Shiva Regmi () (1965 – 9 December 2013) was a Nepali film director, producer and screenwriter. His debut film as a director was Aafanta, which was released in 1999, and his last film was So Simple, which was released in 2012. He has worked on over one hundred films. Regmi received the National Film Awards for best director in 2010 for his work on the film Duniya, and again in 2012 for his work on Kaha Bhetiyela. In 2013, he won the National Film Awards for best writer for his work on the film Hasi Deu Ek Phera. He is regarded as one of Nepal's earliest filmmakers to give female characters some significant roles at a time when traditional audiences tended to see the male lead as the only significant character in a movie.

Career

Early career 
Born in Chitwan, Nepal, Regmi started his career as a theatrical actor, director and writer.  He worked at Narayani kala mandir for many years, writing, directing and acting in many of his own plays.  He won the National award for best drama writer for Swades Bhitra Harayeko Nagarik in 1993.  This play, along with Pukaar brought Regmi national attention, and both were performed widely throughout Nepal.  His first film work was as a writer for Prem Puja but he did not receive wide recognition as a film writer until his success with Mohoni.  After writing the scripts for several movies he debuted as a director with Aafanta.  He followed this with several more films, including Aafno Manchhe, Yeh Mero Hajur, Sukha Dukha, Haami Teen Bhai, Kaha Bhetiyela and many more.  After this he wrote scripts for many movies like Allare, Dahijo, Maiti, Gorkhali, Dharti and so on.  He also appeared as a supporting actor in Sindoor Poote along with Rajesh Hamal.

Mainstream breakthrough (1999–2002) 

In 1999 Regmi's most ambitious script, Aafanta, was rejected by many directors, so he chose to direct the film himself.  After the success of Aafanta, he reassembled the cast for Aafno Manchhe, but this time he included Dilip Rayamajhi and Bipana Thapa in the lead.  Aafno Manchhe was the huge success, and is counted among the biggest hit movies of Nepali film cinema.  He got Film Awards for Best Dialogue for the movie.  His next film was Ye Mero Hajur.  He again turned to star Shree Krishna Shrestha; the movie was a box office hit.  In 2002 he directed Sukha Dukha: an emotional family drama which was again a huge hit at the box office.  He received the Lux Award for best director and motion picture award for best story.

Regmi's experimental movie Paahuna was a moderate success and Upahaar was a flop that came in 2004.  In 2004 he returned with big hit movies like Hami Tin Bhai and Muglaan.  Nikhil Upreti got his first national award for best actor for his performance in Haami Teen Bhai.  Regmi's first films as a producer, Maanis and Duniya, were box office failures although both were critically acclaimed.  Regmi received the NEFTA award for best director for Maanis and his first national award for best director for Duniya in 2005.  His next movies, Ram Balram and Yuddha were below average at box office.  But in 2008 his MaHa project Kaha Bhetiyela was one of the biggest hits of his career; he received his second national award for best director and NEFTA award for best popular director of 2008.  His first movie with MaHa (Madan Krishna Shrestha and Hari Bansha Acharya) in 2010 was below average but he received his third national award for best writer.  Saathi Ma Timro in 2011 was a box office success.  His new film Phool released on 4 May 2012. So simple was released on the festival eve of Bada dashain along with other 3 movies. Box office report was below the mark but Regmi was critically praised for his work. While his latest projects, Mann Le Mann Lai Chhunchha and Paraai  released later in 2013.

Shiva Regmi's Plays

Filmography

Aafanta

Immense love for cinema brought Regmi to mainstream movie-making from plays. He was always sure about the theme of his movie to be social drama. Movie was praised especially for the good story and strong performance of Shree krishna shrestha and Niruta singh. Niruta singh won Motion picture award for best actress that year(2000A.D) from this movie. Regmi was acknowledged with the best story and best director nomination. The movie was a smashed hit. Songs like pauju ko chham chham is still hit among cine lovers.

Aafno Manchhe

Regmi reunited with Shree Krishna Shrestha and Niruta Singh along with Bipana Thapa and Dilip Rayamajhi with social drama story. This movie is taken as one of the cult masala movie in Nepali film industry. This movie is considered as all-time blockbuster movie of Nepal. It recorded 51 days celebration in 9 cinema theatre in Kathmandu only and 100 days run in various places in Nepal. Chatta rumal kya malum song had created euphoria in Nepal. This song was recreated in 2019 in movie Yatra, which was again a huge hit song. Regmi won his first prominent award, Motion pictures award for best dialogue and gained the nomination for best direction.

