Kathmandu: Many talented actors and artists dream of making their mark, but only a few can endure the long road of struggles, rejection, and hardship to finally reach their desired destination.

Sagar Khanal is one of those individuals who, despite facing numerous challenges, has remained resilient in his pursuit of acting. His journey from a film studies graduate to being part of a much-anticipated Nepali feature film is nothing short of inspiring.

Born and raised in Dang, Nepal, Sagar always had a passion for the arts. From a young age, he was captivated by storytelling, cinema, and the powerful performances that actors delivered on screen. His love for acting grew as he spent time watching films and analyzing characters. It wasn’t long before Sagar realized that acting was more than just a hobby—it was his true calling.

After completing his school education, Sagar made a life-changing decision to pursue his passion for film. He enrolled in Oscar International college of Film Studies in Sukedhara Kathmandu, where he earned his degree in Film Studies with a specialization in acting. This was a pivotal moment in his life, as it marked the beginning of his formal journey into the world of cinema.

The Transition from College to Career: Upon graduating from Oscar College of Film Studies, Sagar was eager to showcase his skills, but the Nepali film industry is a competitive space with a limited number of opportunities. It wasn’t easy for him to land prominent roles immediately, and he had to work tirelessly to prove himself. As with many aspiring actors, the struggle was real. His first steps into the industry were through smaller projects, such as short films, TV ads, college projects and music videos. His talent and dedication have been recognized in various film festivals with several of his short films being nominated and winning awards. These projects helped him gain some experience and build his portfolio, but they weren’t the breakthrough he was hoping for. However, each project brought with it new learning opportunities and insights into the world of film-making.

He learned the nuances of acting, the importance of camera presence, and the significance of being able to adapt to different genres. Despite the fact that these early gigs didn’t bring him widespread recognition, Sagar remained persistent. He knew that every small step was part of a bigger picture. Through these struggles, he honed his craft and developed a better understanding of the industry. But his hunger for bigger roles and more significant opportunities never wavered.

Mastering His Craft: While pursuing his acting career, Sagar didn’t stop expanding his horizons. To further equip himself for the challenges of understanding human nature and bringing depth to his performances, he decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology.

This academic pursuit enabled him to gain a deeper understanding of the human mind, emotions, and behaviour—valuable knowledge that has helped him portray complex characters on screen. The combination of his film studies background and his psychological expertise has made him a well-rounded actor, able to tap into the emotional core of any role he takes on. This versatility in understanding human behaviour set him apart from many of his contemporaries in the industry and gave him the edge needed to break through.

The moment Sagar had been waiting for finally arrived when he landed his first major role in a feature film. He was cast in the much-anticipated suspense thriller murder mystery film titled “11:55”. This film, which combines elements of crime, suspense and thriller, marked a significant milestone in Sagar’s career, as it was his debut in a major Nepali movie.

“11:55” is a gripping story that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and Sagar’s performance is expected to be one of the highlights of the film. The poster of the film was recently released, creating a buzz among film enthusiasts and the public. Everyone are eagerly awaiting its release, which is set for March 21, 2025. This film is not just a career milestone for Sagar Khanal—it is a testimony to his unwavering perseverance, his dedication to his craft, and his journey of growth in the Nepali film industry. It is a culmination of years of hard work, continuous learning, and staying true to his dream of becoming a successful actor in the Nepali film industry. The struggles and the triumphs behind the success story lies years of struggle.

Like many actors, Sagar faced the harsh realities of the film industry, where rejection and failure are part of the process. There were times when the offers didn’t come, when he doubted his own abilities, and when it seemed like his dreams might remain unfulfilled. Yet, through it all, he continued to chase his dreams with resilience. His persistence and passion paid off, as Sagar is now on the brink of stardom with his role in “11:55.” This film is more than just a career opportunity—it is proof that, despite the challenges, hard work and determination can lead to success. Sagar’s journey serves as an inspiration to countless aspiring actors in Nepal and beyond, showing that with patience, dedication, and belief in oneself, success can be achieved.

As Sagar Khanal prepares for the release of “11:55,” he is looking forward to the next chapter in his career. The film industry in Nepal is growing, and with his talent, hard work, and ambition, Sagar is ready to take on new roles and explore more diverse characters. His story is one of persistence and passion, a reminder that every struggle is part of the journey toward success.

With every challenge faced, he has emerged stronger, and as his star continues to rise, audiences will surely see more of the talented actor in the years to come. His journey from a film student to a leading actor in Nepali cinema is an inspiring story of perseverance, talent, and dedication. His rise from short films and music videos to his debut feature film role in “11:55” reflects the effort and heart he has put into his craft. As he faces the challenges of the Nepali film industry head-on, let’s hope, Sagar Khanal is one of the actors to watch in the years to come.