Bishwo Hingmang

Samde Sherpa is Nepal’s first stand‑up comedian and a pioneering film artist known for introducing caricature‑based stage comedy to the country. Active across stage, television, and cinema, he influenced generations of Nepali comedians and performed internationally, including Japan. Honored with the Rastriya Smriti Puraskar (2072), he remains a foundational figure in modern Nepali comedy.

Narendra Thapa is a Nepali film actor best known for his villainous and character roles across more than three dozen feature films, making him one of the recognizable antagonistic faces of the 1990s Nepali cinema era. Active from the late 1980s onward, Thapa appeared in several major commercial and socially themed films, often portraying antagonists, corrupt officials, or powerful enforcers. His screen presence, sharp dialogue delivery, and intense expressions made him a frequent casting choice for negative roles.His filmography includes notable titles such as Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1991), Kasam (1992), Prem Pinda (1993), Nata (1994), Balidan (1997), Aandolan (1997), Dautari (1998), Chhahaari (1998), Thuldai (1999), Hatya (1999), Namaste Nepal (2015), Destination Kathmandu (2018), and Chhakka Panja 5 (2024).In addition to acting, Thapa has also worked behind the camera as the director and story writer of the film Desh Dekhi Bidesh (2008).Across his career, he became known for portraying villains who were not just violent but layered—reflecting the political, social, and emotional tensions of the era. His roles in films like Balidan, Aandolan, and Prem Pinda placed him within some of the most culturally significant Nepali films of the 1990s.

Bishnu Bhakta Phuyal (Nepali: विष्णुभक्त फुँयाल; 23 Bhadra 1994 B.S. – 19 Poush 2073 B.S. / 1937–2017 A.D.) was a distinguished Nepali theatre, film, television, and radio actor whose artistic career spanned more than five decades. Renowned for his dedication to the stage, expressive acting, and distinctive voice, he became one of Nepal's most respected performing artists. His contributions to theatre, radio drama, television serials, and cinema earned him widespread recognition, while his unforgettable performances made him a beloved figure among audiences across generations.Born in Thakalmat, Bageshwori, Bhaktapur, Bishnu Bhakta Phuyal was the youngest son of Kul Prasad Phuyal and Mahamaya Phuyal. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, he developed an early passion for acting and performing arts.Phuyal began his acting journey in 2019 B.S. (1962/63 A.D.) by performing in the Nepal Bhasa (Newar language) play Karmaya Bhog, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to theatre. Over the following decades, he became one of the country's most active stage actors, performing in hundreds of theatrical productions throughout Nepal. Deeply devoted to live theatre, he often expressed that stage acting provided a unique satisfaction that no other medium could replace. He particularly cherished performing in rural communities, believing that taking theatre directly to the people was one of the greatest joys of being an artist.In addition to theatre, Phuyal established himself as a familiar face in Nepali television and cinema. He appeared in around 200 television serials and 42 Nepali feature films, portraying a wide range of memorable characters. His versatility enabled him to move seamlessly between dramatic, comedic, and character-driven roles, earning admiration from audiences and fellow artists alike.His powerful and distinctive voice also made him a prominent figure in radio drama. Having performed in hundreds of radio plays and radio features, even Phuyal himself admitted that he had lost count of the number of productions in which he had participated. His voice became instantly recognizable to radio listeners throughout Nepal, making him one of the most familiar voices in Nepali broadcasting.Among television audiences, Bishnu Bhakta Phuyal became especially popular through the long-running comedy series Tito Satya, where he portrayed the father of actress Deepashree Niraula. His humorous character, energetic performance, and memorable catchphrase "You're My Love", delivered with a distinctive hip-hop style, became immensely popular and remains one of the most iconic comedic moments in Nepali television.Beyond acting, Phuyal was also a playwright. His collection of ten plays, titled Badhyata, was published in 2059 B.S. (2002 A.D.), reflecting his creative contribution not only as a performer but also as a writer.Throughout his career, he traveled extensively across Nepal, bringing theatre to cities, towns, and remote villages. As a cultural ambassador, he also visited countries including the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, and India, representing Nepali performing arts on international platforms. His lifelong dedication earned him numerous awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Nepal's theatre and entertainment industry.Bishnu Bhakta Phuyal remained devoted to the stage until his final moments. On 19 Poush 2073 B.S. (January 3, 2017), while portraying King Janak in the play Maharshi Yagyavalkya at the Rastriya Nachghar in Kathmandu, directed by Badri Adhikari, he suddenly collapsed during the live performance. Despite immediate medical attention, he could not be revived. His passing shocked Nepal's artistic community and became one of the most poignant moments in the history of Nepali theatre.Ironically, Phuyal had often expressed his wish to spend his final days serving the stage and had once said he hoped to die while performing. That wish was fulfilled, making his final performance a lasting symbol of his unwavering devotion to theatre.Today, Bishnu Bhakta Phuyal is remembered as one of Nepal's finest character actors and a true man of the theatre. Through hundreds of stage productions, countless radio dramas, television serials, and films, he dedicated his life to the performing arts. His passion, humility, memorable performances, and lifelong commitment continue to inspire generations of Nepali actors and theatre enthusiasts.

Akanchha Karki is a Nepali theatre artist, film actor, director, and casting director, widely recognized for her bold, socially engaged storytelling. She leads Katha Ghera, a Kathmandu‑based theatre collective known for contemporary, feminist, and mental‑health‑informed productions. Her breakout moment came in 2015 with the Nepali staging of The Vagina Monologues, which established her as a fearless voice challenging patriarchal norms. In cinema, she is known for her work in The Shameless (2024) as both actor (Doctor) and casting director, and for directing the short film Sanai, created under the British Council Gender Film Grant. Her artistic practice blends theatre, film, and social justice, making her one of Nepal’s most distinctive multidisciplinary creators.