Haami Teen Bhai

The film features three of biggest Superstar actors of late 90s and 2000s era- Rajesh Hamal, Shree Krishna Shrestha and Nikhil Upreti in the lead roles supported by Rekha Thapa, Jharana Thapa, Nandita KC, Keshab Bhattrai, Sushila Rayamajhi, Ravi Giri etc. The movie was critically and commercially successful, with many critics highlighting its screenplay, music comedy and the actors' performance especially of its lead actors but over the top action scenes were criticized. It is one of the highest-grossing films in Nepali film history . It is considered a classic movie by fans. Nikhil Upreti received the Best Actor in First National Films Award 2062 BS for the role of younger brother Laxman/Abhishek.

Personal
Shiva Raj Regmi is the eldest son of Late Khaga Raj Regmi and Bhakta Maya Regmi.  He was born in Baraghare in Chitwan District, Nepal in 1965.  He spent his childhood in Chitwan and Gorkha with Ankit Regmi.  He married Gyanu Regmi in 1985; together they have four children: Samjhana, Bhanawan, Abhishesh and Pallabi Regmi.  Bhawana Regmi has started her own film career, appearing in So Simple, directed by Shiva Regmi.

Death

In March 2013, Regmi was admitted to Om Hospital in Kathmandu due to general illness symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. During a health checkup, it was discovered that his creatinine levels were high and  recommended for peritoneal dialysis in May 2013.
 In August 2013, Regmi experienced a stroke and had transient loss of vision . On August 14, 2013, he traveled to Delhi, India, for further treatment at Sir Gangaram Hospital. The doctors there advised him to take anti-tubercular drugs due to persistent fever of unknown origin and his compromised immune system. Regmi returned to Nepal after a two-week stay in India.
A renal transplant was scheduled for November 14, 2013. However, in October 2013, he had a seizure, and the cause remained undiagnosed. A few days later, he suffered a stroke that paralyzed the left half of his body (hemiplegia). Wanting to visit his hometown of Chitwan, he was transported there by ambulance. After a few days, he experienced difficulty breathing and was taken to CMS Hospital in Chitwan. Unfortunately, due to the Laxmi Puja period, doctors were not available. After five days, he was diagnosed with nosocomial pneumonia. Ventilatory support was provided on November 7. Despite unsuccessful treatment attempts at CMS Hospital, Regmi was airlifted to Vayoda Hospital in Balkhu, Kathmandu, on November 27. The plan was to transfer him to Max Hospital in Delhi, India, on December 9. However, he succumbed to kidney failure on December 9, 2013, at the age of 49 in Kathmandu.

legacy

Regmi,left behind a remarkable legacy that continues to resonate in the Nepali film industry even after his passing. Regmi's contribution to the industry is evident in his successful films, particularly his directorial masterpiece, "Ye Mero Hajur," which has spawned multiple sequels and become a beloved franchise.

After Shiva Regmi's death, his directed movie "Ye Mero Hajur" captivated audiences and achieved tremendous success at the box office. The film resonated so well with viewers that it led to the creation of sequels, namely "Ye Mero Hajur 2," "Ye Mero Hajur 3," and "Ye Mero Hajur 4." Each of these subsequent installments proved to be box office hits, carrying forward the essence and popularity of the original film.

One notable aspect that connects the sequels to the original "Ye Mero Hajur" is the inclusion of the iconic song "Fulako Thunga Houki." This song, with its melodious tune and meaningful lyrics, struck a chord with audiences and became a timeless piece in the Nepali film industry. Its presence in the sequels further solidified the connection between the films and continued to enchant fans.

Beyond "Ye Mero Hajur," Shiva Regmi's filmography boasts several other noteworthy contributions that have garnered a cult following over time. Movies such as "Hami Teen Bhai," "Sukha Dukha," "Aafno Manchhe," and "Kaha Bhetiyela" have emerged as cult classics in the Nepali film industry. These films, each unique in its storytelling and thematic exploration, have resonated with audiences and have stood the test of time.

Regmi's films are cherished for their engaging narratives, relatable characters, and emotional depth. They often delve into societal issues and touch upon human emotions, striking a chord with viewers on a personal level. Through his directorial prowess, Shiva Regmi left an indelible mark on Nepali cinema, shaping its landscape and contributing to its artistic growth.

Shiva Regmi's legacy continues to inspire and influence aspiring filmmakers in Nepal. His work serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact that films can have on society. The enduring popularity of his films, including the "Ye Mero Hajur" franchise and his other cult classics, is a testament to the lasting impact of his creative vision. Shiva Regmi will always be remembered as a visionary filmmaker who touched the hearts of millions with his storytelling prowess and contributed significantly to the Nepali film industry.

References

External links

Nepalese film directors
2013 deaths
1965 births
People from Chitwan District
Deaths from kidney failure
21st-century Nepalese screenwriters
Khas people