February 15, 2026 
Kathmandu — Eight years after her last directorial venture, prominent Nepali actress Rekha Thapa has officially announced her new film Maya Bhane K Yasto Hola. The announcement was made on Sunday during a special program in Kathmandu on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.
Known for directing films such as Himmatwali and Malika, Rekha’s third directorial project marks her first collaboration outside her own banner, Rekha Films. According to industry observers, this could be the first time in Nepali cinema history that an established female director is helming a project under an external production house.
The film, produced under Diya and Amu Films, features a star-studded ensemble, combining veterans and contemporary faces of the Nepali film industry. Notably, it casts three former Miss Nepal contestants — Srishti Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, and Neeti Shah — alongside veteran actors Madan Krishna Shrestha and Dil Shrestha in pivotal roles.
Two first-look posters were unveiled during the announcement. The first shows Dil Shrestha with the three former Miss Nepal contestants, dressed in vibrant red lehengas and saris. The visuals hint at complex romantic dynamics, possibly a love triangle, with expressions conveying both passion and emotional depth. The second poster presents Dil alongside an elderly character, portrayed by Madan Krishna Shrestha, suggesting themes of familial duty, support, and intergenerational love.
Rekha Thapa emphasized that the film draws from real-life experiences of herself, the actors, and society at large. She said, “This film portrays stories that have happened in our lives, the lives of our viewers, and in society. As a director, I aim to present these stories authentically, as real human experiences.”
On casting Dil Shrestha, Rekha praised his talent and versatility, noting that had he continued steadily in the industry, he would already be a well-established actor. Regarding the inclusion of Srishti Shrestha, Namrata Shrestha, and Neeti Shah, she clarified, “They were chosen not just because of their Miss Nepal titles, but because their personalities and abilities perfectly fit the story we are telling.”
Veteran actor Madan Krishna Shrestha expressed excitement about working under Rekha’s direction, describing it as entering “a whole new world.” Meanwhile, the three former Miss Nepal contestants shared their enthusiasm: Srishti Shrestha likened the opportunity to another form of love, while Namrata Shrestha called Rekha a “legendary” personality and praised the workshop experience as crucial to creating a quality film.
The script, penned by Dhruva Lamsal, marks his return to writing after a decade, and he revealed that the project involved meticulous effort, assuring that audiences will appreciate the story.
Supporting cast includes Lakshmi Giri, Rajaram Paudel, Bishal Pahadi, Sujata Shrestha, and Binod Paudel, among others.
The film’s production team includes cinematographer Sudip Baral, chief assistant director Aniruddha Atreya, film coordinator Rajan Ghimire, music by Prashant Sivakoti, dress designer Sujeni Mall, and makeup by Priya Karki.
Filming is expected to commence in the second week of Falgun, with the team aiming for a release around next year’s Teej festival.
