Surakshya Panta is one of the most distinctive and versatile actresses in the Nepali film industry. An engineer by education, a former VJ and media personality, a theatre performer, and an actress known for choosing socially meaningful and character-driven projects, Surakshya has built a career that is quite different from the conventional path of a Nepali movie star.
She was born on 20 February 1992 and is widely known for movies such as Dhanapati, Gopi, Ghar, Aama, Bulaki, Julebi, Pitambar, Khel, Koshedhunga, Dhaago and the international film The Eight Mountains. Surakshya first entered Nepali cinema with Ajhai Pani in 2015, but it was her performances in movies such as Dhanapati and Aama that established her as an actress capable of taking on challenging and unconventional characters. Her appearance in The Eight Mountains also took her career to an international platform and made her the first Nepali actress to walk the Cannes Film Festival red carpet.
Surakshya Panta
| Name | Surakshya Panta |
|---|---|
| Profession | Actress, Model |
| Birthday | 20th February |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Birth Place | Butwal |
| Height | 5 Feet 3 Inch |
| Hit movie | Dhanapati |
| Education | Kathmandu Engineering College (2010–2014) |
| Language | Nepali |
| Debut Movie | Ajhai Pani |
Surakshya Panta Education and Engineering Career
One of the most interesting things about Surakshya Panta is that acting was not originally her only professional path. She studied at New Horizon English School in Butwal and later continued her higher education before graduating in civil engineering from Kathmandu Engineering College in 2014. Her engineering background became an important part of her identity even after entering the entertainment industry.
View this post on Instagram
In interviews, she has openly described engineering as her alternate career because it is a profession she already possesses. Later, she also pursued postgraduate studies in Integrated Water Resources Management, adding another academic dimension to her already unusual career. In a 2019 interview with The Annapurna Express, when asked about her alternate career, Surakshya simply answered that she already had one: engineering. Read the Quick Questions with Surakshya Panta interview at The Annapurna Express
Surakshya Panta as a VJ and Media Personality
Before becoming a widely recognized film actress, Surakshya was also involved in television and media. She worked as a VJ and media personality and appeared on national television networks. This experience helped her become comfortable in front of cameras long before she became established as a film actress. Her communication skills and confident personality later became particularly noticeable during interviews and public appearances. Interestingly, Surakshya has also said that she values privacy and does not consider every aspect of her personal life something that needs to be publicly discussed. In one of her quick interviews, she described herself as a night owl and even revealed that she could be short-tempered—showing a more personal side that is not always visible through her film characters.
How Surakshya Panta Entered Nepali Movies
Surakshya’s journey into movies was not simply a matter of deciding to become an actress overnight. She was approached for entertainment work while she was still concentrating on her education. According to earlier interviews and profiles, she had even turned down some opportunities because she wanted to complete her studies first. Her entry into the film industry was eventually facilitated by filmmaker Alok Nembang, who recognized her potential and gave her an opportunity in Ajhai Pani.
View this post on Instagram
Ajhai Pani – Surakshya Panta’s Film Debut
Surakshya Panta made her film debut in Ajhai Pani, released in 2015. The movie marked her first significant step into Nepali cinema. Although it was not a leading-role launch designed to instantly turn her into a commercial star, the experience gave Surakshya an opportunity to understand professional filmmaking and work alongside established actors. Her career gradually developed through a mixture of supporting roles, character-oriented performances and projects with strong social themes.
Dhanapati – The Movie That Made Surakshya Panta Famous
For many Nepali movie audiences, Dhanapati was the film that made Surakshya Panta much more recognizable. Directed by Dipendra K. Khanal, Dhanapati featured Surakshya alongside Khagendra Lamichhane. The film presented a socially grounded story and gave Surakshya an opportunity to move beyond the image of a conventional glamorous actress. Her performance attracted attention because the character and story were more important than simply presenting the actress as a star.
Surakshya Panta and Khagendra Lamichhane
Surakshya Panta and Khagendra Lamichhane became one of the memorable combinations in socially themed Nepali cinema. Their collaboration in Dhanapati and later Gopi demonstrated Surakshya’s preference for stories that explore ordinary people’s lives, social pressure and difficult choices. The Kathmandu Post reported the casting of Khagendra Lamichhane and Surakshya Panta in Gopi, directed by Dipendra Lama. Read the Kathmandu Post report on Gopi
Gopi – A Different Side of Surakshya
In Gopi, Surakshya worked with Khagendra Lamichhane, Ankit Khadka and Prakash Ghimire. The movie focused on the story of a young man who wants to remain in Nepal and pursue his ambitions despite social and economic difficulties. Surakshya’s involvement in films such as Gopi reinforced her reputation for selecting stories that have something to say rather than relying entirely on conventional commercial formulas.
