Rajesh Hamal (born June 09, 1964), widely revered as the "Mahanayak" (Great Actor) of Nepal, is the most influential figure in the history of the Nepali film industry. Born on June 9, 1964, in Tansen, Palpa, he is the son of a diplomat and holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from Punjab University. Before his cinematic debut, he was a high-profile model in India and Nepal, appearing in magazines like Fashion Net. He officially entered the silver screen in 1988 with the film Yug Dekhi Yug Samma, directed by his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi. This debut was followed by the 1991 blockbuster Deuta, which catapulted him to unprecedented superstardom and established his image as the ultimate savior and hero of the common man. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has acted in over 300 films, including classics such as Basanti, Simana, Prithvi, and Hami Tin Bhai. In his personal life, Rajesh Hamal remained the most eligible bachelor in Nepal for decades before marrying Madhu Bhattarai in 2014, in a private ceremony in Kathmandu. The couple first met during the Lux Beauty Pageant in 2004, where Hamal was a judge. Beyond acting, he is a prominent television host, most notably for the first season of Ko Bancha Crorepati (the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?), and he serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for various social causes. Known for his distinct voice, iconic long hair (in his prime), and intellectual persona, he has received dozens of National Film Awards and was honored with the Rashtradeep Bibhushan by the President of Nepal for his immense contribution to the nation's culture.
