KATHMANDU: In a major milestone for Nepali presence in Bollywood, Nepali-origin model and actor Zander Lama has bagged the role of the lead antagonist in highly anticipated romantic drama Aashiqui 3 by acclaimed director Anurag Basu.

According to Indian media, Zander will be sharing screen space with Bollywood sensation Kartik Aaryan and rising star Sreeleela. The film, being produced by T-Series, is currently being shot against the picturesque landscape of Sikkim.

Photos from the shoot reveal all three leads in full character — with Zander ‘s stern expression hinting at a nail-biting performance. This marks a major milestone in Lama’s career, especially after his impressive appearance in the web series Ninja, released on Jio Cinema and Hotstar.

Lama, whose mother hails from Lamjung, Nepal, began his journey in 2013 as a runway model. He has tread the Lakmé Fashion Week, GQ Fashion Night catwalk in the years gone by and been adjudged the Male Model of the Year at the India Fashion Awards. His face has graced the cover pages of major magazines like Vogue, GQ, Cosmopolitan, Brides, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Director Anurag Basu, known for his love for the Himalayan region — also filmed Barfi! in nearby Darjeeling, featuring Nepali actor Bhola Raj Sapkota alongside Ranbir Kapoor.

Adding a political spotlight to the film, the cast recently met Sikkim’s Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay), who pledged state support for the project.
Aashiqui 3 is slated for release on October 17, and with Zander Lama’s breakthrough, it promises not only a love story to remember — but a rising star to watch.