Sandeep Shrestha

Prem Dev Giri (b. Magh 10, 2010 BS, Birendranagar, Surkhet) is a pioneering figure in Nepali dance, theatre, and radio drama. He began his artistic journey in 2025 BS and, in 2041 BS, joined the then Rastriya Nach Ghar (now the Cultural Corporation) with a monthly salary of NPR 200. Giri made significant contributions as an actor, director, and music accompanist in dozens of plays and musical dramas. His powerful performances in notable works such as Balkrishna Sama’s Masan, plays by Gopal Prasad Rimal, Harishchandra, Andhabeg, Hasdai Jalnu Parcha, Gham, and Hamro Pani Katha Chha are widely remembered. He also acted in the telefilm Sanai Roirahenchha and the feature film Bandhaki. A skilled madal player, Giri recorded hundreds of collected folk songs at Radio Nepal. Revered as a “Guru of the Stage,” he stands as a defining cultural pillar of western Nepal.

Subarna Thapa is a Nepali film and theatre artist, internationally recognized for his work as a director, actor, and writer. Based in France since 1999, he works across cinema and theatre, shaping stories that blend Nepali identity with global artistic sensibilities. His creative foundation comes from theatre, which continues to influence the emotional depth and realism of his films.Thapa made his feature‑film debut as a director with Soongava: Dance of the Orchids (2012), Nepal’s first mainstream LGBTQ+‑themed film, which earned international acclaim and festival screenings. He went on to direct notable films including Fanko (2016), Fils (2014), Bato Muniko Phool 2 (2016), and the critically praised The Secrets of Radha (2022).As an actor, he has appeared in films such as Soongava (2012), Goodbye Kathmandu (2017), The Puppet (2021), and several short films, showcasing his versatility across dramatic and character‑driven roles.Thapa is also active in theatre arts, conducting workshops, mentoring young filmmakers, and collaborating on stage‑based storytelling projects. His long‑term association with the British Council’s “Script to Screen” initiative highlights his commitment to nurturing new Nepali voices in cinema.Today, Subarna Thapa stands as one of Nepal’s most respected cross‑disciplinary artists, bridging film, theatre, and international cinema with a distinct narrative voice.

Ramesh Budhathoki has so far acted in 1,200 teleserials and in about five dozen movies. Moreover, he has also directed 11 movies. He also holds the record for making Nepal’s longest teleserial of 980 episodes which ran on Nepal 1 television from 2004 to 2007. Budhathoki also made Nepal’s first teleserial called Bacha Birseko Chaina (Haven’t Forgotten Promise) in 1986.