View this post on Instagram
Ghar
Surakshya also appeared in the psychological horror film Ghar. The movie gave her another opportunity to experiment with a different genre and showed that she was not restricting herself to realistic social dramas. Her film choices have often moved between social drama, family stories, comedy, thriller, romance and experimental subjects.
Bhaire and Other Early Movies
Surakshya continued appearing in films including Bhaire, Romiyo & Muna and Changa Chet. These projects helped expand her experience in the Nepali film industry and allowed her to work with different generations of actors and filmmakers. Rather than becoming famous through one particular commercial formula, she gradually developed a reputation for taking different types of roles.
Gopi, Aama and the Rise of a Character Actress
One of the strongest phases of Surakshya’s career came with movies such as Gopi and Aama. Her work in Aama received particularly strong recognition. Aama is a socially and emotionally driven film, and Surakshya’s performance contributed to the film’s critical attention. The movie also strengthened the perception that she could carry emotionally demanding roles without depending entirely on glamour or conventional commercial-star presentation.
Surakshya Panta in Aama
Aama became one of the most important films in Surakshya Panta’s career. The movie dealt with family, sacrifice, migration and the emotional relationship between parents and children. Her performance was recognized at the national level, and she subsequently received major recognition for her acting. For fans who discovered Surakshya through her earlier films, Aama showed a more mature and emotionally grounded side of her acting.
Surakshya Panta and Bipin Karki
Surakshya has also worked with Bipin Karki, another actor known for character-driven performances in Nepali cinema. Their collaboration in Gopi attracted attention because both performers are associated with realistic and unconventional acting styles. Surakshya’s ability to work with actors known for strong character performances has helped her establish herself as an actress rather than simply a celebrity personality.
Bulaki – Surakshya Panta as Hira
Bulaki became another significant project in Surakshya Panta’s career. She played Hira, a woman living in the Karnali region, and the role required her to engage deeply with the local setting, culture and language. Her preparation for the character included spending considerable time in Karnali and learning how to make the character’s speech and behavior feel authentic. The film also allowed Surakshya to explore the position of women within traditional social structures. In a detailed Kantipur feature, Surakshya discussed the different experiences of women portrayed in films such as Bulaki and Jari and spoke about the importance of language and cultural authenticity in acting. Read the Kantipur feature on Surakshya Panta
Surakshya Panta and The Eight Mountains
One of the biggest milestones in Surakshya Panta’s career came with the Italian-Belgian film The Eight Mountains. Directed by Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch, the movie was partly filmed in Nepal and Italy. Surakshya played a role in the internationally produced film and worked alongside actors including Luca Marinelli. The film premiered at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and won the Jury Prize at Cannes.
Surakshya Panta at Cannes Film Festival
In May 2022, Surakshya Panta made history by becoming the first Nepali actress to walk the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. She attended the premiere of The Eight Mountains and appeared on the red carpet in a red gown designed by Tenzin Tseten Bhutia. The moment generated considerable attention in Nepal because very few Nepali actors had previously appeared on such a globally recognized film festival platform. Read Onlinekhabar’s report on Surakshya Panta at Cannes Read The Rising Nepal’s Cannes report
Surakshya Panta Meets Lee Jung-jae in Cannes
Another viral Cannes moment came when Surakshya Panta met South Korean actor Lee Jung-jae, known internationally for Squid Game. Surakshya shared a selfie from Cannes, and the photograph attracted attention among Nepali social-media users. Lee Jung-jae was at Cannes for the premiere of his directorial debut Hunt, while Surakshya was attending the premiere of The Eight Mountains. Read Republica’s report on Surakshya Panta and Lee Jung-jae
Surakshya Panta and Theatre
Surakshya’s artistic interests are not limited to cinema. She has also worked in theatre and participated in the play Klesha. The production received recognition through the 2022 National School of Drama International Theatre Festival in India. Theatre provided another platform for Surakshya to explore character development and performance outside the commercial expectations of mainstream cinema.
Surakshya Panta and Creative Work Beyond Acting
Surakshya has demonstrated interests beyond conventional acting. She has worked in media, theatre, music-related projects and has also received credit as a lyricist. Her career therefore includes several different creative roles rather than being limited to appearing in front of the camera.
