1️ Priyanka Karki – The Power Performer
About:
Born in Kathmandu, Priyanka Karki is one of Nepal’s most versatile and
influential female stars. She started her career as Miss Teen Nepal 2005 and
then worked as a VJ, model, and singer before entering films.
Film Journey & Famous Roles:
She made her debut in 3 Lovers (2012) but rose to fame with Chhakka
Panja series, Nai Nabhannu La 4, and Fateko Jutta. She also
played bold characters in Shatru Gate and Happy Days.
Awards & Achievements:
- Winner of Filmfare Nepal Best Actress and NEFTA Film
Award.
- Known for breaking the “stereotype female role” concept
in Nepali cinema.
Why She’s Special:
Priyanka represents confidence and modern womanhood. She has successfully
balanced commercial and socially-driven cinema and is often called the “Queen
of Nepali Box Office.”
2️⃣ Namrata
Shrestha – The Classic Beauty with Depth
About:
Namrata was born in Kathmandu and started her career as a model before joining
cinema. She’s known for her sophisticated and emotionally layered performances.
Famous Films:
Sano Sansar, Mero Euta Saathi Chha, Chhadke, Gopi, Soul
Sister, Xira.
Awards & Achievements:
- National Award for Best Actress for Soul Sister.
- One of the most critically respected performers of
Nepali cinema.
Why She’s Special:
Namrata brought a new kind of feminine strength to films — simple, natural, and
honest. She’s seen as Nepal’s most “authentic actress” whose every film feels
personal and artistic.
3️⃣ Swastima
Khadka – The New-Age Star
About:
Born in Kathmandu in 1995, Swastima is a youth icon and a trendsetter. She
started from modeling and entered films in Hostel Returns (2015).
Famous Films:
Bulbul, Chhakka Panja 2, Ghamad Sere, Hajar Jatra.
Awards & Achievements:
- Won Best Actress for Bulbul at the National Film
Awards.
- Represented Nepali cinema at the Asia Pacific Film
Festival.
Why She’s Special:
Swastima is known for playing independent and strong female characters. Her
realistic acting and youth appeal make her a symbol of modern Nepali cinema.
4️⃣ Barsha
Raut – The Audience’s Favourite
About:
Barsha started as a music-video model and soon became a leading actress. She
was born in 2013 in Kathmandu and is known for her expressive eyes and natural
smile.
Famous Films:
Chhakka Panja 3, Jatrai Jatra, Gopi, Lappan Chhappan 2.
Achievements:
- Won Popular Choice Best Actress for Gopi.
- Most searched Nepali actress on social media in 2022.
Why She’s Special:
Barsha is loved for her charming, down-to-earth personality. She is the
“people’s actress” who connects with mass audience and critics both.
5️⃣ Keki
Adhikari – The Versatile Performer
About:
Daughter of well-known director Basant Adhikari, Keki started her career in
2010 with Swor. She has balanced films, ads, and music videos
successfully.
Famous Films:
Shree 5 Ambare, Love Sasha, Biteka Pal, Fanko.
Achievements:
- NEFTA Award for Best Actress (Shree 5 Ambare).
- Known for strong acting range and clean public image.
Why She’s Special:
Keki has remained consistent without chasing controversy. She represents hard
work, discipline, and class in Nepali cinema.
6️⃣ Miruna
Magar – The Breakout Star
About:
Born in Hong Kong to a Nepali family, Miruna moved to Nepal to pursue acting.
She debuted in Lalpurja and rose to stardom with Kabaddi 4: The Final
Match (2022) — Nepal’s highest-grossing film.
Famous Films:
Kabaddi 4, Rato Tika Nidharma, Dui Numbari.
Achievements:
- Most Promising Newcomer Award (2023).
- Social-media darling and fashion icon.
Why She’s Special:
Miruna represents the face of the new era — confident, glamorous, and
commercially successful. She’s the fastest-rising star of Nepali cinema.
7️⃣ Deeya
Maskey – The Art House Queen
About:
A trained dancer and theatre performer, Deeya Maskey is a symbol of creative
cinema in Nepal. She’s active in films, stage, and music videos since 2008.
Famous Films:
Kagbeni, Prakash, Sambodhan, Red Monsoon.
Achievements:
- Best Actress for Prakash (2022).
- Founded her own acting and dance school in Kathmandu.
Why She’s Special:
Deeya is a symbol of artistic integrity in Nepal. She pushes boundaries with
experimental films and empowers new artists through theatre.
8️⃣ Karishma
Manandhar – The Legend
About:
Born in 1984 in Lalitpur, Karishma started acting at just 14 in Santaan
(1988). She dominated Nepali cinema through the 1990s and 2000s.
Famous Films:
Truck Driver, Basanti, Bhauju, Dhuk Dhuki.
Achievements:
- Lifetime Achievement Award (NEFTA 2020).
- Served as a politician and film producer too.
Why She’s Special:
Karishma is Nepal’s first female superstar — the face who built the foundation
for modern Nepaliwood.
9️⃣ Rekha
Thapa – The Mass Superstar
About:
Born in Morang, Rekha entered the film industry after winning Miss Nepal
Finalist title. She has acted in over 200 films and owns Rekha Films production
house.
Famous Films:
Kali, Rawan, Kasle Choryo Mero Man, Himmatwali.
Achievements:
- 6 × NEFTA Award winner.
- Produced films promoting female-centric stories.
Why She’s Special:
Rekha is the bold face of Nepali cinema — politically active, fearless in
opinions, and massively popular across villages and cities.
🔟
Deepa Shree Niraula – The Director Actress
About:
From Biratnagar, Deepa Shree is a comedy legend and film director. She’s part
of Nepal’s long-running sitcom Tito Satya and the creator of the Chhakka
Panja series.
Famous Films:
Chhakka Panja (1–3), Wada No 6, Tito Satya.
Achievements:
- First female director to give back-to-back blockbusters
in Nepal.
- Awarded as “Woman of the Year” for cinema leadership.
Why She’s Special:
Deepa Shree changed the game for women in Nepali cinema — from being an actress
to a comedy queen and then a hit director.
🌸
Summary Table
|
Category |
Leading
Actresses |
|
Classic Icons |
Karishma Manandhar, Rekha Thapa |
|
Modern Stars |
Priyanka Karki, Namrata Shrestha |
|
New-Age Talents |
Swastima Khadka, Barsha Raut,
Miruna Magar |
|
Art & Theatre Influence |
Deeya Maskey, Keki Adhikari |
|
Creators & Directors |
Deepa Shree Niraula |
💬
Conclusion
Nepaliwood has grown from
small-scale romantic films to globally noticed stories — and these 10 actresses
are the pillars behind that transformation.
From Karishma’s golden era to Miruna’s record-breaking success, they reflect
the evolution of Nepali cinema — resilient, independent and global.
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