamal. This actor, famous as ‘Mahanayak’ or ‘Superstar’, is not only the face of the Nepali film industry, but is also a cultural icon.
Who is this superstar
Amid the deteriorating situation in Nepal, Rajesh Hamal has also appealed to the youth not to damage the country’s property. This is your heritage.
Born on 9 June 1964 in Palpa, Nepal, Rajesh has worked in more than 300 films in more than three decades. His powerful dialogues, stylish look and versatile acting took Nepali cinema to new heights. His father Chuda Bahadur Hamal was a prominent diplomat who had also been Nepal’s ambassador to Pakistan, and his mother was Renu KC.
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Rajesh was fond of travelling in his childhood. Due to his father’s job, he studied in Pakistan, Delhi, Moscow and finally Nepal. He studied from class 5 to 8 in Moscow, Russia, and completed his MA in English Literature from Punjab University, Chandigarh. Coming from a scholarly family, he never thought acting would be the turning point of his life. But in 1985, he modelled for the Indian fashion magazine ‘Fashion Net’ and in 1986 walked the ramp in Kathmandu and New Delhi.
When did Rajesh make his debut?
His entry in Nepali cinema came in 1991 with ‘Yug Dekhi Yug Samma’, directed by his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi. His breakthrough came in 1992 with ‘Deuta’, and after that his career soared. With films like ‘Kasam’, ‘Sadak’, ‘Prithvi’, ‘Simana’, ‘Shankar’, ‘Chandni’, ‘Dhukdhuki’ and ‘Basanti’, he became the superstar of Nepali cinema. In 1994, he did 16 films in a year, a record.
Rajesh played every role, from romantic hero to action star. By 2000, he had become the ‘Best Actor of the Decade’. In 2006, ‘Rajesh Hamal Day’ started being celebrated on 10 October in Nepal.
Unheard rumours about Rajesh
His personal life was also filmy. Rumours linked him with Christy Mainali and Karishma Manandhar, but in 2014, he married Madhu Bhattarai, 22 years younger. The couple leads a peaceful life together.
In 2025, at 61, Rajesh Hamal is still active, fit, and inspiring. With a net worth of 50 million dollars, millions of followers and a legendary career, the journey of ‘Rajesh Dai’ is still going strong.
Story Highlights
- Rajesh Hamal, born in 1964, is celebrated as Nepal’s biggest superstar with over 300 films in his career.
- His breakthrough came with the 1992 film Deuta, after which he delivered multiple hits and became a cultural icon.
- In 2014, he married Madhu Bhattarai, 22 years younger, and the couple leads a peaceful life together.
- At 61, with a net worth of 50 million, Rajesh Hamal remains active, fit, and continues to inspire the youth of Nepal.
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