Kundan Khanal

Prem Bahadur Basnet is a Nepali film director known for his contribution to the early development of Nepali cinema and for directing the culturally important film Kumari.After completing his B.Ed., Basnet received scholarships to study abroad, including one from a university in Hawaii, USA, and another to study scriptwriting at the Film and Television Institute of India in Pune, India. While many students at the time were going to the United States for higher education, Basnet chose to pursue film studies in Pune because of his strong interest in cinema.He studied there for two years, going to Pune in 1962 and returning to Nepal in 1964. After returning, he worked at Nepal’s Information Department, where he became involved in cultural and media-related activities.Having studied filmmaking, Basnet was more interested in creating original and artistic films rather than purely commercial cinema. During this period, when Nepal was invited to represent the country in international film festivals, he decided to make a film based on the living goddess Kumari tradition of the Newar community in Kathmandu.This idea eventually led to the creation of Kumari, which became an important cultural film portraying Nepal’s traditions and social life. Through his work, Prem Bahadur Basnet helped introduce culturally rooted and artistic storytelling to Nepali cinema.

Madhusudan Bhattarai (also credited as Madhu Sudan Bhattarai) is a Nepali film director, story writer, and chief assistant director active in the industry since the early 2000s. Known for his grounded storytelling and command over commercial drama, he has directed feature films such as Black Night (2013), Blackmail (2012), Nirbhay (2017), Destination Kathmandu (2018), and the upcoming Hami Teen Bhai (2026), where he also serves as the story writer.Beginning his career as a chief assistant director and assistant director, Bhattarai contributed to projects like Pahuna (2003), Daiko Sasurali (2010), Gorkha Rakshyak (2008), and Pratikaar (2013) before transitioning into full directorial leadership. His early technical roles—including work as chief assistant editor on Kathmandu (2010)—helped shape his precise visual and narrative style.

Prakash Sayami (born 21 March 1965) is a Nepali film director, writer, producer, and one of the country’s most respected media personalities. Known for his independent filmmaking spirit, Sayami has directed six feature‑length films, including Prithvi (1994), Simana (1997), Avtaar (2002), Zameen (2005), Rani Khola (2008), and Hatiyar (2010). Among them, Simana remains his most celebrated and widely recognized work.Beyond cinema, Sayami is a passionate writer and an avid collector of books, maintaining a personal library filled with English, Hindi, and Nepali literature. He is the author of Barshadi Dinharu and has written extensively on filmmaking, along with publishing poems, essays, plays, songs, and biographies. A multilingual creator, he writes in Newari, Hindi, English, and Nepali.Sayami studied filmmaking in Bombay and began his career in 1986 as an assistant director and scriptwriter for commercial Nepali films. He made his directorial debut in 1993, marking the beginning of a long and influential journey in Nepali cinema.He has represented Nepal in several international events, including the WIPO Asia‑Pacific Regional Symposium, and in 2008, he was elected Vice‑President of the Music Royalty Society of Nepal, working to protect musicians’ copyrights nationally and internationally.A respected film critic, media guru, and music promoter, Sayami has managed FM stations across Nepal and conceptualized popular television programs. He is currently associated with Ujyaalo 90 Network, contributing to the program Ajar Amar Geetharu.

Yubaraj Lama is a veteran Nepali actor, filmmaker, and action director known for his influential presence in Nepali cinema since the late 1980s. His career spans acting, directing, choreography, and sports administration, making him one of the industry’s most versatile figures.   Selected Filmography As Actor Sarauto (2019) Saayad (2012) Phool (2012) Jangabaaz (2009) Gorkha Rakshyak (2008) Agneepath (2005) Dharmatma (2003) Hero (2000) Deuta (1993) Chino (1991) Bijaya Parajaya (1990)   As Director Khandaan (2004) Dharmatma (2003 As Action Director Chino (1991) Deuta (1993) Aparadh (1994) Badal (1994) Khelauna (1999)