Rajesh Hamal (9 June 1964) is a Nepalese film actor and television presenter. He is widely considered as the greatest actor in Nepali cinema and is often referred to by fans and media as “Maha Nayak” (Nepali for “The Great Actor”). Rajesh Hamal began his acting career in 1991, peaking in the 90s and early 2000s.[1]
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]
He has acted in more than 300 film in his lifetime. His position in the Nepali film industry has been likened to that of Amitabh Bachan’s position in the Hindi film industry. In 2025, Daily News and Analysis described him as the “biggest and richest star of the Nepali film industry,” who is “not only the face of the Nepali film industry, but is also a cultural icon.”[3]
Hamal made his acting debut in his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi’s film Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1991), which gained him national recognition. His performance in the 1992 film Deuta further established him in the industry.
He has also hosted the Nepali adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati, in 2019.[4]
Rajesh Hamal
| Born | 9 June 1964 |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Tansen, Palpa, Nepal |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Occupation | Film actor, television presenter |
| Years active | 1991–present |
| Known for | Deuta, Basanti, Hami Tin Bhai |
| Title | Maha Nayak of Nepali cinema |
| Awards | National Film Awards, Rashtradeep Bibhushan (2023) |
| Notable TV work | Ko Bancha Crorepati |
Early life
Rajesh Hamal was born in Tansen Palpa, Nepal, on 9 June 1964 to Chuda Bahadur Hamal and Renu KC . His father, Chuda Bahadur Hamal, was the Nepali ambassador to Pakistan. 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”.
Rajesh Hamal spent most of his childhood in Nepal and attended private school until eighth grade. 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.
Career
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. He appeared in a fashion show organized by the Indian Embassy Women’s Association in the late 1980s.[5]
Hamal’s first starring role was in Bhagya Rekha (1988), 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.
Rayamajhi’s film was successful, and he then signed Mainali and Hamal for his next film, which was Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1991).
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 in the film industry, and he offered me a role. That was in 1990, and at that time, I did not know I would be doing films for the next 20 years”.
1992–2004: Superstardom and Mahanayak of Nepali cinemas
In 1992, Hamal joined up with Tulsi Ghimire for the first time in his directorial film project called Deuta. 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.[4]
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”.
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”.
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”.
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. 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
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.
He also appeared on Mundre Ko Comedy Club and other shows as guest appearances.
2024–present: Acting comeback
In 2025, Rajesh Hamal made come back with movie titled Narasimha Avtar. This marked his first comeback in the film industry after a seven-year hiatus. The movie reportedly collected 2 crores 4 lakhs in it’s first week, with fans loving Hamal’s return as an action hero despite mixed reviews.
Television hosting
Hamal has twice been a judge for Miss Nepal, in 1997. Ten years later, he was the chief judge of Miss Nepal 2007. In 2019, he hosted the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati.
In the media
Hamal is often referred to as “Mahanayak”, and “Rajesh Dai”.[6]
In 1998, the Nepalese government honoured Hamal for his contribution to Nepali cinema. He has also received honourable mentions from the National Human Rights Commission, the late King Birendra, and Nepal’s Armed Police Force. He has several honours from the Federation of Nepali Journalists. In 2015, he was honoured by then-President Dr Rambaran Yadav.
In response to the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Hamal joined the Building Back initiative to aid in reconstruction efforts as a Goodwill ambassador.
Personal life
Hamal is married to Madhu Bhattarai, whom he first met at the Lux Beauty Pageant in 2004. He proposed to her on 14 May 2014, and they married on 24 May in a private ceremony at the Hotel Annapurna in Kathmandu.[7]
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 that she couldn’t answer his questions properly.
References
- Rajesh Hamal on diversity among viewers: “Every genre of film is now celebrated!” | Nepal News ↑
- If I were to play a young actor today, I’d play young Rajesh Hamal | The Kathmandu Post ↑
- Meet ‘Amitabh Bachchan of Nepali cinema’, super fit at 61, worked in more than 300 films, has net worth of Rs 450 crores, his name is Rajesh Hamal | DNA India ↑
- “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” in Nepal | The Annapurna Express ↑
- Cine star Rajesh Hamal’s book ‘Yugdekhi Yugsamma’ launched | Rising Nepal Daily ↑
- This actor is called ‘Amitabh Bachchan of Nepalese cinema’, has done over 300 films, married a wife 22 years younger & is super fit at 61—he is Rajesh Hamal | India.com ↑
- Wedding bells | The Kathmandu Post ↑