Dayahang Rai: Biography, Age, Movies & All You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Who Is Dayahang Rai?

Dayahang Rai is one of the most popular and respected actors in Nepal. He has appeared in more than 50 Nepali films and has won three National Film Awards across very different genres, comedy, political drama, and romance.

What makes him special is his journey. He grew up in a small village in Bhojpur in Eastern Nepal and made his way to Kathmandu with no connections in the film industry. Through theater, hard work, and raw talent, he became the face of modern Nepali cinema.

Early Life, Growing Up in Bhojpur

Dayahang Rai was born on April 13, 1980, in Khawa, Bhojpur District, Nepal. He grew up in a middle-class family in the hills of Eastern Nepal. He belongs to the Bantawa Rai community, one of the Kirat ethnic groups of Nepal.

From a very young age, he loved stories. His mother used to tell him fairy tales as a child, and that love for storytelling never left him. He started acting in school plays while still in Bhojpur.

He pursued his early education at Pashupati Lower Secondary School and Annapurna Secondary School before moving to Kathmandu in 2001 to study journalism at Ratna Rajyalaxmi Campus. But journalism was not his calling.

Moving to Kathmandu, A New Beginning

After arriving in Kathmandu, Dayahang enrolled in journalism studies but soon realized his heart was elsewhere. He discovered theater in the city and decided to shift his entire focus toward acting.

He joined a professional acting studio and began training seriously. This was a brave choice, giving up a stable career path to follow a passion in an industry with no guarantees. But it turned out to be the best decision of his life.

Theater Career, Where It All Started

Dayahang's career began in theater, where he honed his acting skills and gained recognition for his performances. He co-founded Mandala Theatre, Nepal, with Rajan Khatiwada and Dhiren Raja Limbu, which became a platform for many aspiring actors.

Mandala Theatre is one of the most respected theater groups in Kathmandu. Many of Nepal's finest film actors have come out of this very institution. The theater background is the reason why Dayahang feels so real on screen, he learned to connect with emotions deeply before a camera ever pointed at him.

His stage work trained his voice, his physical presence, and his instincts as a performer. You cannot fake what he learned on those boards.

Television Career, First Steps on Screen

Before films, Dayahang first gained attention through television. He appeared in popular TV series including Yuva, Dalan, and Hamro Team, which gave him his first national audience.

Dalan, directed by Nabin Subba, was one of the notable early works broadcast on Nepal Television. These TV roles taught him how to perform for the camera in a way that theater alone could not.

For many Nepali audiences outside Kathmandu, these TV shows were how they first heard the name Dayahang Rai.

Film Debut, Anagarik (2006)

His transition to the big screen was marked by his debut in the film Anagarik (2006). The film was directed by Ram Babu Gurung and earned recognition at the Nepal International Indigenous Film Festival.

The film did not become a massive box office hit, but it showed that Dayahang had serious screen presence. He followed it with roles in smaller productions while continuing to build his skills and reputation.

He was patient, consistent, and never stopped working. The big break would come, but not before he put in years of groundwork.

The Breakthrough, Dasdhunga (2009) and His First National Award

The film that first brought Dayahang serious recognition was Dasdhunga (2009). He received his first National Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for Dasdhunga.

Dasdhunga also featured Saugat Malla, who went on to become one of Nepal's biggest names in cinema. The film was a political drama that showed Dayahang could handle emotionally complex, serious material. Winning a National Award this early sent a strong signal to the industry.

Loot (2012), The Film That Made Him a Star

If one film changed everything, it was Loot (2012). It was his role in the 2012 film Loot that catapulted him to fame. He played "Gofle", a broke, unemployed young man who gets pulled into a bank robbery plan. He also co-wrote the dialogues for the film.

Gofle became one of the most beloved characters in the history of Nepali cinema. He was funny, relatable, and felt like someone you could actually know in real life. That is the Dayahang magic, he never feels like he is acting.

Loot was a massive commercial success and broke box office records at the time. It also introduced a new era of Nepali entertainment filmmaking. He followed it up with Loot 2 (2017), bringing “Gofle” back to the screen to the delight of fans.

