Born in Kathmandu, Nepal
Nischal Basnet
निश्चल बस्नेत
Director of Loot, widely credited with revolutionising Nepali cinema through realistic crime dramas
Currently Founder, Black Horse Pictures Pvt. Ltd
About
Nischal Basnet returned to Nepal after studying hospitality management in Australia. He enrolled in a Kathmandu film school. He went on to write and direct Loot (2012), a crime thriller. This film became a cult classic and the highest-grossing Nepali film of its time. People credit it with reviving the country’s film industry.
He followed it with the critically praised Talakjung vs Tulke, Nepal’s Academy Award submission for Best Foreign Language Film, and the sequel Loot 2. He has also acted in and produced other films. He is married to actress Swastima Khadka.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1981-01-17
- Birthplace
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Profession
- Film director, Screenwriter, Actor, Producer, Playback singer
- Current role
- Founder, Black Horse Pictures Pvt. Ltd
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Current roles
Founder
Black Horse Pictures Pvt. Ltd
Education
Sydney, Australia
Hospitality Management
Career & life timeline
- 1981
- 2009
Returned to Nepal from Australia and enrolled at a film school in Kathmandu
- 2012
Made his directorial debut with Loot, which became the highest-grossing Nepali film of its era
- 2014
Directed Talakjung vs Tulke, Nepal's official Academy Award submission for Best Foreign Language Film
- 2016
Married actress Swastima Khadka
- 2017
Directed the sequel Loot 2
Achievements
National Film Award for Best Director
Won for Talakjung vs Tulke
Film Critics Society of Nepal Award for Best Director
Organizations & affiliations
- Black Horse Pictures
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-06