Rajesh Hamal, known as “Maha Nayak” (Super Star) in Nepali cinema, is a prominent Nepalese film actor and television host.

Born on June 9, 1964, he began his acting career in 1989 with the film “Yug Dekhi Yug Samma,” directed by his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi.

Hamal’s breakthrough came with the 1991 blockbuster “Deuta,” establishing him as a superstar in the Nepali film industry.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Hamal achieved immense success, holding several box office records, including the most commercially successful film as a lead actor, most consecutive hits, and most awards.

Some of his other notable films include “Kasam” (1992), “Sadak and Prithvi” (1994), “Simana” (1996), and “Ajambari Nata” (2005).

Apart from his film career, Hamal has made contributions to television, hosting the Nepali version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” titled “Ko Bancha Crorepati” in 2019.

He has also been a judge for Miss Nepal and has showcased his versatility by appearing in various music videos.

His first television appearance was on the popular Nepalese show “Wai Wai Quiz Whiz,” and he also made a guest appearance on the Miss Angel Program the same year.

In his personal life, Hamal, born to Chuda Bahadur Hamal, the Nepali ambassador to Pakistan, spent his childhood in Nepal and later pursued higher education at Punjab University, earning an M.A. in English literature.

He is married to Madhu Bhattarai, and despite being a public figure, they successfully kept their relationship private for five years before getting married in 2014.

Rajesh Hamal is recognized as an icon in the Nepali film industry, earning numerous awards and honors for his contribution. His impact extends beyond Nepal, making him a respected figure in the wider film industry.

Despite a decrease in film activity, Hamal remains influential and dedicated, with a significant impact on the industry.

Additionally, he joined the Building Back initiative after the April 2015 Nepal earthquake as a Goodwill ambassador. In 2017, he dispelled a death hoax, emphasizing the importance of responsible reporting.

Hamal’s initial foray into a leading role was earmarked for the film “Bhagya Rekha” (1987), co-starring Karishma Manandhar.

However, Manandhar’s departure from the project prompted Kristi Mainali to step in.

Despite the film’s rocky start, with rumors of an alleged affair between the lead actors leading to the exit of two cast members, the eventual release of the film proved to be a blockbuster.

This success not only established Hamal’s on-screen presence but also elevated the director, Deepak Rayamajhi, to prominence in the early Nepali cinema industry.

The widely publicized affair between Kristi Mainali and Hamal garnered significant attention in Nepal. Following Deepak Rayamajhi’s successful directorial debut, he cast Mainali and Hamal in his subsequent project, “Yug Dekhi Yug Samma” (1988).

This film delves into the challenges faced by two young couples entangled in familial rivalries.

Notably, the film marked the debut of film producer Chhabiraj Ojha and action director Rajendra Khadgi as well.

Reflecting on his entry into the film industry, Hamal shared with Teenz, “Actually, somewhere inside, I always wanted to act.

More than acting, I was fascinated by films. I wanted something in the 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.”

In 1991, Hamal collaborated with Tulsi Ghimire for the first time in the director’s film project titled “Deuta.”

The film, featuring Hamal in the lead role, achieved tremendous success at the Nepalese box office, propelling him to stardom.

Subsequently, in 2000, Hamal played a pivotal role in actor Neer Shah’s directorial venture, “Basanti” (2000), portraying Gagan Singh Khawas alongside co-stars Karishma Manandhar, Gauri Malla, and Divya Dutta. Hamal considers “Deuta” (1991) and “Basanti” (2000) among his favorite films.

In 2004, Hamal took on a lead role in the Shiva Regmi-directed film “Hami Tin Bhai” (2004), featuring an ensemble cast. The sequel to the film was announced in 2018.

Beyond his film career, Hamal diversified into television shows and advertisements in 2004.

His first television appearance was on the popular Nepalese show “Wai Wai Quiz Whiz,” and he also made a guest appearance on the Miss Angel Program the same year.

Hamal became a sought-after face for various endorsements, contributing to advertisements for steel, soap, an investment company, a bank, cement, and the first Nepali-made bike, Cosmic Ying Yang.

Additionally, he became associated with NMB bank, Indica Easy, and Global College of Management.

As a television personality, Hamal served as a judge for Miss Nepal twice—in 1997 and again in 2007—and hosted the Nepali version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” in 2019.

In the media, Hamal is often referred to as “Mahanayak” and “Rajesh Dai.” His enduring presence in the industry, marked by versatility and a repertoire of over 200 films, has set high standards, earning him numerous awards and accolades. Recognized as an icon in the Nepali film industry, Hamal’s impact extends beyond the borders of Nepal, earning him respect from influential figures worldwide.

In response to the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Hamal contributed to the Building Back initiative as a Goodwill ambassador.