Surakshya Panta Filmography
| Movie | Year | Role / Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Ajhai Pani | 2015 | Actress |
| Dhanapati | 2017 | Actress |
| Bhaire | 2018 | Actress |
| Romiyo & Muna | 2018 | Actress |
| Changa Chet | 2018 | Actress |
| Gopi | 2019 | Actress |
| Ghar | 2019 | Actress |
| Poi Paryo Kale | 2019 | Actress |
| Aama | 2020 | Actress |
| Ke Ghar Ke Dera | 2022 | Actress |
| The Eight Mountains | 2022 | International Film |
| Premganj | 2022 | Special Appearance |
| Bulaki | 2023 | Actress |
| Bahaab | 2023 | Actress / Lyricist |
| Julebi | 2023 | Actress |
| Pitambar | 2025 | Actress |
| Khel | 2025 | Actress |
| Mahabhoj | 2025 | Actress |
| Koshedhunga | 2025 | Actress |
| Dhaago | 2025 | Actress |
| Jerry on Top | 2025 | Actress |
| Life Dyamage | 2026 | Actress |
| Chameliko Poi | 2026 | Actress |
Surakshya Panta Awards and Recognition
Surakshya Panta has received significant recognition for her performances. Her awards and nominations include recognition from major Nepali film award platforms and national-level awards. Some of the notable recognition associated with her career includes:
- National Film Award recognition for her performance in Nepali cinema.
- NEFTA Film Award recognition for Best Supporting Actor.
- Blockbuster Nepali Film Award recognition as Actor of the Year.
- NIFF Award recognition for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female).
- Recognition connected with her contribution and work in Nepali cinema.
- International recognition through The Eight Mountains and the Cannes Film Festival.
Surakshya Panta’s 2025 Controversy – What Happened?
One of the biggest viral controversies involving Surakshya Panta came in April 2025. During an interview on The Prakash Subedi Show, Surakshya was shown photographs of former Crown Prince Hridayendra Shah and was asked how she would like to see his future. She initially appeared unsure of his name, after which the interviewer identified him. Surakshya then commented on his popularity and appearance and suggested that he could enter the film industry. The conversation later moved toward the subject of monarchy and the political system in Nepal. Surakshya expressed the view that she could not describe Hridayendra as a king because Nepal had not accepted the monarchy as the current system. The video clip subsequently spread widely on social media. Read Nepal News’ report on the controversy
Why Was Surakshya Panta Trending in 2025?
The controversy quickly became larger than the original interview. Her remarks attracted criticism from people who supported the monarchy, while other commentators defended her right to express her opinion. The controversy also became connected to her upcoming film Khel. Social-media users began calling for a boycott of the movie. Kantipur reported that Surakshya was subjected to personal attacks online and that a campaign calling for a boycott of Khel was circulating on social media. Read Kantipur’s report on the online backlash
Surakshya Panta and Online Harassment
The 2025 controversy also became a broader discussion about online harassment of celebrities. Reports said that Surakshya received a large volume of hostile comments following the viral interview. Freedom Forum described the situation as increasing online harassment and raised concerns about coordinated attacks intended to intimidate a public figure. Read Freedom Forum’s report on the online harassment Another Nepal News report also discussed the digital abuse Surakshya faced following the controversy. Read Nepal News’ report on the digital-abuse controversy
Was Surakshya Panta’s Movie Khel Boycotted?
The controversy surrounding Surakshya overlapped with the release of Khel. Some social-media users called for a boycott of the film because of her remarks. It is important, however, to distinguish between a social-media boycott campaign and verified information about the commercial performance of a movie. A boycott hashtag or online campaign does not by itself establish how many people actually avoided a film. The controversy nevertheless made Khel one of the most discussed films associated with Surakshya at the time of its release.
Surakshya Panta’s Response to the Controversy
After the criticism intensified, Surakshya reduced her public response and shared a poem titled Samarpit on social media. She did not turn the controversy into a prolonged series of media arguments. Later, she gradually returned to social media, including posting a striking image that was interpreted by some commentators as a symbolic response to the criticism. Ratopati reported on the unusual image and the public reactions surrounding it. Read Ratopati’s report on Surakshya’s post during the controversy
Richa Sharma Supports Surakshya Panta
Another notable development during the controversy was the public support Surakshya received from fellow actress Richa Sharma. Richa posted a message supporting the idea that people should be able to express opinions and disagree without becoming targets of abuse. Following that post, Richa herself reportedly received abusive comments. Read the report about Richa Sharma’s support for Surakshya
Surakshya Panta and Rajesh Hamal Viral Moment in 2026
Surakshya again became part of a viral entertainment story in 2026, this time through the announcement of the comedy reality show Super Comedy League. Surakshya was introduced as one of the show’s captains and mentors, with Rajesh Hamal serving in a leading judging role. At a press event, Hamal made a joking comment about Surakshya’s ability to make people laugh simply by looking at her. The clip circulated online and prompted discussion about whether the joke was appropriate. The incident generated a separate round of social-media discussion involving Surakshya. Read Onlinekhabar’s report on the 2026 viral incident The 2026 controversy is different from the 2025 political controversy: this time the discussion centered on a comedian-style remark made during a press event for an entertainment programme.
