When a young man from eastern Nepal creates a character that becomes a cultural phenomenon, what does it reveal about the power of authentic storytelling? Wilson Bikram Rai transformed the Nepali entertainment landscape by creating “Takme Buda,” a retired British Gurkha soldier character that resonated across all communities in Nepal and beyond.
Wilson Bikram Rai is a celebrated Nepali comedian, actor, singer, and film producer, widely recognized for his iconic character “Takme Buda” from the sitcom “Meri Bassai” and his significant contributions to Nepali cinema and web series. His authentic portrayal of diverse Nepali experiences has established him as a household name who bridges cultural gaps through humor.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wilson Bikram Rai |
| Born (Age) | January 29, 1987 (38 years old as of July 2025) |
| Nationality | Nepali |
| Birthplace | Birtamod, Jhapa District, Koshi Province, Nepal |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actor, Singer, Film Producer |
| Active Years | 2012 – Present (with breakthrough around 2012-2015) |
| Notable For | “Takme Buda” character, Meri Bassai, Khas Khus, Nepali comedy |
| Parents | Mother: Kamala Limbu (deceased); Father: [Name not publicly known, resides in Jhapa] |
| Education | Little Flowers’ English School, Anarmani 4, Jhapa |
| Brand Ambassador | Black Horse Italian Shoes |
| Current Projects | Khas Khus comedy web series |
Early Life & Eastern Nepal Roots
Wilson Bikram Rai was born on January 29, 1987, in Birtamod, Jhapa District, located in Nepal’s eastern Koshi Province. This region’s rich cultural diversity shaped his understanding of Nepal’s multicultural identity.
His mother, Kamala Limbu, passed away when he was just nine years old. This early loss taught him resilience and deepened his empathy—qualities that later infused his comedic performances with genuine emotion. His father still resides in their family home in Jhapa, maintaining Wilson’s strong connection to his birthplace.
Growing up in Birtamod, Wilson attended Little Flowers’ English School in Anarmani 4, Jhapa. The eastern Terai region exposed him to various ethnic communities, including Rai, Limbu, Tharu, and Madhesi cultures. This multicultural environment became the foundation for his ability to authentically portray diverse Nepali characters.
The proximity to the Indian border and the blend of hill and tarai cultures in Jhapa gave Wilson unique insights into Nepal’s linguistic diversity. These early experiences with different accents and dialects would prove essential when he later developed his signature characters, particularly during local festivals and community gatherings that celebrated Jhapa’s diverse heritage.
Career Beginnings & The YouTube Foundation
Before television fame, Wilson Bikram Rai built his comedy foundation through digital platforms. He hosted The Wilson Bikram Show on YouTube, where he experimented with different comedic styles and built an initial following. This digital-first approach demonstrated his forward-thinking understanding of how entertainment consumption was evolving in Nepal.
The YouTube platform allowed him to test material and receive direct feedback from audiences. His natural comedic timing and authentic Nepali humor quickly distinguished him from other content creators. The show’s success proved that audiences were hungry for locally-produced comedy that reflected their own experiences.
This grassroots beginning on YouTube created a strong foundation of loyal fans who would later support his transition to mainstream television. The direct connection with audiences through social media became a hallmark of Wilson’s career approach.
Major Achievements & the Takme Buda Phenomenon
Creating Nepal’s Most Beloved Character
Wilson Bikram Rai’s portrayal of “Takme Buda” on NTV’s sitcom Meri Bassai established him as a central figure during the show’s peak years from 2012 to 2015, transforming Nepali television comedy. The character represents an old Gurkha war veteran from the Limbu community who fought in World War I and shares his wartime experiences through humorous storytelling.
The Takme Buda character origin stems from Wilson’s deep respect for Nepal’s Gurkha soldiers and his authentic understanding of Kirati culture. His adept imitation of the Limbu accent wasn’t mere mimicry—it was a celebration of linguistic heritage that honored the real experiences of Nepal’s military veterans.
The character’s mixed heritage, with a Rai father and Limbu mother, reflected Wilson’s own background and represented the interconnected nature of Nepal’s diverse ethnic communities. This authenticity made Takme Buda more than entertainment—he became a cultural ambassador.
Television Success and Cultural Impact
Meri Bassai became Nepal’s most-watched sitcom during Wilson’s prominent tenure, establishing him as a central figure in the Nepali entertainment industry. The show’s success demonstrated that locally-produced content could compete with imported programming when it authentically reflected Nepali experiences.
Wilson’s performances involved sophisticated character work beyond simple accent imitation. He captured the dignity, humor, and wisdom of elderly Gurkha veterans while making their stories accessible to younger generations. This bridge between traditional and contemporary Nepal became his signature contribution to the cultural landscape.
The impact extended internationally as Nepali diaspora communities worldwide connected with the character. Takme Buda’s phrases and mannerisms entered everyday conversation, creating a shared cultural reference point across Nepal and its global community.
Film Career and Versatility
Wilson Bikram Rai has an extensive filmography, credited in numerous Nepali productions, demonstrating his prolific contribution to Nepal’s cinema industry. His notable films include Rhythm (2013), Saayad (2012), and various other productions where he served as both actor and producer. His notable comedy roles demonstrated versatility beyond the television character that made him famous.
His transition from television to film required adapting his comedic style for different formats and audiences. The success of this transition proved his talents extended beyond a single character or medium.
Digital Evolution and Web Series
Wilson currently stars in the comedy web series Khas Khus, adapting to Nepal’s evolving digital entertainment landscape. This collaboration with fellow comedian Kedar Ghimire represents the new generation of Nepali content created specifically for online platforms.
