KATHMANDU: Upasana Singh Thakuri is a talented Nepali actress who has been making waves in the Nepali film industry with her distinctive acting style and ability to fully immerse herself in a variety of roles.
Born on September 20, 1998, Thakuri’s passion for acting first gained attention in 2019, marking the start of her successful career.
Thakuri made her acting debut in 2019 with the sports drama Captain, directed by Diwakar Bhattarai and produced by Bhuvan KC and Jia KC under Super Kajal Films.
Although her performance garnered mixed reviews, with some critics noting a lack of emotional depth, it was nonetheless considered promising.
Her debut earned her nominations for Best Debut Actress (Female) at both the Dcine Awards and NEFTA Film Awards, establishing her as a promising new face in the industry.
Later in 2019, Thakuri starred in the highly successful Nepali romantic comedy Kabaddi, directed by Ram Babu Gurung.
The film broke box office records in Nepal, and Thakuri’s performance was widely praised for showing significant improvement over her debut.
That same year, she showcased her versatility in December Falls, a film directed by Praveen Jha, starring Aryan Sigdel.
The movie proved her ability to seamlessly transition between genres, from comedy to drama. She also received the National Navadurga Award in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the Nepali film industry.
In 2022, Thakuri appeared in Dui Nambari, directed by Dipendra Lama, alongside Dayahang Rai and Saugat Malla. The film was a box office hit, further solidifying her place in the Nepali film industry.
Later that same year, Thakuri starred opposite Dhiraj Magar in Khusma, directed by internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ashok Thapa Magar.
This film, which is set during the Nepali Civil War, centers on a poignant love story.
Thakuri took her role very seriously, traveling to Maikot village in Rukum district to connect with the local community and prepare for her character.
She became emotionally moved by the stories of hardship she heard during her visit, which she later channeled into her performance.
The film, which was already generating buzz before its release, was well-received both commercially and critically.
Thakuri’s portrayal was particularly praised, with many calling it her best performance to date.
The film’s trailer and songs went viral, with the song “Rukum Maikot” becoming the first Nepali film song to trend globally on YouTube, holding the top spot in the Nepali music section for more than two weeks.
Filmography
Thakuri’s dedication and range as an actress have made her one of the most promising talents in Nepali cinema today.
Filmography
Year | Film | Role | |
2019 | Captain | Shreya | |
Kabaddi | Kasi | ||
2022 | December Falls | Sadikshya | |
2022 | Dui Nambari | Balika | |
2024 | Hattichhap | Laxmi | |
Khusma | Khusma | ||
TBA | K Ghar K Dera : Ghar No. 2 | ||
TBA | Karma |
Awards
Year | Award | Category | Film | Result | |
2019 | Dcine Award | Best Debut Actor (Female) | Captain | Nominated | |
NEFTA Film Award | Nominated | ||||
2021 | National Navdurga Award | None | Honoured |