In May 2024, Rekha Thapa stood on the Kantipur Theatre stage for the first time in her 25-year career, embodying the character of Meera—a woman who rebels against societal constraints. This moment perfectly captured the essence of an actress who has spent decades challenging conventions in Nepal’s entertainment industry, political landscape, and social fabric.
Rekha Thapa is Nepal’s most influential actress, politician, and social activist, recognized as the country’s first female superstar who fundamentally transformed how women are portrayed in Kollywood. Born in eastern Nepal and rising to national prominence through over 200 films, she has successfully transitioned between entertainment, politics with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and recent motherhood while maintaining her status as a cultural icon.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rekha Thapa |
| Born (Age) | August 21, 1982 (42 years old) |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Birthplace | Salakpur, Morang Province, Nepal |
| Occupation | Actress, Filmmaker, Politician, Social Activist |
| Active Years | 1999–Present |
| Notable For | First female superstar, Himmatwali, RPP central member, Theatre debut |
| Parents | Prem Thapa (Father), Saraswoti Thapa (Mother) |
| Children | 1 daughter; Vaibhavi Rajya Laxmi Shahi Thakuri (born February 2024) |
| Spouse | Balaram Shahi (married 2022) |
| Ex-Spouse | Chhabi Raj Ojha (divorced 2012) |
| Political Affiliation | Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) – Central Member |
| Production Company | Rekha Films |
From Morang’s Villages to Kathmandu’s Lights
Rekha Thapa was born on August 21, 1982, in Salakpur village, Morang district, located in Nepal’s eastern Koshi Province. Her father Prem Thapa and mother Saraswoti Thapa raised her in a traditional Nepali household that valued education and ambition. The family moved to Kathmandu when Rekha was pursuing higher studies, a common migration pattern for young Nepalis seeking expanded opportunities in the capital.
Her public debut came through the Miss Nepal 1999 pageant, where she secured a position among the top 10 finalists. This early recognition showcased the confidence and stage presence that would later define her screen performances and political speeches. At 17, Thapa was already demonstrating the determination that would drive her to break barriers in multiple fields.
Cinema Revolution: Creating Nepal’s First Female Action Star
The Game-Changing Debut
Rekha Thapa’s first film was Hero (2000), produced by Chhabi Raj Ojha through Chhabiraj Films. Unlike typical female debuts in Kollywood, Thapa negotiated for a character with substantial screen time and meaningful dialogue. This strategic approach to her career launch set the tone for her subsequent film choices.
Breaking the Heroine Stereotype
What distinguished Thapa from her contemporaries was her insistence on action-oriented roles. She appeared in over 200 films during her career, consistently choosing characters who fought their own battles rather than waiting for male protagonists to rescue them. This approach was revolutionary in Nepali cinema, where female roles were traditionally limited to romantic interests or suffering figures.
Her breakthrough performances in Himmat (2006) and Bato Muni Ko Phool (2010) earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress in the 2006 and 2010 awards cycles respectively, establishing her credibility as both a commercial draw and a serious performer. These films demonstrated that female-centric narratives could achieve box office success in Nepal’s traditionally male-dominated film industry.
Awards and Industry Recognition
Rekha Thapa has received numerous prestigious awards including the CG Digital Film Award for Best Actress, NEFTA Film Award for Best Actress, and multiple National Film Awards. Her 2006 performance in Himmat and 2010 role in Bato Muni Ko Phool were particularly celebrated by critics and audiences, cementing her reputation as Nepal’s premier female actor.
Rekha Films: Taking Creative Control
Recognizing the need for creative autonomy, Thapa established Rekha Films production company to develop projects aligned with her vision of strong female protagonists. Her self-produced film Himmatwali became a watershed moment, proving that women could successfully helm film production in Nepal while advocating for social causes.
The production company operates alongside Thapa’s establishment of the Rekha Thapa Foundation, which focuses on social work, particularly women’s empowerment in rural Nepal.
Political Engagement: From Entertainment to Public Service
Early Political Exploration
Thapa’s political involvement began with a brief association with the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) in 2013. She left the Maoist party after one year due to ideological differences regarding women’s rights and economic development strategies.
Finding Her Political Home in RPP
Rekha Thapa joined the Rastriya Prajatantra Party on December 12, 2016, marking the beginning of a more sustained political engagement. In 2017, she was elected as a central committee member of the RPP during the party’s general convention, and her position and influence within the party have continued, leading to her nomination for parliament in 2022 and her appointment to the party’s Central Work Performance Committee, demonstrating that party leadership recognized her potential beyond celebrity endorsement.