Kabaddi Series, Nepal's Biggest Film Franchise

No chapter of Dayahang's career is bigger than the Kabaddi franchise. He plays "Kaji", a simple, lovable young man from Mustang who is deeply in love with a girl named Maiya. The character is funny, warm, and deeply human.

The original Kabaddi was a story of the unrequited love of Kaji (Dayahang Rai) for his soulmate Maiya. The sequel, Kabaddi Kabaddi (2015), continued the story and earned him his third National Award, Best Actor in 2016. Dayahang's exceptional performances earned him a National Award for Best Actor in 2016 for Kabaddi Kabaddi.

The franchise continued with Kabaddi Kabaddi Kabaddi (2019) and Kabaddi 4, The Final Match (2022), the latter also starring Miruna Magar alongside him. Kabaddi 5, After the Final Match is currently in the post-production or filming phase, directed by Ram Babu Gurung, with Dayahang reprising his iconic role.

Sambodhan (2015), His Second National Award

While dominating the box office with Kabaddi, Dayahang proved he could do far more than comedy. He received a National Award for Best Actor in 2015 for Sambodhan.

Sambodhanwas a serious, emotionally heavy political drama, completely different in tone from his commercial films. Winning a National Award for this while also being a box office king in the Kabaddi series showed a range that very few actors in Nepal possess.

The Civil War Films, Serious Cinema, Real Courage

Dayahang has never shied away from difficult subject matter. He starred in Talakjung vs Tulke (2014), a critically acclaimed film about Nepal's civil war era. His films often explore themes of Nepali national identity, social and religious differences, and community connections.

He also appeared in Badhshala (2013), another civil war film that was later banned following objections from the Nepali Army, a story that says a lot about the kind of brave material Dayahang was willing to take on. And in Chhadke (2013), which you can explore in The Film Nepal's database, he appeared alongside Saugat Malla, Bipin Karki, and Namrata Shrestha.

These films were not safe commercial bets. They were important stories about Nepal's recent history, and Dayahang chose them deliberately.

White Sun / Seto Surya (2016), Nepal Meets the World

The film that gave Dayahang international recognition was White Sun (Seto Surya) in 2016, directed by Deepak Rauniyar. According to Wikipedia's entry on White Sun, it was Nepal's official submission for the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Film category and screened at the Venice Film Festival.

The film tells a deeply human story about a family caught between political factions in the aftermath of Nepal's civil war. It is understated, powerful, and quietly devastating, exactly the kind of film that reveals how deep Dayahang's talent truly runs.

This was a proud moment for all of Nepali cinema. Dayahang was right at the center of it.

Fanko (2016), A Different Kind of Story

The same year as White Sun, Dayahang also appeared in Fanko (2016), which starred Saugat Malla, Dayahang Rai, Keki Adhikari, and Priyanka Karki in the lead roles. It was a tense thriller that showed yet another side of his acting ability.

This is what separates Dayahang from other actors in Nepal. In the same year, he could give you an Oscar-submission art film and a taut commercial thriller. Very few actors anywhere in the world can do that.

Jaari (2023), A Career-Defining Performance

Jaari (2023) became one of the most talked-about Nepali films in years. Set in 1995, after day-to-day arguments and fights between Namsang (Dayahang Rai) and his wife Hangma (Miruna Magar), she goes back to her parents' house and elopes with another man, but eventually comes back when her family cannot pay the compensation (Jaari) for her elopement.

The film directed by Upendra Subba explored Limbu culture and traditions with honesty and love. Dayahang's performance as Namsang, a flawed but ultimately loving husband, was praised by audiences and critics alike. The film earned him the Popular Actor of the Year award at the Yeti Film Award 2024.

The story continued in Jaari 2 (2025), which reunited Dayahang and Miruna Magar. Jaari 2 is a compelling and culturally significant Nepali movie that delivers a heartfelt continuation of Namsang and Hangma's story. The chemistry between Rai and Magar remains electric, carrying the emotional weight of the entire sequel.

Mansarra, Gharjwai, and Anjila, Recent Work (2024–2025)

Dayahang stayed extremely active in 2024 and 2025. In Mansarra (2024), he starred alongside Miruna Magar, Menuka Pradhan, and Prabin Khatiwada in a story set against the backdrop of the Himalayas.

