Rajesh Hamal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rajesh Hamal राजेश हमाल
Born	(1964-06-09) 9 June 1964 (age 61) Tansen, Palpa, Nepal
Nationality	Nepalese
Other names	Mahaa Nayak (महानायक), Rajesh Dai (राजेश दाई)
Education	M.A. in English Literature
Alma mater	University of Delhi
Occupation	Actor, Television Presenter
Years active	1984-Present
Known for	Most Successful actor in the Nepali Film Industry.
Spouse(s)	Madhu Bhattarai ​ (m. 2014)​
Parents	Chuda Bahadur Hamal (father) Renu KC (mother)
Awards	Full list

Rajesh Hamal (Nepali: राजेश हमाल [raˈdzes ɦʌˈmal]; born June 9, 1964) is a famous actor and TV host from Nepal. Many people call him "MahaNayak" (meaning "The Greatest Actor") in Nepal. He is very popular in Nepali movies.

Rajesh Hamal started acting in 1991. He became super famous in the 1990s and early 2000s. He holds many records in Nepali movies. For example, he has been the main actor in the most successful films. He also has the most awards as an actor.

His first movie was Yug Dekhi Yug Samma in 1991. It was a huge hit and made him a star across Nepal. The 1992 movie Deuta made him a superstar in the Nepali film world. People see him as one of the greatest actors in Nepali movie history. He is also very important in Nepal for his personality and social work. He even hosted the first season of Ko Bancha Crorepati (2019). This show is like the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

About Rajesh Hamal's Life

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 has said he wished he had talked more with his father.

He spent most of his childhood in Nepal. He went to private school until Grade 8. Later, he moved to Moscow with his father. He lived in Russia for many years and went to college there. He finished his studies at the University of Delhi. He earned a master's degree in English literature.

Rajesh Hamal is married to Madhu Bhattarai. They first met at a beauty pageant in 2004. He asked her to marry him on May 14, 2014. They got married ten days later in a private ceremony in Kathmandu. Rajesh Hamal was impressed by Madhu's talent. Madhu said she was nervous because her favorite actor was a judge!

His Acting Journey

Early Days: Modeling and First Movies (1984-1990)

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

His first main role was supposed to be in Bhagya Rekha (1987). But he ended up starring in Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1988) instead. This movie was about two young couples facing family problems. Rajesh Hamal later said he always wanted to be in films. He was lucky his cousin was in the movie industry. His cousin offered him a role in 1987.

Becoming a Superstar (1991-2004)

In 1991, Hamal worked with director Tulsi Ghimire for the first time. This was for the movie Deuta. When Deuta came out, it was a huge hit in Nepal. It is seen as the movie that made Hamal a big star in Nepali cinema.

In 2000, Hamal acted in the movie Basanti. He played a character named Gagan Singh Khawas. This film was based on a famous novel. Hamal says Deuta and Basanti are his favorite movies. Critics praised Basanti for bringing old palaces and royal life to the screen.

In 2004, Hamal appeared in Hami Tin Bhai. This movie had many famous actors. Other movies he starred in include Kasam (1992), Sadak (1994), Prithvi (1994), Simana (1996), Shankar (1997), Chadni (1999), Ek Number Ko Pakhe (1999), Dhukdhuki (2000), and Ajambari Nata (2005).

TV Shows and a Break from Movies (2005-2017)

Rajesh Hamal also started working on TV shows and commercials in 2004. He appeared on a popular Nepali show called Wai Wai Quiz Whiz. He also made guest appearances on other shows. Many companies chose him to be the face of their products. He promoted steel, soap, and cement. He even promoted the first bike made in Nepal, called "Cosmic Ying Yang." He has also worked with NMB Bank Nepal and Global College of Management.

Music Videos and TV Appearances (2018-2023)

Since 2018, Rajesh Hamal has taken a break from signing many new movies. During this time, he has focused on helping charities and social work. He also works on youth empowerment. These efforts help to educate and improve the lives of Nepali citizens.

He has also appeared in several music videos. Some of these include "Malingo," "Hajur Mussukai," and "Shailung." He has also been a guest on TV shows like "Mundre ko comedy show" and "Dancing with the Stars."

Acting Comeback (2024 onwards)

In 2024, Rajesh Hamal is planning his comeback to movies. He will star in a film called Narasimha Avtar. The shooting for this movie started in September 2024. This marks his return to films after a seven-year break.

Hosting TV Shows

Rajesh Hamal has been a judge for Miss Nepal twice. In 1997, he was a judge when Jharana Bajracharya won. Ten years later, in 2007, he was the chief judge for Miss Nepal 2007. Sitashma Chand won that year. In 2019, he hosted the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?.

In the News

Rajesh Hamal is often called "Mahanayak" or "Rajesh Dai." Another Nepali actress, Karishma Manandhar, said she would vote for him if he ran for Mayor of Kathmandu.

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

After the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, Hamal joined the "Building Back" project. He became a Goodwill ambassador to help with rebuilding efforts. In 2017, there was a false report that he had died. Hamal said people should be careful when sharing such news.

Awards and Nominations