Shristi Shrestha is a Nepalese actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder, best known for winning the Miss Nepal 2012 pageant. Her journey from a beauty queen to an accomplished actress and conservation ambassador has made her one of the most influential figures in Nepal’s entertainment industry.
Shristi Shrestha represented her home district of Chitwan in the Miss Nepal 2012 beauty pageant under the title Miss Chitwan 2012. Her participation was marked by poise and confidence, winning her not only the main title of Miss Nepal but also the prestigious Miss Confidence award. Her crowning moment was a significant milestone in her career, elevating her into the national spotlight.
Shristi made history as the first Miss Nepal winner to reach the quarter-finals of the Miss World competition. In the 2012 Miss World pageant, she finished in the 20th position overall, demonstrating her global appeal. Among her notable achievements, she secured the eighth position in the Beach Beauty round and was one of the top ten contestants for the Multimedia Award. She also won the Public Choice Award, reflecting her immense popularity among the audience. These accolades established her as a global representative of Nepal’s beauty and talent.
After her successful tenure in pageantry, Shristi ventured into the world of acting. Her debuted with Gajalu, in 2016, starring alongside popular actor Anmol K.C. Shristi portrayed the character of Sujata Shakya, a young woman navigating societal challenges, in a performance that earned her widespread acclaim. Her natural talent and screen presence solidified her position as a promising newcomer in the Nepali film industry.
Expanding her artistic repertoire, Shristi also took to the stage. She made her theatrical debut as Ophelia in a Nepali adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The production, staged at the Theatre Village in Kathmandu for a month, was directed by Gregory Thomson and produced by the British Council. Shristi’s portrayal of Ophelia demonstrated her versatility as an actress and her ability to excel in diverse mediums of storytelling.
Shristi Shrestha’s acting career has been decorated with numerous accolades. She received Best Debut Actor awards from esteemed institutions such as the National Film Awards, the Kamana Film Awards, the Dcine Awards, and the FAAN Awards. These honors recognized her impactful entry into the film industry and her dedication to her craft.
In her cinematic journey, Shristi continued to take on challenging roles. In 2018, she appeared in Romeo & Muna, playing the titular role of Muna. Directed by Naresh K.C., the romantic drama showcased her ability to convey deep emotional nuances. The same year, she starred in Bandha Mayale as Shardha under the direction of Shabir Shrestha. Her performances were praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.
In 2019, she featured in Poi Paryo Kale and Machha Machha, further diversifying her portfolio. The latter included a dance performance that highlighted her versatility as a performer. Shristi’s ability to seamlessly transition between different genres of cinema underscored her adaptability and skill.
The year 2022 marked a significant phase in her career with her performances in Chiso Ashtray and The Secret of Radha. In Chiso Ashtray, directed by Dins Palpali, she portrayed Salinta, a character that explored complex emotional and social dynamics. In The Secret of Radha, directed by Subarna Thapa, she played the titular role of Radha, further establishing her reputation as a leading actress in Nepali cinema. Her 2023 film, The Red Suitcase, directed by Fidel Devkota, continued her streak of engaging and impactful performances.
In addition to her film career, Shristi has appeared in several music videos, showcasing her expressive abilities. Her first major appearance was in the Bollywood music video for the unplugged version of “Kabhi Jo Baadal Barse,” sung by Arijit Singh for the movie Jackpot in 2015. The same year, she appeared in the Nepali music video Sadhai Sadhai by Devika Bandhana. Her subsequent music video projects include Shayad (2017) by Pawan Rai, Namana Laaj Yesari (2019) by Prakash Timilsina and Jamuna Sharma, and Meri Maya (2022) by Indra Lamichhane. She also featured in Dui Nayan (2022) by Philip Tamang. These projects allowed her to connect with audiences beyond the silver screen, reinforcing her popularity across different artistic platforms.
Shristi Shrestha has extended her influence beyond the entertainment industry into the realm of conservation and social advocacy. She is the seventh Young Conservation Ambassador for WWF Nepal, actively working on snow leopard conservation projects. Her involvement with WWF Nepal underscores her commitment to environmental preservation and her role as a socially responsible public figure.
In her personal life, Shristi was in a long-term relationship with fellow Nepali actor Saugat Malla from 2016 until early 2023. Their relationship garnered significant media attention, reflecting the public’s interest in her life beyond her professional achievements.
Shristi Shrestha’s journey from a small-town girl representing Chitwan in the Miss Nepal pageant to becoming an internationally recognized actress and conservation advocate is nothing short of inspiring. Her success in diverse fields—from winning prestigious titles and acting in films to advocating for wildlife conservation—showcases her multifaceted personality. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her commitment to social and environmental causes, has made her a role model for many in Nepal and beyond. Through her continued efforts in acting, advocacy, and artistic pursuits, Shristi Shrestha remains a shining example of how talent, determination, and social responsibility can converge to create a lasting legacy.
