Rekha Thapa () is a Nepalese actress, politician, filmmaker, and social activist, celebrated for her significant contributions to the Nepali film industry and her unwavering advocacy for women's empowerment. Over her two-decade-long career, she has appeared in over 200 films, many of which spotlight strong female protagonists and address pressing social issues. She won the CG Digital Film Awards for Best Actress, and in 2011 she also won the NEFTA Film Awards for Best Actress.
Among her accolades are two National Film Awards for Best Actress: in 2006 for Himmat and in 2010 for Bato Muni Ko Phool, recognizing her impactful performances and contribution to Nepali cinema.
Thapa is also well-known for speaking out on social and political issues, particularly women's rights. She is recognized for establishing herself in the Nepali cinema business at a time when every film was solely focused on male leads; as a result, she is frequently referred to as a "female hero" rather than a "heroine" of a film.
Biography Rekha Thapa was born in Salakpur in Morang district of Eastern Nepal. After graduating from school, she moved to Kathmandu for higher studies. As she had a strong desire to be an actress, she continued to participate in various modeling glances & glamorous programs. Later she took part in the Miss Nepal Pageant in 1999 and ended up in Top 10. Thapa adheres to Hinduism.
Personal life In February 2022, Thapa did a court marriage with Balram Shahi. This was her second marriage; she was married to film producer Chhabiraj Ojha earlier, they divorced in 2012; since then she was living with her mother. Recently, she has given birth to her baby girl.
In the media
Thapa's entry in a top Political Party UCPN (Maoist) amidst a public program at party headquarters office of UCPN (Maoist) in Koteshwor, Kathmandu has been criticized by some of her fans. In November 2009, while protesting for Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on supremacy in the government, Rekha Thapa was seen dancing with the Prachanda who encircled Durbar Square, the government headquarter. In December 2009, Rekha Thapa was seen kissing the shortest man in the world, Khagendra Thapa Magar.
Rekha Thapa was on the cover page of Wave Magazine in June 2013.
Rekha Thapa ended her relationship with her husband and film producer Chhabi Raj Ojha in 2012.
Nepali actress and filmmaker Rekha Thapa has returned to direction with the romance film Maya Bhanai Yesto Hola, scheduled for release in late August 2026
In politics
In 2013, Thapa joined the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). However, a year later, she announced that she was no longer associated with that political party.
Thapa joined Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on 12 December 2016. In February 2017, Thapa was elected as a central member of RPP. A number of other popular faces, such as singer Komal Oli, and lawmakers Kunti Shahi and Pratibha Rana were also elected.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2000 Hero Kusum 2002 Mitini Pooja 2003 Jetho Kanchho Rita 2004 Jeevan Rekha Cameo appearanceHami Tin Bhai Maiya 2006 Krodh Nari 2008 Nasib Afno Batuli 2009 Sahara Kismat Kusum 2010 Bato Muniko Phool Gurans Himmat Ganga/Jamuna Tod 2011 Kasle Choryo Mero Man Rajkumari Manabi CG Digital Film Awards for Best Actress Hiffajat NEFTA Film Awards for Best Actress Khusi Hamro Maya Juni Juni Lai Kasam Hajur Ko Shristi 2012 Saathi Ma Timro Ashmi Ishara Andaaj Pritti Lanka Rawan Jaba Jaba Maya Bascha Simran 2013 Mero Jiwan Sathi Kali Veer 2014 Himmatwali Tathastu 2016 Rampyaari Ram/Pyaari Dual role 2017 Rudrapriya Lead role 2020Hero Returns Awards SN Award Title Film Name / Project Year 1 Best Actress (National Film Award) Himmat 2006 (2063 BS) 2 Best Actress (National Film Award) Bato Muni Ko Phool 2010 (2067 BS) 3 Best Actress (CG Digital Film Award) Kasle Choryo Mero Man 2010 4 Best Actress (NEFTA Film Award) Kasle Choryo Mero Man 2011 5 Film Person Of The Year (Female) Filmy Khabar Annual Prize 2011 (2068 BS) 6 Best Actress (Dcine Award) Hifajat 2011 (2067 BS) 7 Best Actress (Dcine Award) Lanka 2013 (2070 BS) 8 Best Actor in a Leading Role - Female (INAS Award) Kali 2014 9 Popular Actor - Female (LG Film Award) — 2016 (2073 BS)
References
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