Rajesh Hamal

Rajesh Hamal (Nepali: राजेश हमाल [raˈdzes ɦʌˈmal] ^ⓘ; born 9 June 1964) is a Nepalese film actor and television presenter. He is widely regarded as the greatest actor and one of the most influential performers in the history of Nepali Cinema. He is often referred to by fans and media as "Maha Nayak" (English for "The Great Actor"). Hamal began his acting career in 1991, peaking in the 1990s and 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 awards for an actor. He has acted in more than 300 films in his lifetime. His position in the Nepali film industry has been likened to that of Amitabh Bachchan's position in the Hindi film industry. In 2025, Daily News and Analysis described him as the "Biggest and the most successful actor in Nepalese film industry and also a cultural icon for the Nepalese people."

Hamal made his acting debut in his uncle Deepak Rayamajhi's film Yug Dekhi Yug Samma (1991), which gained him national recognition. His performance in the 1992 film Deuta further established him in the industry. He has also hosted the Nepali adaptation of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, titled Ko Bancha Crorepati, in 2019.