The web series format allows for more experimental storytelling and direct engagement with audiences through social media platforms. Wilson’s successful adaptation to digital formats demonstrates his understanding of how Nepali audiences consume entertainment in the modern era.
His presence on platforms like Facebook and Instagram maintains direct connections with fans while promoting new projects and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
Personal Life & Marriage
Reports indicate Wilson Bikram Rai is married to Sarina Lama, though the couple maintains relative privacy about their personal life. This discretion reflects common practices among Nepali entertainers who balance public careers with private family relationships.
Their preference for privacy demonstrates Wilson’s ability to maintain personal boundaries despite his celebrity status. The couple’s approach represents the continuation of his commitment to family values that have remained central to his public image.
Beyond his immediate family, Wilson maintains strong connections to his Jhapa roots. His father and sister still reside in Birtamod, and Wilson regularly returns to his birthplace, showing his commitment to family and community relationships despite professional success.
Professional Brand and Public Image
Wilson serves as brand ambassador for Black Horse Italian Shoes, demonstrating how his popularity extends beyond entertainment into commercial endorsements. This partnership reflects his appeal to diverse demographic segments within Nepal’s consumer market.
Wilson Bikram Rai has performed for Nepali diaspora communities across numerous countries globally, showcasing Nepali culture. This international reach demonstrates how authentic Nepali entertainment can transcend geographical boundaries while maintaining cultural authenticity.
His public image remains grounded in accessibility and relatability. Unlike many celebrities who distance themselves from their origins, Wilson actively maintains his connection to eastern Nepal and its cultural values.
Current Projects & Future Directions
Wilson Bikram Rai remains actively involved in Khas Khus, which continues to attract audiences across digital platforms. The series represents his adaptation to changing entertainment consumption patterns while maintaining the cultural authenticity that defined his earlier work.
The success of Khas Khus proves that Wilson can collaborate effectively with other comedians while maintaining his distinct comedic voice. The partnership with Kedar Ghimire combines two of Nepal’s most recognizable comedy talents in a format designed for contemporary audiences.
His continued presence on social media platforms allows direct engagement with fans and provides insights into upcoming projects. This digital connectivity ensures his relevance with younger audiences while maintaining loyalty from longtime fans.
Wilson Bikram Rai Controversies and Public Discussions
While Wilson Bikram Rai has generally maintained a positive public image, like most public figures, he has navigated various discussions within Nepal’s entertainment community. Most public conversations about Wilson focus on his artistic choices rather than personal controversies.
While some discussions about comedic representation occasionally arise within the Nepali media, Wilson has largely maintained a reputation for respectful portrayals, earning praise for his nuanced understanding of communities like the Limbu in Takme Buda. His approach to handling public attention demonstrates maturity and respect for Nepal’s diverse cultural sensitivities.
His approach to handling public attention demonstrates maturity and respect for Nepal’s diverse cultural sensitivities. This careful navigation of public discourse has helped maintain his reputation as a unifying rather than divisive figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
• Q: Who is Wilson Bikram Rai and what is his connection to Takme Buda?
A: Wilson Bikram Rai is a celebrated Nepali comedian and actor best known for creating and portraying the iconic character “Takme Buda” in the sitcom Meri Bassai.
• Q: When was Wilson Bikram Rai born and how old is he?
A: Wilson Bikram Rai was born on January 29, 1987, making him 38 years old as of July 2025.
• Q: What is the Takme Buda character origin story?
A: The Takme Buda character originated from Wilson’s respectful portrayal of a retired British Gurkha soldier with authentic Kirati accent and cultural background.
• Q: Is Wilson Bikram Rai married and who is his wife?
A: Reports indicate Wilson Bikram Rai is married to Sarina Lama, though the couple maintains privacy about their personal life.
• Q: What are Wilson Bikram Rai’s most notable comedy roles beyond Takme Buda?
A: Beyond Takme Buda, Wilson has appeared in numerous Nepali films and currently stars in the web series Khas Khus.
• Q: Where was Wilson Bikram Rai born and what is his height?
A: Wilson Bikram Rai was born in Birtamod, Jhapa District, Koshi Province, Nepal; specific height information is not publicly documented.
• Q: What is Wilson Bikram Rai currently working on?
A: Wilson Bikram Rai is currently active in the comedy web series Khas Khus and continues producing content for digital platforms.
Cultural Legacy & Enduring Impact
Wilson Bikram Rai’s creation of Takme Buda represents more than entertainment—it demonstrates how comedy can preserve and celebrate cultural heritage while building bridges between communities. His authentic portrayal of Gurkha veteran experiences has honored Nepal’s military history while making it accessible to contemporary audiences.
His influence extends beyond individual performances to shape how Nepali entertainment approaches cultural representation. Younger comedians and actors study his methods for creating characters that are both entertaining and respectfully authentic.
The progression from The Wilson Bikram Show on YouTube to mainstream television and then to modern web series like Khas Khus illustrates his ability to adapt while maintaining core artistic values. This development reflects Nepal’s own entertainment industry growth and its increasing global connectivity.
Wilson Bikram Rai’s biography exemplifies how authentic storytelling rooted in genuine cultural experience creates lasting impact. Through Takme Buda and his other work, he continues representing the vibrant, evolving face of Nepali entertainment while honoring its traditional foundations.
His continued connection to his Jhapa birthplace and ongoing creative projects demonstrate that success in entertainment can coexist with personal authenticity and cultural groundedness. Wilson Bikram Rai remains a cherished icon whose work continues reflecting Nepal’s rich comedic traditions while embracing new opportunities for storytelling and cultural connection.