Her political platform emphasizes women’s economic empowerment, rural development, and youth employment opportunities. She has contested parliamentary elections from Morang-3 constituency, leveraging her celebrity status to advocate for concrete policy changes affecting ordinary Nepalis.
Personal Life: Marriage, Motherhood, and Media Scrutiny
The Chhabi Raj Ojha Era
Rekha Thapa’s ex-husband was Chhabi Raj Ojha, the producer who launched her career with Hero. Their decade-long marriage combined professional collaboration with personal partnership, resulting in numerous successful films. The couple publicly separated in 2012 and finalized their legal divorce in 2016, a period that subjected Thapa to intense media scrutiny.
New Beginning with Balaram Shahi
Rekha Thapa’s husband is Balaram Shahi, a tourism entrepreneur specializing in adventure travel packages for international visitors to Nepal. They married in February 2022 through a court ceremony, choosing privacy over the elaborate celebrations typical of celebrity weddings.
Embracing Motherhood at 42
Rekha Thapa gave birth to her first child in February 2024, a daughter named Vaibhavi Rajya Laxmi Shahi Thakuri, in Colorado, USA. The actress became a new mother at age 41, demonstrating that women can successfully balance career ambitions with family life. This personal milestone occurred while she was preparing for her historic theatre debut, showcasing her ability to manage multiple life transitions simultaneously.
Rekha Thapa has one daughter and no sons, clarifying persistent media speculation about additional children.
Historic Theatre Debut: From Screen to Stage
After 25 years in film, Rekha Thapa made her theatre debut in 2024 with the play Meera at Kantipur Theatre. The production, adapted from Deepak Sinjali’s novel, explores themes of female rebellion and social transformation—subjects that have defined Thapa’s career choices.
Her theatre debut was highly anticipated within Nepal’s artistic community, representing validation of live performance as a serious artistic medium. The premiere faced minor delays due to political demonstrations in Kathmandu, but ultimately succeeded in drawing capacity audiences and positive critical reception.
This transition demonstrates Thapa’s commitment to artistic growth and her refusal to be limited by previous achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rekha Thapa
Q: Who is Rekha Thapa’s husband?
A: Rekha Thapa is married to Balaram Shahi, a tourism entrepreneur, since February 2022.
Q: How old is Rekha Thapa?
A: Born on August 21, 1982, Rekha Thapa is 42 years old as of 2024.
Q: Did Rekha Thapa have a baby?
A: Yes, Rekha Thapa gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Vaibhavi Rajya Laxmi Shahi Thakuri, in February 2024.
Q: What is Rekha Thapa’s political party?
A: Rekha Thapa is a central committee member of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).
Q: What was Rekha Thapa’s debut film?
A: Rekha Thapa’s debut film was Hero, released in 2000.
Q: Where was Rekha Thapa born?
A: Rekha Thapa was born in Salakpur village, Morang district, in eastern Nepal’s Koshi Province.
Q: Does Rekha Thapa have any siblings?
A: Information about Rekha Thapa’s siblings is not publicly available in verified sources.
Digital Presence and Contemporary Relevance
Rekha Thapa maintains an active social media presence across multiple platforms, connecting with fans through Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Her verified profiles regularly share updates about her political activities, film projects, and social advocacy work.
Her IMDb profile documents her extensive filmography, while her Wikipedia page provides comprehensive biographical information for international audiences seeking to understand her cultural significance within Nepal.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Rekha Thapa transformed the portrayal of women in Nepali cinema by insisting on characters with agency, strength, and complexity. This shift influenced an entire generation of actresses and filmmakers, creating space for female-centric narratives in Kollywood.
Her political engagement with the RPP demonstrates how celebrity status can translate into meaningful public service when combined with genuine policy commitments. Through the Rekha Thapa Foundation and her production work, she continues advocating for women’s rights and social justice across Nepal’s diverse communities.
Her recent evolution—balancing new motherhood with theatre exploration—illustrates remarkable adaptability that maintains her relevance across different generations of Nepali audiences. More than an actress or politician, Rekha Thapa has become a symbol of female empowerment in Nepal, consistently challenging traditional expectations while remaining grounded in authentic Nepali values.
At 42, with a newborn daughter and fresh artistic challenges ahead, Thapa’s story continues evolving, proving that true cultural icons are defined not by past achievements but by their willingness to embrace new possibilities while maintaining their core principles and connection to Nepal’s ongoing transformation.
