Purushottam Pradhan

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.

Mahesh Paudel is a Nepali cinematographer and Director of Photography known for his versatile visual style and his contributions to both Nepali and Indian film industries. His career began with a passion for visual storytelling, and his early works such as Nirankush (2013) and Manjari (2013) showcased his ability to create emotionally resonant imagery through light, composition, and grounded realism.Over the years, Paudel has collaborated with leading Nepali filmmakers and steadily built a reputation as one of the industry’s most reliable and visually expressive cinematographers. His acclaimed work in Ranveer (2019) earned praise for elevating the film’s emotional and cinematic impact through refined visual aesthetics.He continues to expand his portfolio with major projects including Rann (2022), Prema (2023), Chitra (2024), and the upcoming Balidan (2025), where he took over as the lead cinematographer for the final schedule.Mahesh Paudel has also worked extensively in India, serving as Director of Photography for multiple Mumbai‑based production houses between 2005–2018, further strengthening his technical range and industry experience.Known for his disciplined craft, adaptability across genres, and strong command of camera language, Paudel remains one of the prominent cinematographers shaping the visual identity of contemporary Nepali cinema.

Raju Khatri Chhetri is a Nepali cinematographer known for his natural‑light visual style and versatile work across feature films, music videos, and commercial productions. Active in the evolving wave of Nepali filmmaking, he has contributed to projects such as Senti Virus and Bir Bikram 2, along with numerous independent films and mainstream music videos. His cinematography emphasizes clean framing, expressive close‑ups, and grounded outdoor visuals, making him a reliable collaborator for directors across genres. Beyond films, he works extensively in brand promos, event coverage, and digital advertising, establishing himself as a consistent and adaptable DOP in the industry.

Starting from his early career in the late 1980s, Deepak Dhakal emerged as a dedicated Nepali cinematographer known for his steady contribution to commercial and social‑themed Nepali cinema. He made his debut as a cinematographer with Sindoor and went on to work in more than 20 feature films, shaping the visual tone of 1990s and early‑2000s Nepali filmmaking.Dhakal’s filmography includes notable titles such as Shanti Deep (1989), Cheli Beti (1990), Pheri Bhetaula (1990), Didi (1992), Chokho Maya (1993), Chatyang (1994), Chahana (1994), Sarangi (1994), and Pahilo Prem (1997). His work is remembered for its grounded visual style, clarity in storytelling, and commitment to traditional Nepali cinematographic techniques.Beyond filmmaking, Dhakal served as a professor at Oscar International College, Nepal’s only dedicated film‑teaching institute, and was an active member of NEFTA, contributing to the professional development of the industry. He passed away on 3 December 2015 due to a brain hemorrhage, leaving behind a respected legacy in Nepali cinema.