Sunil Chhetri (choreographer)

Sunil Chhetri (Nepali: सुनिल क्षेत्री Sunil-Chhetri.ogg|/su·nil·chʰet̪·ri/|(); born 22 April, 1985) is a prominent Nepali choreographer and music video director, recognized for his contributions to the contemporary Nepalese dance and film scene.. He was a contestant on Season 4 of Dance India Dance, an Indian dance competition television series, back in 2013. He has appeared in a Bollywood movie, Happy New Year (2014), and a Nepali movie Chi Musi Chi (2019). He is recognized for his journey from a passionate dancer to a budding music video director. Till now, he has choreographed/directed over 300 Nepali music videos
==Early Life==
Sunil Chhetri's artistic journey commenced during his childhood, inspired by the iconic singer and dancer Michael Jackson. Despite facing financial challenges, Chhetri's passion for dance flourished, leading him to emulate Jackson's moves. His exceptional talent earned him popularity in school, often making him the focal point of attention during dance programs.
==Career (2013-present)==
Chhetri's career in the arts took off in Kathmandu, where he initially worked as a dancer in various establishments before joining the Armed Police Force. His national recognition came through his participation in the fourth edition of Dance India Dance in 2013, where he garnered praise from notable judges, including Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty. Unfortunately, an injury during the Final 18 of the competition compelled his early exit. Undeterred, Chhetri continued participating in various stage shows, using his dance earnings for livelihood.
His foray into the Indian film industry included a role alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the 2014 Bollywood film Happy New Year. Chhetri further showcased his acting prowess in the 2019 Nepali film Chi Musi Chi.
Sunil Chhetri's significant contributions to the Nepali entertainment industry encompass over 300 projects, including notable creations such as "Bhirni Jholama," "Kasari Kasari 2," "Solti Bazar," "Chauka Dau," "Boke Jhar," and "Nandani."
Known for his innovative choreography, Chhetri incorporates unique elements, such as the use of zombies in the music video for "Sarara Bhagaula." These experimental efforts demonstrate his commitment to evolving Nepali folklore by infusing a "Western flair" into traditional music videos. His artistic endeavors have left an indelible mark, solidifying his status as a key figure in the vibrant landscape of Nepalese dance and film.
==Awards==
Year	Award 	Category 	Nominated Work 	Result	Reference
2021	Himalaya International Award	Folk Song Model (Male)	Biu Khayo Challaile	 	
==Filmography==
===Performance Roles===
====Actor====
List of Sunil Chhetri film credits as actor
Year	Film 	Role 	Language	Reference
2014	Happy New Year	Dancer in Team Korean	Hindi 	
2019	Chi Musi Chi 	Aashir 	Nepali 	
====Dancer====
List of Sunil Chhetri music video credits as dancer
Year	Music Video Title 	Song Credit 	Reference
2018	Barikha 	Vocal, Lyrics, Music: Hemant Sharma	
2018	Oyee 	Vocal: Nabin Rawal, Badal Thapa, and Anjila Regmi
Lyrics: Milan Bista
Music: Nabin Rawal	
2019	Kasari Kasari 2 (Tiktok Maa)	Vocal: Tanka Budathoki and Melina Rai
Lyrics/Music: Tanka Budathoki	
2019	Maya Basyo Lai Lai 	Vocal: Naresh Jogi and Shikshya Dhungel
