Jitendra Mahat Abhilasi

Saru Bhakta (born 1955), pen name of Bhakta Raj Shrestha, is a celebrated Nepali novelist, playwright, poet, and songwriter, honored with the Madan Puraskar for his landmark novel Pagal Basti, widely regarded as a classic of Nepali literature. A leading figure in post‑1970s Nepali writing, he introduced psychological depth, postmodern narrative techniques, and experimental dramatic forms. He has also contributed significantly to Nepal’s cultural institutions, serving in the Nepal Academy and as Chancellor of the Nepal Music and Drama Academy, while founding multiple literary and theatre organizations in Pokhara.

Mukunda Shrestha is a veteran Nepali film actor recognized for his powerful presence in action, antagonist, and character roles across more than four decades of cinema. Emerging during the formative years of modern Nepali filmmaking, he built a reputation for intensity, discipline, and memorable screen performances. His work spans notable films such as Kohinoor, Basain, Muskan, and several mainstream action features that defined their era. After stepping away from the industry for nearly a decade, he returned with renewed energy in Laaj Sharanam, reaffirming his commitment to Nepali cinema and his enduring connection with audiences.

Gaurav Bista is a Nepali film and theatre actor who made his cinematic debut in 2023 with the feature films Chi Musi Chi and Parastree, both in lead roles. Active in theatre since 2017, he has built a strong craft foundation that shapes his nuanced screen performances. He appears in major upcoming films including Pitambar (2025), Ek Mutthi Badal (2026), and My Share of Sky, positioning him as one of the rising actors of contemporary Nepali cinema.

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.