He also starred in Gharjwai (2024) again with Miruna Magar, and appeared in Anjila (2025), a biographical drama about Anjila Tumbapo Subba, the captain of Nepal's women's football national team.

These films show something important: Dayahang consistently chooses projects with meaning. He is not chasing just money, he is building a body of work.

Upcoming Movies, What to Expect in 2026

Dayahang's most exciting upcoming project is Mirmire (2026). Mirmire tells the poignant story of a single father played by Dayahang Rai and his young daughter Nima. To protect his daughter from a painful reality, Nima's father tells the village and his daughter that her mother is working abroad. The film follows the father's desperate struggle to maintain this facade to keep Nima's world happy, while navigating the social pressures and judgmental eyes of the community.

The film co-stars Prakash Saput, one of Nepal's most beloved singer-actors, marking the first time these two hugely popular figures have shared the screen together. That alone makes Mirmire one of the most anticipated Nepali films of the year.

Check the upcoming Nepali movies page on The Film Nepal to stay updated on Mirmire's release date and other 2026 releases.

Awards and Achievements

Dayahang has three National Film Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in Nepal's film industry:

No other Nepali male actor of his generation has won three National Awards across comedy, drama, and political thriller. That range is what defines his legacy.

Personal Life, Wife and Family

Dayahang Rai is married to Benuka Rai, a Nepali singer, whom he married in 2006. They first met at a studio where Dayahang was learning acting and Benuka was learning singing. Their connection grew over years before they officially married.

The couple has two sons: Samduhang Rai and Sinchunghang Rai, born in 2017. The family lives in Kathmandu. Both Dayahang and Benuka are active artists, a creatively rich household by any measure.

Despite his enormous fame, Dayahang is known for being grounded and connected to his roots in Bhojpur. He is not the kind of star who disappears into celebrity. He remains a working artist who takes his craft seriously.

Why Is Dayahang Rai So Popular in Nepal?

The answer is simple, he feels real.

His characters are not superheroes or fantasy figures. They are farmers, dreamers, husbands, and ordinary men trying to live their lives with dignity. Nepali audiences everywhere, from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, from the hills to the Terai, see themselves in his roles.

He also came from nothing. A village boy from Bhojpur who almost dropped out of college, and became the greatest name in modern Nepali cinema. That story alone is deeply inspiring for millions of people.

Complete Filmography Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How old is Dayahang Rai? 

Dayahang Rai was born on April 13, 1980, in Khawa, Bhojpur, Nepal. He is 45 years old as of 2026.

What is Dayahang Rai's height in feet? 

Dayahang Rai stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). His powerful screen presence has nothing to do with physical size, it comes entirely from his acting skills and emotional depth.

Who is Dayahang Rai's wife? 

Dayahang Rai has been married to Benuka Rai, a Nepali singer, since 2006. They have two sons together, Samduhang Rai and Sinchunghang Rai.

What are Dayahang Rai's most famous movies? 

His most famous films are Loot (2012), the Kabaddi series (2013–2022), Sambodhan (2015), White Sun (2016), Jaari (2023), and the upcoming Mirmire (2026).

How many National Awards has Dayahang Rai won? 

He has won three National Film Awards, for Dasdhunga (2009), Sambodhan (2015), and Kabaddi Kabaddi (2016). He also won Popular Actor of the Year at the Yeti Film Award 2024 for Jaari.

What is Dayahang Rai's upcoming movie in 2026?

 Mirmire (2026) is his most anticipated upcoming film, co-starring Prakash Saput. You can find all upcoming Nepali movies for 2026 on The Film Nepal.

What is Dayahang Rai's ethnicity?

 He belongs to the Bantawa Rai people of the Kirat ethnic community from Eastern Nepal. He is proud of his Rai roots and has been involved in cultural awareness campaigns for his community.

Want to explore all of Dayahang Rai's films, trailers, ratings, and latest news? Visit his full profile on The Film Nepal, Nepal's most complete Nepali movie database.

More on The Film Nepal:

• Upcoming Nepali Movies 2026
• Saugat Malla, Biography & Movies
• Bipin Karki, Biography & Movies
• Miruna Magar, Biography & Movies
• Prakash Saput, Biography & Movies
• Browse All Nepali Movies