Rajesh Hamal

Rajesh Hamal (Nepali: राजेश हमाल [raˈdzes ɦʌˈmal] ^ⓘ; born 9 June 1964) is a Nepalese film actor and television presenter. He is considered one of the prominent figures in Nepali cinema and is often referred to by fans and media as "Maha Nayak" (Nepali for "The Great Actor"). Hamal began his acting career in 1991, peaking in the 1990s and early 2000s. He has set several box office records in Nepali cinema, including the most commercially successful films as a lead actor, the most consecutive hits, and the most acting awards.

Hamal made his acting debut in his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi's 1991 film Yug Dekhi Yug Samma, which was a smash hit and propelled him to national fame. The 1992 blockbuster Deuta marked a watershed moment in his career, cementing Hamal's superstar status in the Nepalese film industry. He is widely regarded as the greatest actor in Nepalese cinema history, as well as one of Nepal's most influential people, due to his personality, social activism, and contributions to the Nepali film industry. During the 1990s and 2000s, he was Nepalese cinema's most dominant actor. He also hosted the first season of the Nepali version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati (2019).