Rajesh Hamal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rajesh Hamal
राजेश हमाल
Hamal in 2017
Born	(1964-06-09) 9 June 1964 (age 61) Tansen, Palpa, Nepal
Other names	Mahaa Nayak (महानायक), Rajesh Dai (राजेश दाई)
Education	MA English
Alma mater	University of Delhi
Occupation	Actor television presenter
Years active	1984–present
Spouse(s)	Madhu Bhattarai ​ (m. 2014)​
Parents	Chuda Bahadur Hamal (father) Renu KC (mother)
Awards	Full list

Rajesh Hamal (born June 9, 1964) is a famous actor and TV host from Nepal. Many people call him "Maha Nayak," which means "The Great Actor," because he is one of the most important people in Nepali movies.

Hamal started acting in 1991 and became very popular in the 1990s and early 2000s. He holds many records in Nepali cinema, like starring in the most successful films and winning the most acting awards. His first movie, Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1991), made him famous across the country. The hit movie Deuta (1992) further cemented his place in the film industry. He is seen as one of Nepal's most influential people due to his personality and contributions to movies. He also hosted the first season of the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, called Ko Bancha Crorepati (2019).

Early Life and Education

Rajesh Hamal was born in Tansen, Nepal, on June 9, 1964. His parents were Chuda Bahadur Hamal and Renu KC. His father, Chuda Bahadur Hamal, was the Nepali ambassador to Pakistan. Rajesh Hamal later shared that he wished he had talked more with his father about his dreams.

Hamal spent most of his childhood in Nepal, attending private school until eighth grade. In his early teenage years, he moved to Moscow with his father. He lived in Russia for many years and went to college there. He later finished his higher education at the University of Delhi, where he earned a master's degree in English literature.

Acting Career Highlights

Starting Out: Modelling and First Films

Before becoming an actor, Rajesh Hamal worked as a model for a magazine called Fashion Net in India. This was while he was studying at the University of Delhi. He also took part in a fashion show in the late 1980s.

Hamal's first main role was in the movie Bhagya Rekha (1987). However, he and his co-star left that project. His actual film debut was in Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1988), directed by his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi. This movie was about two young couples dealing with family rivalries. Hamal later said that he always wanted to act and was fascinated by films. He was lucky that his cousin helped him get a role in 1987.

Becoming a Superstar: The "Mahanayak" Era

In 1991, Hamal worked with director Tulsi Ghimire for the first time on the movie Deuta. This film became a huge success in Nepal and is seen as the movie that made Hamal a big star in Nepali cinema. The Kathmandu Post newspaper mentioned that Deuta was the film that launched Hamal into stardom.

In 2000, Hamal starred in the movie Basanti, directed by actor Neer Shah. He played the character Gagan Singh Khawas. This film was based on a popular novel. Hamal has said that Deuta and Basanti are his favorite films.

In 2004, Hamal appeared in Hami Tin Bhai, a film directed by Shiva Regmi. This movie featured many well-known actors. Other movies Hamal starred in during this period include Kasam (1992), Sadak (1994), Prithvi (1994), Simana (1996), Shankar (1997), Chadhni (1999), Ek Number Ko Pakhe (1999), Dhukdhuki (2000), and Ajambari Nata (2005).

Beyond Movies: TV and Social Work

From 2004, Hamal started appearing on television shows and in commercials. His first TV appearance was on a show called Wai Wai Quiz Whiz. He also made guest appearances on other programs. Many companies chose him to be the face of their products, like steel, soap, and cement. He even promoted the first bike made in Nepal, called "Cosmic Ying Yang." He has also represented NMB Bank Nepal and Global College of Management.

Around 2018, Hamal decided to act in fewer movies. During this time, he focused on charity work, helping communities, and supporting young people. He also appeared in several music videos, including "Malingo," "Hajur Mussukai," and "Shailung." He was also a guest on TV shows like Mundre Ko Comedy Club.

Return to Acting

In 2024, Rajesh Hamal made his comeback to the film industry. He started shooting for the movie Narasimha Avtar, directed by Diwakar Bhattrai, in September 2024. This marked his return to acting after a break of seven years.

Hosting and Judging

Rajesh Hamal has been a judge for the Miss Nepal beauty pageant twice. In 1997, he was a judge when Jharana Bajracharya won. Ten years later, in 2007, he was the head judge for Miss Nepal 2007, which was won by Sitashma Chand. In 2019, he hosted the Nepali version of the popular game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, known as Ko Bancha Crorepati.

Public Recognition and Impact

Rajesh Hamal is often called "Mahanayak" (The Great Actor) and "Rajesh Dai" (Brother Rajesh) by his fans and the media. Other actors, like Karishma Manandhar, have said they would vote for him if he ran for mayor of Kathmandu.

The Nepalese government honored Hamal in 1998 for his important contributions to Nepali cinema. He has also received special mentions from the National Human Rights Commission, the late King Birendra, and Nepal's Armed Police Force. He has many honors from the Federation of Nepali Journalists. In 2015, the then-President Dr. Rambaran Yadav also honored him.

After the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Hamal joined the "Building Back" initiative. This effort aimed to help rebuild areas affected by the earthquake, and Hamal served as a Goodwill ambassador.

Personal Life

Rajesh Hamal is married to Madhu Bhattarai. They first met at the Lux Beauty Pageant in 2004. He proposed to her on May 14, 2014, and they got married on May 24 in a private ceremony in Kathmandu. Hamal was impressed by Madhu's talent at the pageant. Madhu shared that she was nervous seeing her favorite actor as a judge, which made it hard for her to answer his questions properly.

Awards and Nominations

Rajesh Hamal has won many awards for his acting. Here are some of them: