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A new action hero is set to emerge from the upcoming film ‘Narashimha: Avatar’, releasing on Jestha 9. His name is Raj Katuwal. While Raj has been involved in the film industry for a few years now, this release is expected to redefine his identity. In recent times, action films have once again started drawing audiences in Nepal, and ‘Narashimha: Avatar’ is anticipated to be a part of that wave—with many predicting it will mark Raj Katuwal’s rise.
Raj hasn’t entered the action genre on a whim; he’s come well-prepared. He possesses the rugged looks and athletic build required of an action star. For this role, he worked hard on sculpting his physique and underwent extensive training in mixed martial arts.
Excited about his re-debut, Raj reflects on his long journey: “I’m stepping forward with a strong determination to prove myself if given the chance. Although I’ve been in the industry for 15 years, I never really paused to reflect on what I’m truly capable of. Maybe it was the impulse of youth. But this time, I’ve pushed myself and embraced the challenge.”
He adds, “I’ve let go of my 15-year-old journey and started from zero. I keep reminding myself that I’m a nobody, that no one knows me—and that mindset is driving me to work harder. I want to make this opportunity count. In life, you never know when or how an opportunity will come. That’s why it’s important to recognize it and seize it.”
Raj is approaching ‘Narashimha: Avatar’ as the turning point of his career. At one point, he had almost accepted defeat. When his work didn’t receive the recognition he had hoped for, he faded into the background. But after becoming a member of the Film Development Board and receiving constant encouragement from fellow filmmakers to return to acting, he decided to give himself another shot.
Raj is fully aware of the current state of the industry. He understands that cinema has evolved, and so have audience tastes and expectations.
“I didn’t want to return just for the sake of it,” Raj explains. “I was more concerned about how I would return and in what form. That’s why I wasn’t in a rush to accept just any offer. I’m not in a position where I need to act just to survive. So I waited—for a good story and a good director.”
Eventually, ‘Narashimha: Avatar’ came along as the answer to all his questions and the embodiment of his aspirations. Directed by Diwakar Bhattarai, Raj believes the film will be both memorable and a major milestone in his career.
Feeling that everything is falling into place this time, Raj remains optimistic.
In this film, he shares the screen with legendary actor Rajesh Hamal. Raj believes their on-screen partnership will be a major highlight. “It’s a rare privilege to work with someone I’ve long admired—someone who inspired me to dream of becoming an actor. It feels like a dream come true. I’ve learned the most valuable lesson from him: no matter how big a star you become, never lose touch with your roots. I’m certain his performance will be one of the film’s highlights,” Raj says.
