If we say a line for someone, “Started from the bottom, now ruling the industry!”, which Nepal actor would instantly pop up on your mind? That would be undoubtedly, Dayahang Rai. There’s something about self-made people which makes them more respectable in everyone’s eyes. That’s the case with Rai. No family member, no God Father and no one to call his own in the industry, and he has now made it to the top by himself.

Born in a farmer’s family in a small village of Khawa in Bhojpur, he grew up as a shy kid who had very few friends and always used to be busy playing alone. He had a love for art and acting right from the beginning and used to take part in plays in school. He also used to not only read but write stories and poems. He finished school and it was the year 2001 when he decided to go to Kathmandu and work towards his dream of becoming a writer and a director. However, he had to lie to his parents that he will go abroad to work as they might not have allowed him to go if he told them the truth.

Rai learned acting and had the opportunity to work in a tele-film ‘Yuwa’ directed by Laba Sharma in 2002. He also acted in theater plays and other tele-films. He made his silver screen debut with ‘Anaagrik’ in 2006. The film was well received by the critics and it also won two awards in International Indigenous Film Festival. A couple of years later, he worked in ‘Mero Euta Saathi Cha’ along with Aaryan Sigdel and Namrata Shrestha in 2009. But it was his role in Daasdhunga in the same year, which got him some recognition. He won the National Award for Best Actor In A Supporting Role for his work in the film based on true events of the mysterious death of leader Madan Bhandari in Dashdhunga, Trishuli. Even after giving some spectacular performances, he still had to be recognized by the audience. And then a film came in 2012 and it changed everything. The film was called ‘Loot’ and the rest is history. The film played a huge part in building the careers of the actors and the director, Nischal Basnet. ‘Kabaddi’ came in 2014 and lifted the standard of Rai to a whole new level. The sequel to it in 2015 was a massive hit as well. He landed his second National Award for the Best Actor in 2015 for his role in ‘Sambodhan’.

Rai is currently the most loved Nepali actor for sure. His work is also well appreciated by the critics. He can make you cry or make you roll on the floor laughing with his natural acting. He is one of the most versatile actors we have in the Nepali Film Industry. His much awaited film, Taandro, is soon to hit the theaters and he is currently shooting for ‘Purano Dunga’ in Pokhara. No wonder, he is the busiest actor presently with producers waiting in queue for his dates.

(Yes! That’s Dayahang Rai dancing behind Aaryan Sigdel in Mero Euta Saathi Cha. Who had thought that he would be a bigger star someday!)

Who could have predicted that this village boy who had no one to call his own in the industry, would someday be the biggest name. He came, he achieved and he is ruling. And he has done it all by himself. He definitely is a role model for any one who is currently struggling because he gives us hope that if you keep on working hard and never give up, you will definitely achieve your goal.

Take a bow, Dayahang Rai! We love you!

“Ta nai hoina ma kaile top ma pugna sakdena vanne. La aba van ta.”

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