KATHMANDU: Swastima Khadka, born on July 4, 1995, in Kathmandu, Nepal, has become one of Nepali cinema’s most celebrated actresses.

Known for her versatility, screen presence, and ability to portray a wide range of characters, Swastima has quickly made a name for herself in the industry.

Her diverse roles across various genres have showcased her immense talent, earning her a loyal fan base and respect from critics.

Married to film director Nischal Basnet since 2016, Swastima’s influence extends beyond her acting to her impact on the Nepali film scene.

Born and raised in Kathmandu, Swastima attended Birendra Sainik Awasiya Mahavidyalaya in Bhaktapur, where she completed her School Leaving Certificate (SLC).

She later pursued a diploma in architectural engineering from Thapathali Campus, reflecting her academic inclination before transitioning to the entertainment industry.

At the age of 17, she participated in the Miss Teen Nepal pageant, an experience that boosted her confidence and introduced her to the public spotlight.

Although Swastima never aspired to compete in Miss Nepal, she credits her pageant experience as the stepping stone that led her to acting.

Swastima made her film debut in 2015 with Hostel Returns, directed by Suraj Bhusal. Playing the role of Alina, a character caught in a love triangle, Swastima’s performance earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the National Film Awards.

The movie’s success marked the beginning of her promising acting career and helped her gain recognition in the Nepali film industry.

In 2017, she starred in Love Love Love, a romantic drama directed by Dipendra K. Khanal. Playing Samriddhi, a girl heartbroken by unrequited love, Swastima’s performance was widely praised.

The Himalayan Times noted her excellent body language, expressive delivery, and emotive portrayal of the character.

That same year, she also appeared in the social drama Chhakka Panja 2, directed by Deepa Shree Niraula.

The film was a massive commercial hit, grossing approximately 60 million Nepalese rupees within its first six days and becoming one of the highest-grossing Nepali films at the time.

Swastima played Akansha, a student struggling with the IELTS exam in hopes of studying in Australia, further solidifying her position in the Nepali film industry.

In addition to her work in films, Swastima made a notable appearance in the music video for the song “Kutu Ma Kutu” from the movie Dui Rupaiyan in 2017.

Her dancing in the video garnered widespread attention, with the song becoming the first Nepali video to reach 200 million views on YouTube.

The success of this song took her popularity to new heights, establishing her as an all-round performer.

Swastima’s career continued to flourish in 2018 when she played a lead role in Nai Nabhannu La 5, the fifth installment of the popular romantic drama franchise.

She portrayed Ranjana, a charming yet stubborn young woman, and her performance was met with critical acclaim.

The film performed well at the box office, grossing over 20 million Nepalese rupees in its opening weekend.

In addition to her lead role, Swastima had notable appearances in Chhakka Panja 3 and Jai Bhole in 2018.

In Chhakka Panja 3, she played a Brahmin girl involved in a love story that explores social tensions within Nepali society, while in Jai Bhole, she portrayed Nisha, a character whose brother interferes with her romantic life.

These roles added depth to her growing filmography, further demonstrating her versatility as an actress.

Swastima’s most critically acclaimed performance came in 2019 with Bulbul, directed by Binod Paudel.

In this film, she portrayed Ranakala, a determined young woman working as a tempo driver in Kathmandu to support her family and survive amidst adversity.

Bulbul was selected as Nepal’s entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards—a significant milestone for Nepali cinema, even though it was not nominated.

Khadka’s portrayal of Ranakala earned widespread praise for its depth, authenticity, and emotional complexity.

Critics lauded her ability to bring the character’s struggles to life with nuance and poignancy, further solidifying her status as one of the industry’s most talented actresses.

In an interview, Swastima reflected on the recognition she received for Bulbul and noted the growing support for art films among Nepali audiences.

Prakriti Kandel of Nepali Times described her performance as “captivating and authentic,” praising Khadka for depicting the character’s blend of strength and vulnerability.

Her portrayal of Ranakala resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, marking a significant step in her career and demonstrating her capability to handle complex, layered roles.

Following Bulbul, Swastima’s career continued to thrive with performances in several films, including Hajar Juni Samma (2019), Ghamad Shere (2019), Chapali Height 2 (2021), the Malayalam film Thirimali (2022) where she played a bar dancer, Chiso Maanchhe (2022), Aincho Paincho (2023), Pashupati Prasad 2: Bhasme Don (2023) as Durga Mata, Dimag Kharab (2023), and Behuli from Meghauli (2024).

Swastima’s personal life, particularly her relationship with husband Nischal Basnet, a prominent film director and producer, has also garnered media attention.

The couple became engaged in December 2015 and married in a private ceremony on February 17, 2016, in Kathmandu.

Known for being one of the most supportive couples in the Nepali film industry, Swastima and Nischal often collaborate on films, with Nischal encouraging her to take on more challenging and diverse roles.

Together, they have become a power couple in Nepali cinema, balancing their professional commitments with a loving relationship.

Swastima has grown into one of the finest actresses in Nepal, not only due to her commercial successes but also because of her willingness to take on complex and socially significant roles.

From Hostel Returns to the critically acclaimed Bulbul, she has made a lasting impact on Nepali cinema, particularly through her portrayal of strong, multifaceted female characters.

Her choice of roles often reflects social issues such as gender inequality, class struggles, and economic hardship, making her work both artistically fulfilling and socially relevant.

Swastima’s involvement in films that challenge societal norms and address the evolving roles of women in Nepal has contributed to the ongoing conversation about women’s representation in the media.

She is widely regarded as a role model for aspiring actors and young women, showing that a career in cinema can be both creatively rewarding and socially impactful.

Through her work, Swastima Khadka continues to inspire the next generation of actors and filmmakers in Nepal.