January 12, 2026 
Kathmandu — Popular Nepali actress Barsha Raut is set to make her Hindi cinema debut with the feature film Rimjhim Gire Saawan. She recently signed the project in Kathmandu, where she will be seen in the lead role.
Raut began her acting career in 2016 with the commercially successful Nepali film Nai Nabhannu La 4 and went on to establish herself as one of the leading actresses of Nepali cinema through blockbuster films such as Chhakka Panja, Jatra, Jatrai Jatra and Daal Bhat Tarkari. Rimjhim Gire Saawan marks her first lead role in a foreign-language film, expanding her presence onto the international stage.
Set in the picturesque yet remote mountainous region of Lachung in North Sikkim, the film is a social drama rooted in a Nepali community backdrop. Raut plays “Rimjhim Chhetri,” a married woman and mother of one who has been sentenced to death. The story portrays her emotional and courageous struggle for justice, dignity and truth against systemic corruption.
The film is directed by acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Arnab Pal, known for works such as the crime thriller Tantrik and the emotionally driven Meghmallar. Pal is also a recipient of the Best Director award at the Nepal International Film Festival for Brishti Tomake Dilam and has earned international recognition at festivals including the Santiago International Global Film Awards.
The cast includes prominent Bollywood actors Subrat Dutta, Rajesh Sharma, Ashish Vidyarthi and Yashpal Sharma. Kolkata-based actress Susmita Basumata will appear as Rimjhim’s sister “Runjhun,” while casting for the character “Saawan” is currently underway.
Expressing her excitement, Raut said the role challenges her as an actor and offers a valuable learning experience, despite the demanding shoot in snow-covered terrain. Director Pal stated that Raut was chosen for her strong acting abilities and her ability to deliver Hindi dialogue with a Nepali accent, describing her as a powerful Nepali actress taking on a leadership role in Hindi cinema after Manisha Koirala.
The screenplay has been written by veteran writer and lyricist Rakesh Kumar Tripathi, who has been active in the industry since 2002 and has penned over 700 songs and 15 television series. The technical team features National Award-winning Indian professionals, including cinematographer Asim Bose, editor Arghya Kamal Mitra and production designer Atanu Saha. Nang Anny Gogoi serves as line producer and costume designer, while Ram Gopal Timilsina and Nripesh Rupakheti represent Nepal as production managers.