Surakshya Panta and Super Comedy League
In 2026, Surakshya joined Super Comedy League as a captain and mentor. The show was announced as a comedy-act-based reality programme, with Rajesh Hamal as president and several entertainers serving as captains and mentors. This is another example of Surakshya expanding beyond conventional film acting into television and entertainment formats. Read Kantipur’s Super Comedy League announcement
Is Surakshya Panta Married?
View this post on Instagram
Yes. Surakshya Panta is married to actor and singer Manav Subedi. The couple got married in March 2023 in Sauraha, Chitwan. Reports said that they had been in a relationship for around six years before getting married. Their engagement was announced shortly before the wedding, and Surakshya shared information about the engagement through social media. Read Ratopati’s report about Surakshya Panta and Manav Subedi’s marriage
Surakshya Panta and Manav Subedi Love Story
Surakshya and Manav’s relationship attracted attention because both are connected to Nepal’s entertainment industry. Unlike many celebrity relationships that remain largely speculative, their relationship eventually became public through their engagement and marriage. The couple reportedly spent several years together before deciding to marry. Their wedding was relatively private, with close family members and friends attending the ceremony.
View this post on Instagram
Surakshya Panta Boyfriend and Relationship Rumors
Older internet articles sometimes described Surakshya as single or speculated about her boyfriend. Those claims are now outdated. Surakshya married Manav Subedi in 2023 after a long-term relationship. Therefore, searches such as “Surakshya Panta boyfriend”, “Surakshya Panta husband” and “Surakshya Panta marriage” should be understood in the context of her publicly reported marriage to Manav Subedi.
View this post on Instagram
Surakshya Panta’s Acting Style
Surakshya is often associated with performances that prioritize character and story over conventional glamour. She has played women from different social and geographical backgrounds and has taken roles requiring changes in accent, language, physical preparation and emotional expression. Her work in Bulaki is a particularly good example because the character required familiarity with Karnali’s environment and language. She has also spoken openly about beauty standards in the entertainment industry and how comments about appearance can affect performers.
Surakshya Panta on Beauty Standards
Surakshya has challenged the idea that actresses must fit one fixed definition of beauty. In an extended Kantipur interview, she discussed receiving comments about her nose, body and height and explained that beauty is not a universal concept. She also described how her experiences changed when she travelled internationally, where people sometimes responded differently to her appearance. This has become an interesting part of her public image because Surakshya has often been willing to discuss subjects that other actors might avoid.
Surakshya Panta as a Civil Engineer
The fact that Surakshya is a civil engineer remains one of the most searched and interesting facts about her. While many Nepali actors enter entertainment directly after school or university, Surakshya completed a demanding engineering education before establishing herself in cinema. She has therefore managed to maintain two very different professional identities: engineer and actress. Her academic background also gives her a different perspective when discussing infrastructure, development, environment and society.
Surakshya Panta and Social Issues
Surakshya has frequently used her public platform to discuss social issues. She has spoken about women’s rights, social expectations, education, beauty standards and public attitudes. In 2026, another of her social-media posts became widely shared after she questioned men about the causes of violence against women following the reported rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in Surkhet. The post generated significant public discussion. Read The Film Nepal’s report on Surakshya Panta’s 2026 viral post
Surakshya Panta’s Action Avatar
Surakshya has also experimented with action-oriented performances. She appeared in the action music video Gantabya, where she portrayed a woman involved in a story involving crime, betrayal and resistance. The music video presented a different side of her performance style and allowed her to experiment with action rather than relying exclusively on emotional or social-drama roles. Read The Rising Nepal report about Gantabya
Surakshya Panta Instagram
Surakshya is active on Instagram under the username @surakshyapanta. Her Instagram content often includes photographs from film projects, personal reflections, artistic images, travel, public events and social commentary. Here are some older Instagram posts preserved from the original Biofamous article:
