Harshika Shrestha

Bishnu Bhakta Phuyal was an artist and theater actor. He had been active in Nepali cinema for a long time. Phuyal passed away on the 19th of Poush, 2073 B.S. (January 3, 2017), while performing on stage at the Rastriya Nachghar in Kathmandu. He collapsed while portraying King Janak in the play Maharshi Yagya Valkya, directed by Badri Adhikari. Despite immediate attention, he could not be revived. Phuyal was also seen in the popular comedy series Tito Satya, where he played the role of actress Deepashree Niraula’s father. In addition to television, he acted in numerous Nepali films. He had once expressed a wish to die while working in the theater—and ultimately, he departed while performing on stage. His catchphrase “Youre my love” with hip-hop style from Tito Satya made him widely recognized and beloved by audiences.

Shaku Shah, Film Artist

Jharana Thapa (born 28 March, Pyuthan) is a leading Nepali actress, producer, and director whose career has shaped mainstream Nepali cinema for more than two decades. Beginning her journey with the film Daijo in 1996, she quickly rose to prominence through her expressive screen presence and her acclaimed performance in Dharam Sankat, which established her as one of the defining actresses of the late 1990s and 2000s. Over the years she became a central figure in commercial Nepali films, appearing in more than seventy titles and becoming known for emotionally grounded roles in films such as Muglan, Jeevan Sathi, Purnima, Takdir, and the original A Mero Hajur. Her long career in front of the camera naturally evolved into filmmaking, and she transitioned into direction with A Mero Hajur 2 in 2017, later continuing the franchise with its third and fourth installments while introducing her daughter, Suhana Thapa, as a new-generation lead. She further expanded her directorial identity with Ek Bhagavad Ra Ek Geeta (2023), blending social themes with emotional storytelling. Married to producer Sunil Kumar Thapa since 1998, she has also been active behind the scenes as a producer, contributing to several successful films. Today, Jharana Thapa stands as one of the few Nepali women to achieve long-term stardom as an actress and then successfully transition into a commercially influential director, maintaining her position as a respected and enduring figure in Nepali cinema.

Samapika Gautam is a talented Nepali actress and theatre artist known for her contributions to both stage and screen. She has starred in films such as Basenji (2023), Kokro (2019), Jante Bakhro (2025), and Khel (2025). Beyond her work in film, Samapika is deeply involved in theatre and has been an advocate for using Forum Theatre as a tool for civic engagement in Nepal. She believes in the power of participatory theatre to address social issues and empower communities. Her performances in productions like Guilty or Not Guilty have showcased her versatility and ability to captivate audiences. With a strong presence in Nepal’s theatre scene, she continues to push boundaries and contribute to the growth of performing arts in the country.