# Rekha Thapa

Rekha Thapa (Nepali: रेखा थापा) (born 21 August 1982) is a Nepalese is a renowned Nepalese actress, politician, filmmaker, and social activist, celebrated for her significant contributions to the Nepali film industry and her unwavering advocacy for women's empowerment. Over her two-decade-long career, she has appeared in over 200 films, many of which spotlight strong female protagonists and address pressing social issues. She won the CG Digital Film Awards for Best Actress, and in 2011 she also won the NEFTA Film Awards for Best Actress.
Among her accolades are two National Film Awards for Best Actress: in 2006 for Himmat and in 2010 for Bato Muni Ko Phool, recognizing her impactful performances and contribution to Nepali cinema.
Thapa is also well-known for speaking out on social and political issues, particularly women's rights. She is recognized for establishing herself in the Nepali cinema business at a time when every film was solely focused on male leads; as a result, she is frequently referred to as a "female hero" rather than a "heroine" of a film.

## Biography

Rekha Thapa was born in Salakpur in Morang district of Eastern Nepal. After graduating from school, she moved to Kathmandu for higher studies. As she had a strong desire to be an actress, she continued to participate in various modeling glances & glamorous programs. Later she took part in the Miss Nepal Pageant in 1999 and ended up in Top 10. Thapa adheres to Hinduism.

## Personal life

In February 2022, Thapa did a court marriage with Balram Shahi. This was her second marriage; she was married to film producer Chhabiraj Ojha earlier, they divorced in 2012; since then she was living with her mother. Recently, she has given birth to her baby girl.

## In the media

Thapa's entry in a top Political Party UCPN (Maoist) amidst a public program at party headquarters office of UCPN (Maoist) in Koteshwor, Kathmandu has been criticized by some of her fans. In November 2009, while protesting for Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on supremacy in the government, Rekha Thapa was seen dancing with the Prachanda who encircled Durbar Square, the government headquarter. In December 2009, Rekha Thapa was seen kissing the shortest man in the world, Khagendra Thapa Magar.
Rekha Thapa was on the cover page of Wave Magazine in June 2013.
Rekha Thapa ended her relationship with her husband and film producer Chhabi Raj Ojha in 2012.

## In politics

In 2013, Thapa joined the Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). However, a year later, she announced that she was no longer associated with that political party.
Thapa joined Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) on 12 December 2016. In February 2017, Thapa was elected as a central member of RPP. A number of other popular faces, such as singer Komal Oli, and lawmakers Kunti Shahi and Pratibha Rana were also elected.

## Filmography

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | Hero | Kusum | |
| 2002 | Mitini | Pooja | |
| 2003 | Jetho Kanchho | Rita | |
| 2004 | Jeevan Rekha | | Cameo appearance |
| 2004 | Hami Tin Bhai | Maiya | |
| 2006 | Krodh | | |
| 2006 | Nari | | |
| 2008 | Nasib Afno | | |
| 2008 | Batuli | | |
| 2009 | Sahara | | |
| 2009 | Kismat | Kusum | |
| 2010 | Bato Muniko Phool | Gurans | |
| 2010 | Himmat | Ganga/Jamuna | |
| 2010 | Tod | | |
| 2011 | Kasle Choryo Mero Man | Rajkumari Manabi | CG Digital Film Awards for Best Actress |
| 2011 | Hiffajat | | NEFTA Film Awards for Best Actress |
| 2011 | Khusi | | |
| 2011 | Hamro Maya Juni Juni Lai | | |
| 2011 | Kasam Hajur Ko | Shristi | |
| 2012 | Saathi Ma Timro | Ashmi | |
| 2012 | Ishara | | |
| 2012 | Andaaj | Pritti | |
| 2012 | Lanka | | |
| 2012 | Rawan | | |
| 2012 | Jaba Jaba Maya Bascha | Simran | |
| 2013 | Mero Jiwan Sathi | | |
| 2013 | Kali | | |
| 2013 | Veer | | |
| 2014 | Himmatwali | | |
| 2014 | Tathastu | | |
| 2016 | Rampyaari | Ram/Pyaari | Dual role |
| 2017 | Rudrapriya | Lead role | |
| 2020 | Hero Returns | | |