Rajesh Hamal

{{main|Rajesh Hamal filmography}}

Before entering the film industry, Hamal modeled for a magazine in India named Fashion Net while studying at the University of Delhi.{{Cite web|title=Rajesh Hamal: Like Never Before.|url=http://tnm.com.np/rajesh-hamal-like-never-before/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514205234/http://tnm.com.np/rajesh-hamal-like-never-before/|archive-date=14 May 2019|access-date=14 May 2019|website=The Nepali Man}} He appeared in a fashion show organized by the Indian Embassy Women's Association in the late 1980s.

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. The affair became a popular talking point in Nepal. Rayamajhi's film was successful, and he then signed Mainali and Hamal for his next film, which was Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1988).{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Rishi |date=2008-08-01 |title=Superstar |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/entertainment/superstar |access-date=2021-12-09 |website=The Himalayan Times |language=en}} 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".{{Cite web|url=http://teenz.com.np/article/my-teenage-days/rajesh-hamal.html|title=Rajesh Hamal – My teenage days – Teenz|website=teenz.com.np|access-date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514193657/http://teenz.com.np/article/my-teenage-days/rajesh-hamal.html|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}}

In 1991, Hamal joined up with Tulsi Ghimire for the first time in his directorial film project called Deuta.{{Cite web|last=KC|first=Reeti|date=September 27, 2019|title=Java in the Himalaya|url=https://www.nepalitimes.com/review/java-in-the-himalaya/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=Nepali Times|language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web|title=Silver screen milestones|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2011-12-30/silver-screen-milestones.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504115541/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2011-12-30/silver-screen-milestones.html|archive-date=4 May 2019|access-date=4 May 2019|website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com}} 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".{{Cite web|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2011-12-30/silver-screen-milestones.html|title=Silver screen milestones|website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com|access-date=15 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515134600/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2011-12-30/silver-screen-milestones.html|archive-date=15 May 2019|url-status=live}}

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".{{Cite web|url=http://english.onlinekhabar.com/successful-nepali-filmmakers-historical-genre.html|title=How successful have Nepali filmmakers been with the historical genre? – OnlineKhabar|date=28 April 2016 |access-date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520182011/http://english.onlinekhabar.com/successful-nepali-filmmakers-historical-genre.html|archive-date=20 May 2019|url-status=live}} 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".{{Cite web|url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2011-12-30/silver-screen-milestones.html|title=Silver screen milestones|website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com|access-date=20 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515134600/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2011-12-30/silver-screen-milestones.html|archive-date=15 May 2019|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fy9uAAAAMAAJ&q=Hami+Teen+Bhai|title=Nepal Yearbook|date=2006|publisher=Institute for Integrated Development Studies|isbn=9789994698264|language=en}} 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).

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.

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, helping to enrich and educate Nepalese citizens. Meanwhile, he was modestly involved in several music videos, including Malingo,{{efn|{{URL|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNDw9DG8wig}}}} Hajur Mussukai, and Shailung{{efn|{{URL|1=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBsUbNkPmes}}}} by Bikas Rana, directed by Nitin Chand.

He also appeared on Mundre Ko Comedy Club and other shows as guest appearances.

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.

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.missnepal.com.np/archive/1997|title=Miss Nepal - The Hidden Treasure|website=missnepal.com.np|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514201808/https://www.missnepal.com.np/archive/1997|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}} Ten years later, he was the chief judge of Miss Nepal 2007,{{Cite web|url=https://www.missnepal.com.np/archive/2007|title=Miss Nepal – The Hidden Treasure|website=missnepal.com.np|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514205323/https://www.missnepal.com.np/archive/2007|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}} alongside Malvika Subba, and Bhusan Dahal; the winner was Sitashma Chand.{{Cite web|url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/entertainment/sitashma-is-miss-nepal-2007/|title=Sitashma is Miss Nepal 2007|date=7 April 2007|website=The Himalayan Times|access-date=14 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514210616/https://thehimalayantimes.com/entertainment/sitashma-is-miss-nepal-2007/|archive-date=14 May 2019|url-status=live}} In 2019, he hosted the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati.{{Cite news|url=https://www.business-standard.com/multimedia/video-gallery/world/ko-banchha-crorepati-premiers-in-nepal-78696.htm|title="Ko Banchha Crorepati" premiers in Nepal|work=Business Standard India|access-date=4 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504120756/https://www.business-standard.com/multimedia/video-gallery/world/ko-banchha-crorepati-premiers-in-nepal-78696.htm|archive-date=4 May 2019|url-status=live}}

