Kathmandu — Actor Sagar Lamsal, popularly known as "Bale," has been removed from the cast of the upcoming Nepali film Paanch Pandav after a young Nepali woman studying in the United States publicly accused him of rape through social media.
Production company Kali Rani Films Pvt. Ltd. issued a formal press release confirming the decision, stating that Lamsal's contract has been terminated with immediate effect on ethical grounds, and that all scenes featuring him — approximately 90 percent of his role — will be reshot with a replacement actor.
The statement from the production company was unambiguous: "Anyone accused of a heinous crime cannot be a member of our film. Given that this film is built on the sacred name and values of the Pandavas, with the purpose of contributing to society, sheltering an accused person could risk influencing the justice process. Therefore, Sagar Lamsal's contract has been cancelled from today."
Presenter Navin Shrestha acknowledged the significant financial loss the decision entails, but was clear about the company's priorities: "Reshooting 90 percent of a cast member's scenes will cause enormous financial damage. However, the company believes that this loss is minor compared to the pain of the victim."
The production team also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and demanded that the victim receive justice at the earliest possible opportunity. Shrestha added that regardless of whatever legal process Lamsal chooses to pursue, his continued presence in the film was not ethically justifiable given the gravity of the allegations.
No announcement has yet been made regarding which actor will replace Lamsal. The film, directed by Basanta Niraula, features Haribhansa Acharya, Jitu Nepal, Aryan Sigdel, Deepashree Niraula, and Mahesh Tripathi in the remaining lead roles, and shooting continues in Jhapa.
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