Dhiraj Jung Shah

Baikuntha Man Maskey is honored as the first cinematographer of Nepali cinema, a pioneering figure who helped shape the visual foundation of early Nepali films. He earned a Diploma in Cinematography from the Film and Television Institute in Pune, India, in the 1960s, and began his career as the chief cinematographer for “Manko Baadh.” Maskey went on to shoot numerous films, including “Parivartan” and “Hijo Aaja Bholi,” along with extensive work in documentaries and television. He passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a lasting technical and artistic legacy.

Ram Shanker Pradhan is a highly respected Nepali cinematographer who contributed to the film industry for several decades with his refined visual style and technical mastery. He began his career at the former Royal Nepal Film Corporation and later traveled to Pune, India, where he completed a three‑year cinematography course. After returning to Nepal, he worked on documentaries before moving into feature films, quickly becoming known for his sensitive use of natural light, expressive framing, and storytelling‑driven camera movement.Pradhan enriched Nepali cinema through his cinematography in Chot, Manakamana, Tapasya, Milan, Sauta, Mahadevi, Naata, Shree Swasthani, Sannani, Cheli, Ragat, Chhoro, Pheri Timro Yaad Aayo, Lagan Gatho, Chakrabyuha, Pooja, Anmol, Karnaveer, Ajambari Naata, Parkhi Base, Jeevan‑Mrityu, Sundar Mero Naam, Man‑Mutu Ra Maya, Khushi, Preetiko Phool, Jyan Hajir Chha, Angalo Angaloma, Damini and many other films.He also shot over half a dozen Bhojpuri films, expanding his influence beyond Nepali cinema. His work remains admired for elevating the visual language of Nepali filmmaking and inspiring a new generation of cinematographers.

Aalok Shukla is a Nepali cinematographer and director of photography, born in Kapilvastu, Nepal, and trained at the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, where he completed his post‑graduate degree in Motion Picture Photography in 2008.Known for his precise control of lighting, color, framing, and visual mood, Shukla has built a strong body of work across Nepali and South Asian cinema. His filmography includes acclaimed features such as Nango Gaun (2023), Sano Mann (2019), Love Station (2019), America Boys (2018), Teen Jantu (2021), ZURI – A Rare Soul (2021), Ma Rajesh Hamal (2022), Dubidha (2022), and the internationally recognized Crawling Crows: Aankha (2024).He has also worked in Indian productions, including Yeh Meri Family (2nd Unit DOP, 2018) and Kismat (Assistant Camera, 2011), demonstrating his technical versatility across formats.Beyond cinematography, Shukla has directed the documentary “Revolution of the Black Buddha’s”, reflecting his interest in socially rooted visual storytelling.

Shyam Mohan Shrestha is a veteran Nepali cinematographer known for his refined visual style and consistent contributions to Nepali cinema from the late 1970s onward. Active for more than four decades, he has worked across landmark films that shaped the visual language of the industry. His cinematography is recognized for its balanced lighting, grounded realism, and strong narrative sensitivity, particularly in social dramas and romantic features.He is best known for his work in acclaimed films such as Kumari (1977), Sindoor (1980), Badlido Aakash (1983), Ke Ghar Ke Dera (1985), Maya Preeti (1989), Badal (1994), Saubhagya (1995), and the celebrated Gothalo (1996). His career also extends into film production, including the feature Ghumto (2001). Shrestha remains regarded as one of the steady, foundational cinematographers of his generation, contributing to the evolution of Nepali film aesthetics.