Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Women are making a mark in the field of film direction, breaking into what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.
Deepashree Niraula, Jharana Thapa, Rekha Thapa, Samundra Bhatta, Renasha Bantawa Rai, Samjhana Rauniar Upreti, Pooja Gurung, and Sabnam Mukhia, among others, are some of the women who have become successful in creating an identity as a film director.
Deepashree Niraula, a veteran actress in Nepali films and teleserials, has made a name for herself in film direction. Her directorial debut ‘Chakkapanja’, in which she also acted, was a commercial success. She went on to direct the second and third parts of the franchise, both of which were box office hits.
Similarly, Rekha Thapa, known for her success as an actress, directed ‘Himmatwali’ and ‘Malika’. Samundra Bhatta, the director of the upcoming film ‘Gulabi’ starring actor Nazeer Hussain, has also directed ‘Adha Page’ and ‘Ring Road’ which she directed at the age of 17.
Jharana Thapa, who was successfully as an actress, made her directorial debut with ‘Ae Mero Hajur 2’ and went on to direct the third and fourth installments of the franchise. Both of these films were commercially successful. She is currently directing ‘Bhagwat Geeta’.
Likewise, Krisha Chaulagai, known for her work as a film producer, is making her directorial debut with ‘Aincho Paincho’. She is reportedly busy with other film projects as well. Similarly, Renasha Bantawa Rai, a seasoned choreographer, made her directorial debut with ‘Intu Mintu Londonma’ which she also choreographed. She is preparing for the release of her latest film ‘Jackie: I’m Twenty One’.
Other notable female directors in Nepal include Suchitra Shrestha. She became the first women to direct films in Nepal when she made ‘Prem Yuddha’. She went on to become the first woman to lead the Film Director’s Society. Other notable female directors include Pooja Gurung (‘Dadya’), Deepa Basnet (‘Antaral’ and ‘Shri Panch Ambare’), Neelu Dolpa (‘How Funny’), Raksha Singh Rana (The Game), Savitri Khatri (‘Kafal Pakyo’), and Samjhana Rauniyar Upreti (‘Fagu’ and ‘Megha’).
Deepashree Niraula, Jharna Thapa, and Rensha Bantawa Rai are considered successful directors in the industry, while Pooja Gurung, Deepa Basnet, Samjhana Rauniar Upreti, and Sabnam Mukhiya have a promising future.