Lyrics/Music: Naresh Jogi	
====Choreographer/Director====
List of Sunil Chhetri music video credits as choreographer/director
Year	Music Video Title 	Song Credit 	References
2017	Kasari Kasari 	Vocal: Tanka Budathoki and Melina RaiLyrics/Music: Tanka Budathoki	
2017
†	Chhuk Chhuke Rail 	Vocal: Ramila Gyangmi Magar
Lyrics: D.P Khanal
Music: Dhanu Gyangmi Magar	
2018	Baduli 	Vocal: Jagdish Samal
Lyrics: D.P Khanal
Music: Dhanu Gyangmi Magar	
2018	Malai Udna Deu 	Vocal: Angeliza Pokharel
Lyrics/Music: Sugam Pokharel 	
2018	Rato Galbandi 	Vocal: Tanka Budathoki and Sarika Ghimire
Lyrics: Aim Nath Mainali
Music: Tanka Budathoki	
2019	Bhirni Jholama 	Vocal: Krishna Akheli and Sarswati Lamichhane
Lyrics: Shiva Akheli
Music: Krishna Akheli	
2019	Boke Jhar 	Vocal: Basanta Thapa and Bishnu Majhi
Lyrics: Pralhad Subedi
Music: Basanta Thapa	
2019	Khuchhing Maya 	Vocal: Pradip Pandey and Melina Rai
Lyrics/Music: Pradip Pandey 	
2019	Latthai 	Vocal: Sagar Adhikari
Lyrics: Dr. DR Upadhyay
Music: Sagar Adhikari	
2019
†	Simple Dimple 	Vocal: Tanka Budathoki and Kabita Siwakoti
Lyrics/Music: Bhim Bista	
2019	Udayo Paat Hurile 	Vocal: Basanta Thapa and Melina Rai
Lyrics: Navaraj Panta
Music: Basanta Thapa	
2020
†	Kanchha Kanchhi 	Vocal: Tanka Budathoki and Bunu Upreti
Lyrics/Music: Tanka Budathoki	
2020	Manaparauchhau 	Vocal: Rajesh Payal Rai and Laxmi Acharya
Lyrics: DB Khadka
Music: Binod Bajurali	
2020	Maya Hunchha Hunchha 	Vocal: Hemanta Shishir & Sandhya Acharya 
Lyrics/Music: Bidur Aapagain	
2020
†	Ukali Jaada 	Vocal/Lyrics/Music: Sambhoj Malla 	
2021	Chauka Dau 	Vocal: Shanti Shree Pariyar and Babu Krishna Pariyar
Lyrics: Bijaya Chand Darpan
Music: Babu Krishna Pariyar	
2021	Biu Khayo Challaile 	Vocal: Bal Kumar Shrestha and Kabita Khatri
Lyrics/Music: Bal Kumar Shrestha	
2021	Hello Maya Beautifull	Vocal: Pratap Das and Smita Dahal
Lyrics: Dinesh Thapaliya
Music: Subash Bhusal	
2021	Nakkali Kanchhi 	Vocal: Sachin Bhattarai and Samjhana Bhandari
Lyrics: Niroj Bhatta
Music: Hari DC	
2021	Phalam Pite Tarbar 	Vocal: Bhagirath Chalaune and Sunita Budha Chhetri
Lyrics/Music: Bhagirath Chalaune	
2021	Ye Rimai 	Vocal: Bibash Basnet and Purnima Lama
Lyrics/Music: Dipak Sharma 	
2022	Jhyai Pari 	Vocal: Biken Lwagun and Melina Rai
Lyrics: Dipendra Rasaily
Music: Biken Lwagun	
2022	Nandani 	Vocal: Khem Century and Sapana Roka
Lyrics: Bikrambabu Vishworkarma
Music: Nandu Pariyar	
2022	Sarara Bhagaula 	Vocal: Prakash Parajuli and Asmita Adhikari
Lyrics/Music: Prakash Parajuli	
2022	Solti Bazar 	Vocal: Nischal Dawadi and Shanti Shree Pariyar
Lyrics/Music: Nischal Dawadi	
2022	Bhir Mahuri 	Vocal: Basanta Thapa and Shanti Shree Pariyar
Lyrics: Nischal Dawadi
Music: Suraj Lamichhane	
2023	Nirjale 	Vocal: Hemant Sharma and Asmita Adhikari
Lyrics: Eknarayan Bhandari
Music: Hemant Sharma	
2023	Dhading Malekhu 	Vocal: Bikarm Sharma and Shanti Shree Pariyar
Lyrics: Nakul Dhakal
Music: Basanta Thapa	
2023	Laure 	Vocal: Khadka Garbuja and Tara Shrees Magar
Lyrics/Music: Khadka Garbuja	
2023	Suna Thita Ho 	Vocal: Basanta Thapa and Eleena Chauhan
Lyrics: Sundar Hamal
Music: Basanta Thapa	
2024	Are Bhaiya 	Vocal: Basanta Thapa and Shantishree Pariyar 
Lyrics/Music: Basanta Thapa	
† denotes credit only as a "Choreographer"
Category:1985 births
Category:Nepalese choreographers
Category:People from Banke District
Category:Dancers