KATHMANDU: Benisha Hamal is a dynamic figure in Nepal’s entertainment industry. Born on July 25, 1992, in Chitwan, Nepal, she has gained recognition for her energetic presence in radio, modeling, and acting.

Due to her widespread popularity in these fields, she is regarded as one of the finest artistic talents in Nepali cinema. Benisha’s multi-dimensional persona has made her a beloved figure across various media platforms.

Her career, marked by her involvement in over a dozen films and more than a hundred music videos, speaks to her versatility and talent.

She is also among the most successful actresses in the industry, having won a national award in 2018 for her performance in Blind Rocks.

Early Life and Education

Benisha was born to Bheshraj Hamal and Shakuntala Hamal and grew up in Chitwan.

She completed her early education at Golden Future Boarding English School and earned her School Leaving Certificate (SLC) from Arunodaya Higher Secondary School.

She pursued her +2 studies at Shanti Academy in Bharatpur before moving to Kathmandu in 2007 to continue her education. Benisha completed her Bachelor’s degree in English and Mass Communication from Kantipur College of Business Management and Humanities, followed by a Master’s degree from Goldengate International College.

Outside her professional career, Benisha enjoys reading novels and watching films. Her favorite Nepali actor is Rajesh Hamal, and she admires actress Karishma Manandhar. Additionally, she is a big cricket fan and looks up to former national captain Paras Khadka.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence

Benisha’s career began in radio, where she worked as a radio jockey (RJ) at Kalika FM in Bharatpur.

Her talent earned her the title of second runner-up in the station’s “Ideal RJ” competition. She later became a video jockey (VJ) for popular Nepali channels such as Channel Nepal, NTV Plus, and NTV.

In 2009, Benisha entered the modeling world, gaining fame and appearing in numerous TV commercials, including those for Yum Noodles, Rio Juice, UTL, Rose Village Housing, Nova Ice-cream, and Wego Scooty. Her charm and screen presence quickly led her toward a career in film.

Music Video Appearances

Before debuting in films, Benisha gained recognition through music videos. She first appeared in Sindhuli Ko by Paul Rai, and soon expanded her portfolio with popular videos such as Timi Arkai Ghar Ko Manche by Hemanta Sharma, Aau Milli by Buddha Shakya, Tadha by Babin Pradhan, Chot Khada by Manoj Raj, and Ek Patak by Rupa Bista. These early projects demonstrated her acting talent and set the stage for her film career.

Debut in Film and Breakthrough

Benisha made her Nepali film debut in 2010 with Swor – The Melody of Dreams, directed by Prasanna Poudel.

While the film didn’t immediately make her an overnight sensation, it marked the beginning of her promising career. She went on to act in Luck and Jyaan Hajir Chha in 2012, both of which showcased her growing acting skills.

Her role as Smriti in the 2014 film Mokshya earned her critical acclaim and elevated her career.

The film, known for its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, cemented Benisha’s reputation as an actress capable of handling complex roles. This success led to even more significant opportunities in the industry.

Diverse Performances and Continuing Success

Benisha’s filmography includes Mahasush (2013), Kalo Pothi (2016), and King Returns (2017). In Kalo Pothi, she played the sister of Kiran, contributing to the film’s recognition for its depth and authenticity.

In 2017, her performance as Malati in Jhyanakuti added to her reputation as a versatile actress, capable of portraying emotionally complex characters. The same year, she played Aarati in King Returns, showcasing her ability to explore diverse genres.

One of the pivotal moments in her career was her role in Blind Rocks (2018), where she portrayed Shristi.

The film’s hard-hitting narrative and realistic characters earned it widespread acclaim, with Benisha’s performance being a standout. Her role earned her several awards, including a national award.

Recent Works and Recognition

Benisha has continued to grow as an actress, with notable recent roles. In 2023, she starred in the superhit series Chhakka Panja 4, which further solidified her place in mainstream Nepali films.

The film, celebrated for its humor and social commentary, highlighted her comic timing and connection with the audience.

She also appeared in Chi Musi Chi – Even Dead Desire Belonging in 2023, portraying Dr. Meera. Her performance, which required emotional depth and intensity, was widely praised for its nuance and further established her as one of the most promising actresses in the industry.

Currently, in 2024, Benisha is working on the film Upahaar, which has garnered attention for its unique storyline.

Although her role has not been widely discussed, it reflects her continued preference for taking on varied, more substantial roles.

Conclusion

Benisha Hamal’s journey in Nepali cinema is a testament to talent, hard work, and perseverance.

From her humble beginnings as an RJ and VJ to becoming an award-winning actress, her rise is an inspiring story.

With powerful performances in films like Mokshya, Blind Rocks, and Chhakka Panja 4, Benisha has proven her versatility and determination.

As she continues to captivate audiences with her performances, Benisha Hamal is undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in contemporary Nepali cinema.