Popular Nepali actress Barsha Raut is set to make her Hindi film debut with the feature film Rimjhim Gire Sawan. She recently signed a contract in Kathmandu to play the lead role, marking her first major project in a foreign-language cinema.
Raut began her acting career with the commercially successful Nai Nabhannu La 4 in 2016 and went on to establish herself as a leading actress in Nepali cinema through blockbuster films such as Chhakka Panja, Jatra, Jatrai Jatra and Dal Bhat Tarkari. Her Hindi debut represents a significant step toward an international career.
Set in the remote yet scenic mountainous region of Lachung in North Sikkim, Rimjhim Gire Sawan is a social drama rooted in the Nepali community. The film portrays the struggle of Rimjhim Chhetri, a married woman and mother sentenced to death, a role to be played by Raut. Director Arnab Pal said the film explores a woman’s emotional and courageous fight against systemic corruption in pursuit of justice and dignity.
The film is directed by acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Arnab Pal, known for crime thriller Tantrik and emotional drama Meghmallar. Pal has previously won the Best Director award at the Nepal International Film Festival for Brishti Tomake Dilam and has received international recognition, including at the Santiago International Global Film Awards.
The cast includes established 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 role of Sawan is currently underway.
Expressing her excitement, Raut said the role challenges her acting abilities and offers an opportunity to grow despite the demanding shoot in snow-covered terrain. Pal said Raut was chosen for her strong performance skills, noting the need for a Hindi-speaking character with a Nepali accent. He described her as the most powerful Nepali actress to lead a Hindi film since Manisha Koirala.
The screenplay is written by veteran writer Rakesh Kumar Tripathi, who has penned over 700 songs and 15 television series since 2002. The technical team includes Indian National Award winners, with cinematography by Asim Bose, editing by Arghya Kamal Mitra and art direction by Atanu Saha.