Hamal is often referred to as "Mahanayak",{{Cite web|url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/40289/|title=Mahanayak Rajesh Hamal gets five – year – old admitted to school|website=My Republica|access-date=10 August 2019|archive-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810113900/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/40289/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Mukhiya|first=Shiva|date=5 October 2020|title=Rajesh Hamal: The mahanayak is stuck in silence|url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/rajesh-hamal-the-mahanayak-is-stuck-in-silence.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911105025/https://english.onlinekhabar.com/rajesh-hamal-the-mahanayak-is-stuck-in-silence.html|archive-date=11 September 2021|access-date=11 September 2021|website=OnlineKhabar|language=en-GB}} and "Rajesh Dai".{{Cite web|url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/looking-for-quick-success-and-fame-listen-to-what-rajesh-hamal-has-to-say.html|title=Looking for quick fame? Listen to what Rajesh Hamal has to say – OnlineKhabar|date=20 April 2018 |access-date=10 August 2019|archive-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810113153/https://english.onlinekhabar.com/looking-for-quick-success-and-fame-listen-to-what-rajesh-hamal-has-to-say.html|url-status=live}} Nepali actress Karishma Manandhar, stated that if Hamal ran for Mayor of Kathmandu, she would vote for him.{{Cite web|url=https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2017/04/18/would-you-vote-for-rajesh-hamal-karishmaa-would|title=Would you vote for Rajesh Hamal? Karishmaa would|website=kathmandupost.com|access-date=10 August 2019|archive-date=10 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810113900/https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2017/04/18/would-you-vote-for-rajesh-hamal-karishmaa-would|url-status=live}}

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.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

In response to the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Hamal joined the Building Back initiative to aid in reconstruction efforts as a Goodwill ambassador.{{Cite web|title=The people's superstar helps the people|url=https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2015/06/02/the-peoples-superstar-helps-the-people|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Kathmandu Post|language=English}}{{Cite web|title=Hamal named goodwill ambassador for reconstruction|url=https://kathmandupost.com/valley/2015/07/01/hamal-named-goodwill-ambassador-for-reconstruction|access-date=2021-12-09|website=The Kathmandu Post|language=English}}

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.{{Cite web|title=Victim of death hoax|url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/entertainment/rajesh-hamal-latest-victim-death-hoax|url-status=live|website=The Himalayan Times|date=15 May 2017 |access-date=27 June 2021|archive-date=27 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210627013328/https://thehimalayantimes.com/entertainment/rajesh-hamal-latest-victim-death-hoax}}

Rajesh Hamal was born in Tansen, Nepal, on 9 June 1964 to Chuda Bahadur Hamal and Renu KC.{{Cite web |date=2017-02-11 |title=Nepal & NepaliValentine Day special – Love story of Rajesh Hamal and his parents |url=https://xnepali.net/valentine-day-special-love-story-of-rajesh-hamal-and-his-parents/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Nepal & Nepali |language=en-US}} His father, Chuda Bahadur Hamal, was the Nepali ambassador to Pakistan.{{Cite web |title=An hour with the Mahanayak |url=https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2014/09/14/an-hour-with-the-mahanayak |access-date=2021-12-09 |website=The Kathmandu Post |language=English}} 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".{{Cite web |title=My 3 Mistakes – Rajesh Hamal |url=https://wavemag.com.np/my-3-mistakes-rajesh-hamal/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515143730/https://wavemag.com.np/my-3-mistakes-rajesh-hamal/ |archive-date=15 May 2019 |access-date=15 May 2019 |website=Wave}}

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.

Hamal is married to Madhu Bhattarai, whom he first met at the Lux Beauty Pageant in 2004.{{Cite web |title=Actor Rajesh Hamal gets hitched |url=https://kathmandupost.com/miscellaneous/2014/05/24/actor-rajesh-hamal-gets-hitched |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711170611/https://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/news/2014-05-24/actor-rajesh-hamal-gets-hitched.html |archive-date=11 July 2019 |access-date=11 July 2019 |website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com}} He proposed to her on 14 May 2014, and they married ten days later in a private ceremony at the Hotel Annapurna in Kathmandu. 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.{{Cite web |title=Wedding bells |url=https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2014/05/13/wedding-bells |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805184656/https://kathmandupost.com/art-entertainment/2014/05/13/wedding-bells |archive-date=5 August 2019 |access-date=5 August 2019 |website=kathmandupost.com}}

{{BLP unreferenced section|date=December 2021}}

{{Reflist}}

{{notelist}}

• {{IMDb name|1101742}}
• [https://nmdb.film.gov.np/celebrity-details/532/rajesh-hamal Rajesh Hamal] at Film Development Board
• [https://www.thefilmnepal.com/artist/rajesh-hamal/profile Rajesh Hamal] at The Film Nepal

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