Neer Bikram Shah

Born October 11, 1953 · Kathmandu, Nepal

Neer Bikram Shah (born Oct 11, 1953), also known as Nir Shah, is a prominent Nepalese actor, director, producer, poet, and lyricist, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the history of Nepali cinema. Emerging as a powerhouse in the industry during the 1980s, he has contributed to many milestone projects over a career spanning several decades. As a filmmaker, he directed and produced acclaimed movies such as Basudev, Pachchis Basanta, and Basanti, as well as the notable Nepal Bhasa film Rajamati. He also achieved international recognition as a co-producer for Eric Valli's Oscar-nominated film Himalaya – l'enfance d'un chef, also known as Caravan, which marked Nepal's first-ever Academy Award nomination. As an actor, Shah is highly celebrated for his versatile performances, ranging from defining character roles to powerful antagonistic parts in seminal films like Kusume Rumal, Prem Pinda, and Balidan, alongside more contemporary blockbuster appearances in the Chhakka Panja series. Beyond his creative endeavors, he made a major impact on the country's media landscape as the founder and first head of Nepal Television, the nation's first TV station.