Artists in Politics, Badri, Rekha, Karishma, Komal and so on

At the time of election, every citizen are inclined towards one political force or the others. But, as the voting in an election is secret and people don’t need to tell who they have voted for, one doesn’t need to tell about political inclination. But, the artists we are active politically have to show their artistic talent for the party or the candidate they endorse. Here are the list of popular artists and their political inclination.

Komal Oli – RPP to UML

Singer and journalist Komal Oli decided to go into full time politics and resigned from the Radio Nepal job a while ago. But, as soon she was elected the central committee member of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) the party divided into two parties. After that, she decided to join CPN UML. Although Komal wasn’t allowed to represent the party in the election Now, she is promoting the party in the election.

Komal Oli had expected to get ticket to represent CPN UML at the Dang Constituency 3 in the election. But, things didn’t go as she expected. Now, she is participating in the election campaign. Based on her previous stances, there is no gurantee that she will continue to represent the party.

Radhika Hamal – Nepali Congress

Well known singer Radhika Hamal has chosen Nepali Congress to sing the election songs. Hamal had also participate in the local election but, was defeated.

Hamal is asking the people to vote for the candidates of Congress in the current election.

Badri Pangeni, CPN UML

Well known singer of ‘Sasurali ma’ and other popular folk singer is affiliated to CPN UML and Bam Gathabandhan in this election. He sings songs promoting the party, the leaders KP Oli and Prachanda. He says that he is not worried about being tagged a party-singer because he had been doing that for the last 23 years.

Although he will be singing election songs during the election, he will still be a singer and will sing for the people and art.

Manoj Gajurel – UML and Maoist


Known for his comedy caricature, Manoj Gajurel is also asking the people to vote for CPN UML and CPN Maoist candidates in the election. He has been active member of CPN UML in the past and he is open about his political inclination.

Manoj says that an artist is free to choose the political party they support. He also believes his fans won’t be disappointed because of his political activities.

Karishma Manandhar (Naya Shakti)


Actress Karishma has transformed herself from a fully devoted actress to a fully devoted political leader after joining Naya Shakti party of Baburam Bhattarai. Although the party is yet to be recognized by the people, she is actively campaigning for the party and its leaders. She is also one of the candidate in the election.

A lot of members of the new party left Baburam after a while, Karishma is still with Baburam. The artists who joined the party with Karishma – Saroj Khanal and Ashok Sharma are not active in the party activities. Karishma is giving her full time to the party and expects to return to film industry after the election.

Rekha Thapa, Not sure

Actress Rekha Thapa’s political inclination has been very unstable. She entered CPN Maoist at the time of the second election of the CA. But, her candidacy was withdrawn when she wasn’t registered as a voter. A while ago she left the party and joined RPP with Komal Oli. While Komal Oli has left the party Rekha decided to leave Kamal Thapa and join the party faction of Pashupati Shumsher JBR.

Rekha’s activities in political parties seem to be having negative impact in her popularity. The proof is her latest release, ‘Rudrapriya’. Although the movie features two of the top actors of the Nepali film industry, people didn’t go to theatre to watch it.

In the election, Rekha went to Sindhpalchowk in the election campaign of Pashupati Shumsher.

Actor Nir Shah is an active Nepali Congress supporter. But, Shah isn’t seen in the election campaigns.

The political activities of the past include Nawal Khadka and Deepak Shrestha. Nawal Khadka is affiliated with the CPN Maoist and he had also made movies for the party. But, his movies were not much successful. Khadka is actively participating in the election campaigns. Director Deepak Shrestha is also actively participating the election campaigns of Bam Gathabandan.

Musician Chetan Sapkota is also one of the supporters of Maoist party. He also helped a lot of artists to join the party. But, these days, Sapkota is not seen in election campaigns.