Rekha Thapa Returns to the Director’s Chair as ‘Maya Bhanekai Yesto Hola’ Hits the Floor

KATHMANDU – After an eight-year hiatus from directing, the "Queen" of Nepali cinema, Rekha Thapa, has officially blown the whistle to start filming her latest project, "Maya Bhanekai Yesto Hola".

The shoot kicked off this Monday at the scenic Royal Tulip National Park in Shivapuri, Kathmandu. While Rekha has previously directed hits like Himmatwali and Malika, this project marks a significant shift in her career—for the first time, she will be staying strictly behind the camera, focusing entirely on direction rather than acting.

A Star-Studded Ensemble

The film is generating massive buzz in The Film Nepal due to its unique and powerful cast, bringing together industry legends and modern style icons.

The Veterans: The film stars the legendary Madan Krishna Shrestha and marks the long-awaited comeback of actor Dil Shrestha.

The "Miss Nepal" Trio: In a rare casting coup, the film features three former Miss Nepals in leading roles: Sristi Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, and Niti Shah.

The Supporting Cast: The lineup includes seasoned actors like Laxmi Giri, Bishal Pahadi, Rabi Dangol (Beman), and Sangam Bhandari.

Visual Teasers: Duty, Love, and Emotion

Earlier, the production house, Diya & Amu Films, released two posters that hint at a deep, emotional narrative:

The Romantic Triangle: One poster features Dil Shrestha alongside Sristi, Namrata, and Niti—all stunning in red ethnic wear. The imagery suggests a complex web of relationships and emotional gravity.

The Bond of Care: The second poster is a touching tribute to family values, showing Dil Shrestha sitting on the floor, holding the hand of a wheelchair-bound Madan Krishna Shrestha. It clearly points toward a story about the responsibilities of a son and the pillars of old age.

Production Insights

Why the Delay?

According to Production Head CM Bhardwaj (Subedi), the shoot was originally slated for late February. However, the recent 2082 General Elections and the subsequent political climate pushed the schedule back by a couple of weeks.

Actually, it's quite interesting to see Rekha Thapa step out of her own "Rekha Films" banner to collaborate with a new production house. It shows she is looking to reinvent herself as a filmmaker who can tell diverse social stories without needing to be the face of the film. Or at least, it’s a sign that The Film Nepal is entering an era where "star power" is being used to fuel meaningful, performance-driven cinema.