Nepalese Actresses: Then and Now

In the past four decades since its commencement, Nepalese movie industry has encountered innumerable lead actresses. But among them, only a few have been able to leave their impact on the silver screen.

The first heroine of Nepalese films is considered to be Bhuvan Chand, who acted in movies like Aama (2022) and Hijo Aaja Bholi, which had been funded by the government. In 2023, the first movie to be made by the private sector, Maitighar, gave rise to the actress Mala Sinha, who later went on to be a popular actress of India. The pioneer Nepalese actresses are Chaitya devi (Kumari), Basundhara Bhusal (Paralko Aago), and Rajani Sharma (Bansuri).
For about two decades of the starting of the film industry, the production rate was slow. Then, it took up a little speed from 2028 along with establishment of Royal Nepal Movie Corporation. In 2036, director Prakash Thapa introduced the actress Minakshi Anand from India, who was the perfect requisite of a professional actress. She acted in popular movies like Sindur, Jiwanrekha and Juni before heading back to her country. New actresses continued to arrive – Sushma Shahi from the movie Badlindo Aakash, Anshumala Shahi from Adharsha Naari and Rajashri Chetri from Bishwas. After the movie Kaanchi (2041), actress Sharmilla Malla became popular. Simialrly, another favorite heroine was Tripti Nadkar (Kusume Rumal), who has returned back to Nepalese cinema these days.

The actresses Mithila Sharma and Gauri Malla were renowned for their acting abilities. Mithila is still coveted for serials and movies, while Gauri has returned from hibernation to Japan. Another extremely popular actress was Karisma Manadhar, who entered the industry through the movie Santan. She went on to reign the Nepalese movie scene, producing movies and programs until she immigrated to USA. Other established actresses of that era include Rupa Rana, Mausami Malla and Kristi Mainali, who have left the arena years ago.

Since the 2050s, Nepalese film industry took a new turn, due to advanced technology and competition. Uncountable actresses appeared in this decade – Bipana Thapa, Niruta Singh, Melina Manandhar, Puja Chand, Jal Shah, Saranga Shrestha, Megha Pokhrel, Anupama Koirala, Sunny Rauniyar, Bina Budhathoki, and so on. Among them, most of the actresses either got busy in their household duties or went abroad.

The second phase of the 2050s saw the rise of young actresses like Jharana Bajracharya, Snachita Luintel, Rekha Thapa, Sajja Mainali, Puja Lama, Usha Paudel, Richa Ghimire, Kshitiza Shakya, Muna Karki, Kabita Khadka, Sumina Shrestha, Ishwari Pradhan, Jyoti Sharma, Prasiddhika Rayamajhi, Sumi Khadka, Kriti Bhattarai, Ruby Rana, Rajani Rana, Sharon Sherpa, Siru Bista, Arunima Lamsal, Nanita K.C., Saru Subba and Jeni Kunwar. More than half of the actresses have left contact with the field; some of them are trying to find a foothold in serials and music videos, while only a few are in the topnotch position.

The actresses of today do not seem to have the grace and laudable acting skills of the previous generation. A lot of them depend just on exposure and indecent glamour for self-promotion. The mentality of the public towards film actresses cannot improve until the actresses become committed to their profession, refuse to compromise on their role and payment, and lead this field towards a dignified and respected path.